The American Federation of Motorcyclists stepped into the 2026 season with a reworked event template that prioritized activity across the full weekend. Organizers report higher attendance at the opening round held at Thunderhill Raceway Park, and the mix of traditional class racing with fresh exhibition formats created a visible buzz in the paddock. The club’s goal was simple: increase value for entrants and make weekends feel lively for families, crews, and spectators alike.
Beyond crowd numbers, the AFM set out to preserve the community spirit that has defined its seven-decade history while testing new ideas to modernize the experience. Prominent among those changes were an updated schedule that spreads competition across Saturday and Sunday and a program of rotating showcase events designed to add entertainment without interfering with championship points races.
Weekend scheduling: more track time, more activity
The most visible change this year is a shift to a dual-day racing structure for most classes. Under the new layout, competitors get significant track time on both Saturday and Sunday, which organizers say delivers better value for entrants and keeps the paddock operational from practice day through Sunday afternoon. This approach reduces the pressure of cramming the week’s on-track action into a single day and gives teams more measured opportunities to tune setups and recover between sessions.
What the dual-day format means for racers
For riders, the split schedule translates into improved logistics and a more predictable rhythm across the weekend. Whereas some shorter formats force all decisive races into one day, the AFM’s revised plan avoids that bottleneck and produces fuller race grids across both days. The change also encourages crews and families to stay on-site longer, creating the energetic paddock atmosphere many associate with the sport’s best club events.
Paddock implications and spectator experience
From a spectator perspective, the continuous flow of activity keeps crowds engaged and offers more viewing variety. The AFM intentionally staged on-track action around family-friendly times and added communal spaces that support vendors and team areas. The result at Thunderhill was an appealing blend of consistent race action and moments of spectacle that drew onlookers to the fences.
Rotating exhibitions: variety on the program
An explicit aim of the 2026 season is to reintroduce weekend variety through a series of rotating exhibitions. The AFM opened the year with its first-ever Supermoto exhibition, run on a modified circuit that combined paved sections of the main layout with a purpose-built dirt portion. The format—where riders slide through tight turns and shift between tarmac and dirt—proved especially compelling for attendees and delivered memorable visuals for photographers and fans.
Supermoto and other showcase events
Following Supermoto, the schedule will include additional non-championship showcases such as a Super Hooligan race, an endurance challenge at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, and a relay-style contest featuring instructors from multiple trackday providers. These exhibitions are intended as entertainment-focused features—exhibition races that emphasize spectacle and participation over points—giving clubs, teams, and fans a break from standard championship procedures.
Sidecars return and community momentum
In a notable change from recent years, Sidecar competition is back as a points-paying class within the five-round AFM championship. Unlike the rotating exhibitions, Sidecars have been fully integrated into the series, bringing a dramatic and unfamiliar element to many paddocks. The three-wheeled machines attracted curiosity from racers and fans alike, reviving conversations about tradition and the showmanship of mixed-class meetings.
New Racer School, reciprocal licenses and attendance
Heading into round two, the AFM expects continued positive turnout thanks to practical measures such as a Friday New Racer School (NRS) and acceptance of reciprocal licenses from groups including the Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association, California Roadracing Association, and Utah Superbike. Those steps reduce friction for visitors and allow experienced racers from partner organizations to compete without administrative hurdles, reinforcing an inclusive approach to field-building.
Overall, the early feedback suggests the AFM’s blend of practical schedule adjustments and crowd-pleasing exhibitions may be revitalizing the club scene. Whether measured by fuller grids, busier paddocks, or the smiles on spectator faces at Thunderhill, the signs point to a promising stretch ahead for the 2026 season. For the complete race calendar and registration details visit https://afmracing.org.
