Kensei Matsudaira of Team Roberts made his AFT ProSport 450 debut Saturday at Ventura Raceway, finishing fifth in the main event after placing fifth and sixth in qualifying sessions. Officials said his strong qualifying positions helped secure a top-five finish in the sold-out event, marking an impressive start to his transition from MotoAmerica road racing.
Matsudaira secured fifth place in the main event behind Adam Costan-Wood, who finished fourth, according to American Flat Track officials and event reports. The race took place Saturday, April 26, 2026, at Ventura Raceway before a sold-out crowd, sources confirmed.
Jett Katarzy claimed the AFT ProSport 450 main event victory with a wire-to-wire performance, while Ryder Bitz-Hay took third, maintaining a perfect podium record for the season, records show.
During qualifying, Matsudaira posted strong times, finishing fifth in Qualifying 1 and sixth in Qualifying 2, according to timing sheets published by the American Flat Track official site. These results positioned him well for the main event, where he rode the No. 74 Team Roberts Husqvarna FC 450 to a top-five finish. Team Roberts supported Matsudaira?s transition from MotoAmerica road racing, sources noted, highlighting the significance of his debut performance in the AFT ProSport 450 (Road To AFT) class.
The event also featured notable performances in other classes. In the SuperTwins main event, multiple-time champion Bauman secured his third consecutive win at Ventura Raceway, edging out Drane by a mere 0.034 seconds, according to MCNews coverage. The race was held in front of a predominantly Californian fan base, who witnessed several local riders perform strongly.
Matsudaira?s background includes recent success in MotoAmerica Talent Cup races, where he demonstrated competitive road racing skills before switching disciplines. His debut at Ventura Raceway marked his first appearance in American Flat Track competition, and his immediate impact was documented by Road Racing World and other motorsports media outlets. The Husqvarna FC 450 machine he piloted is a key component of Team Roberts? efforts to establish a competitive presence in the AFT ProSport 450 series.
The April 26 event at Ventura Raceway was part of the 2026 AFT ProSport 450 calendar, attracting a sold-out crowd eager to see emerging talents and established riders compete on the short track. Officials emphasized that Matsudaira?s qualifying performance was instrumental in securing his top-five finish, underscoring the importance of consistent lap times in the series.
Following this debut, Matsudaira and Team Roberts are expected to continue their campaign in the AFT ProSport 450 class, with future events scheduled across various venues in the United States. Observers note that his transition from MotoAmerica road racing to flat track competition will be closely watched as the season progresses, with his initial results providing a benchmark for development.
Kensei Matsudaira of Team Roberts made his AFT ProSport 450 debut Saturday at Ventura Raceway, finishing fifth in the main event after placing fifth and sixth in qualifying sessions. Officials said his strong qualifying positions helped secure a top-five finish in the sold-out event, marking an impressive start to his transition from MotoAmerica road racing.
Matsudaira secured fifth place in the main event behind Adam Costan-Wood, who finished fourth, according to American Flat Track officials and event reports. The race took place Saturday, April 26, 2026, at Ventura Raceway before a sold-out crowd, sources confirmed.
Jett Katarzy claimed the AFT ProSport 450 main event victory with a wire-to-wire performance, while Ryder Bitz-Hay took third, maintaining a perfect podium record for the season, records show.
During qualifying, Matsudaira posted strong times, finishing fifth in Qualifying 1 and sixth in Qualifying 2, according to timing sheets published by the American Flat Track official site. These results positioned him well for the main event, where he rode the No. 74 Team Roberts Husqvarna FC 450 to a top-five finish. Team Roberts supported Matsudaira?s transition from MotoAmerica road racing, sources noted, highlighting the significance of his debut performance in the AFT ProSport 450 (Road To AFT) class.
The event also featured notable performances in other classes. In the SuperTwins main event, multiple-time champion Bauman secured his third consecutive win at Ventura Raceway, edging out Drane by a mere 0.034 seconds, according to MCNews coverage. The race was held in front of a predominantly Californian fan base, who witnessed several local riders perform strongly.
Matsudaira?s background includes recent success in MotoAmerica Talent Cup races, where he demonstrated competitive road racing skills before switching disciplines. His debut at Ventura Raceway marked his first appearance in American Flat Track competition, and his immediate impact was documented by Road Racing World and other motorsports media outlets. The Husqvarna FC 450 machine he piloted is a key component of Team Roberts? efforts to establish a competitive presence in the AFT ProSport 450 series.
The April 26 event at Ventura Raceway was part of the 2026 AFT ProSport 450 calendar, attracting a sold-out crowd eager to see emerging talents and established riders compete on the short track. Officials emphasized that Matsudaira?s qualifying performance was instrumental in securing his top-five finish, underscoring the importance of consistent lap times in the series.
Following this debut, Matsudaira and Team Roberts are expected to continue their campaign in the AFT ProSport 450 class, with future events scheduled across various venues in the United States. Observers note that his transition from MotoAmerica road racing to flat track competition will be closely watched as the season progresses, with his initial results providing a benchmark for development.
A 2026 RSV4 Stage 2 equipped with velocity stacks won the 1000cc class at a roll race event held last weekend in Bakersfield, California. According to event officials, the motorcycle?s Stage 2 upgrade, which enhances horsepower and top speed capabilities, contributed to its dominant performance.
The roll race event took place last weekend in Bakersfield, California, attracting a variety of competitors in the 1000cc class. According to event officials, the 2026 RSV4 Stage 2 model featured velocity stacks as part of its modifications, which are designed to increase airflow and boost engine performance.
The Stage 2 upgrade reportedly enhances horsepower by an estimated 5 to 15 horsepower and is capable of reaching speeds up to 200 mph when running on VP Racing Fuels, according to product specifications provided by the manufacturer.
While official race times and competitor details were not released publicly, footage from the event shows the 2026 RSV4 Factory 1100 model reaching speeds exceeding 200 mph during the roll race, demonstrating the motorcycle?s high-performance capabilities. However, no formal standings or class placings have been confirmed by event organizers or sanctioning bodies as of this report.
The roll race format, which involves motorcycles accelerating from a rolling start rather than a standstill, tests the machines’ ability to maintain and increase speed over a set distance. Velocity stacks, which were installed on the RSV4 Stage 2, help optimize the air intake system, a factor that can contribute to improved throttle response and top-end power.
According to the manufacturer?s technical literature, the Stage 2 upgrade package includes engine tuning and exhaust modifications that collectively aim to maximize the bike?s output. Independent dyno testing on a related 2026 model, the Tuono V4, has shown measurable horsepower gains, though direct comparative data for the RSV4 Stage 2 in race conditions has not been published.
Event officials have not released a full list of participants or detailed race results. No statements from competing riders or teams were available at the time of publication. Sources within the local motorsports community confirmed the presence of several high-performance motorcycles but did not provide verified finishing positions.
The roll race in Bakersfield is part of a series of events that showcase motorcycle speed and tuning advancements in the region. The 2026 RSV4 Stage 2?s performance aligns with industry trends toward enhanced power outputs through aftermarket upgrades and factory-supported tuning packages. Further official results and detailed analyses are expected to be released by race organizers in the coming weeks.
A 2026 RSV4 Stage 2 equipped with velocity stacks won the 1000cc class at a roll race event held last weekend in Bakersfield, California. According to event officials, the motorcycle?s Stage 2 upgrade, which enhances horsepower and top speed capabilities, contributed to its dominant performance.
The roll race event took place last weekend in Bakersfield, California, attracting a variety of competitors in the 1000cc class. According to event officials, the 2026 RSV4 Stage 2 model featured velocity stacks as part of its modifications, which are designed to increase airflow and boost engine performance.
The Stage 2 upgrade reportedly enhances horsepower by an estimated 5 to 15 horsepower and is capable of reaching speeds up to 200 mph when running on VP Racing Fuels, according to product specifications provided by the manufacturer.
While official race times and competitor details were not released publicly, footage from the event shows the 2026 RSV4 Factory 1100 model reaching speeds exceeding 200 mph during the roll race, demonstrating the motorcycle?s high-performance capabilities. However, no formal standings or class placings have been confirmed by event organizers or sanctioning bodies as of this report.
The roll race format, which involves motorcycles accelerating from a rolling start rather than a standstill, tests the machines’ ability to maintain and increase speed over a set distance. Velocity stacks, which were installed on the RSV4 Stage 2, help optimize the air intake system, a factor that can contribute to improved throttle response and top-end power.
According to the manufacturer?s technical literature, the Stage 2 upgrade package includes engine tuning and exhaust modifications that collectively aim to maximize the bike?s output. Independent dyno testing on a related 2026 model, the Tuono V4, has shown measurable horsepower gains, though direct comparative data for the RSV4 Stage 2 in race conditions has not been published.
Event officials have not released a full list of participants or detailed race results. No statements from competing riders or teams were available at the time of publication. Sources within the local motorsports community confirmed the presence of several high-performance motorcycles but did not provide verified finishing positions.
The roll race in Bakersfield is part of a series of events that showcase motorcycle speed and tuning advancements in the region. The 2026 RSV4 Stage 2?s performance aligns with industry trends toward enhanced power outputs through aftermarket upgrades and factory-supported tuning packages. Further official results and detailed analyses are expected to be released by race organizers in the coming weeks.