Jack Miller signed a contract with Yamaha?s factory World Superbike team on Aug. 20, 2026, to compete in the 2027 World Superbike Championship, according to reports from Motosprint. The move follows a drop in Miller?s wage demands and marks his transition from MotoGP to production-based Superbikes.
The contract signing took place on Aug. 20, 2026, according to reports from Motosprint, which first confirmed the deal?s completion. This agreement finalizes Miller?s transition from MotoGP, where he has competed for 12 seasons, to Yamaha?s factory World Superbike (WorldSBK) team for the 2027 season. Yamaha?s factory team will field Miller alongside Andrea Locatelli, establishing a new rider pairing for the Japanese manufacturer?s WorldSBK campaign.
Miller reportedly accepted a base salary near ?750,000 (approximately £641,000), supplemented by performance-based bonuses, according to multiple motorsport news outlets.
Sources indicate that Miller?s move was facilitated by a significant reduction in his wage demands. Initially, Miller reportedly sought an annual salary of ?1 million, a figure considered high within the Superbike market. However, later negotiations resulted in Miller accepting a base salary near ?750,000 (approximately £641,000), supplemented by performance-based bonuses, according to multiple motorsport news outlets. This adjustment in financial terms allowed Yamaha to accommodate Miller within its 2027 Superbike budget, sources said.
Yamaha racing director Niccolò Canepa publicly confirmed in mid-July 2026 that the manufacturer had a seat available for 2027 but had not yet signed a rider. Canepa denied earlier rumors suggesting Miller?s contract was already finalized at that time, stating there was ?no truth? to such claims. By late August, however, reports from Motosprint and corroborating outlets confirmed that Miller had officially signed with Yamaha.
The signing marks the end of Miller?s tenure in MotoGP, where he currently races for Prima Pramac Yamaha. He is expected to vacate his MotoGP seat at the end of the 2026 season, making room for younger talent such as Izan Guevara, according to industry sources. Yamaha?s decision to retain Miller within its racing structure by moving him to WorldSBK aligns with the manufacturer?s broader strategy to refresh its premier-class roster while leveraging Miller?s experience in a production-based championship.
Miller?s familiarity with Yamaha?s WorldSBK machinery was enhanced by his participation in the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race, where he rode the Yamaha YZF-R1. Technical commentary has noted that Miller?s aggressive riding style and extensive circuit knowledge could translate well to the Superbike platform. Industry insiders expect Miller to compete as a front-runner, with his contract?s performance bonuses reflecting Yamaha?s anticipation of podium finishes and race wins rather than a purely developmental role.
The rider market implications of Miller?s signing extend to current Yamaha WorldSBK rider Xavi Vierge, who is reported to be at risk of losing his factory seat. Multiple sources suggest Vierge may move to Barni Ducati for the 2027 season, opening the position ultimately secured by Miller. Canepa had previously expressed satisfaction with Vierge and indicated ongoing negotiations to retain him, underscoring how Miller?s arrival altered Yamaha?s rider lineup plans.
The progression of Miller?s WorldSBK move was closely followed throughout 2026. Early reports in July and early August described Miller as ?pondering? or ?eyeing? a switch to WorldSBK without a finalized contract. Official denials from Yamaha representatives at that time contrasted with media speculation. By mid to late August, a consensus emerged among motorsport news outlets that Miller had signed, with Motosprint cited as the primary source confirming the Aug. 20 signing date.
Miller?s contract with Yamaha for the 2027 World Superbike Championship is pending formal announcement by the team and regulatory registration. The move is part of a wider reshuffle within the WorldSBK grid, which has seen several MotoGP riders explore opportunities in production-based racing as premier-class seats become increasingly limited. Yamaha?s strategy to integrate Miller into its factory Superbike program reflects both a competitive ambition and a commitment to maintaining continuity within its broader racing operations.
Jack Miller signed a contract with Yamaha?s factory World Superbike team on Aug. 20, 2026, to compete in the 2027 World Superbike Championship, according to reports from Motosprint. The move follows a drop in Miller?s wage demands and marks his transition from MotoGP to production-based Superbikes.
The contract signing took place on Aug. 20, 2026, according to reports from Motosprint, which first confirmed the deal?s completion. This agreement finalizes Miller?s transition from MotoGP, where he has competed for 12 seasons, to Yamaha?s factory World Superbike (WorldSBK) team for the 2027 season. Yamaha?s factory team will field Miller alongside Andrea Locatelli, establishing a new rider pairing for the Japanese manufacturer?s WorldSBK campaign.
Miller reportedly accepted a base salary near ?750,000 (approximately £641,000), supplemented by performance-based bonuses, according to multiple motorsport news outlets.
Sources indicate that Miller?s move was facilitated by a significant reduction in his wage demands. Initially, Miller reportedly sought an annual salary of ?1 million, a figure considered high within the Superbike market. However, later negotiations resulted in Miller accepting a base salary near ?750,000 (approximately £641,000), supplemented by performance-based bonuses, according to multiple motorsport news outlets. This adjustment in financial terms allowed Yamaha to accommodate Miller within its 2027 Superbike budget, sources said.
Yamaha racing director Niccolò Canepa publicly confirmed in mid-July 2026 that the manufacturer had a seat available for 2027 but had not yet signed a rider. Canepa denied earlier rumors suggesting Miller?s contract was already finalized at that time, stating there was ?no truth? to such claims. By late August, however, reports from Motosprint and corroborating outlets confirmed that Miller had officially signed with Yamaha.
The signing marks the end of Miller?s tenure in MotoGP, where he currently races for Prima Pramac Yamaha. He is expected to vacate his MotoGP seat at the end of the 2026 season, making room for younger talent such as Izan Guevara, according to industry sources. Yamaha?s decision to retain Miller within its racing structure by moving him to WorldSBK aligns with the manufacturer?s broader strategy to refresh its premier-class roster while leveraging Miller?s experience in a production-based championship.
Miller?s familiarity with Yamaha?s WorldSBK machinery was enhanced by his participation in the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race, where he rode the Yamaha YZF-R1. Technical commentary has noted that Miller?s aggressive riding style and extensive circuit knowledge could translate well to the Superbike platform. Industry insiders expect Miller to compete as a front-runner, with his contract?s performance bonuses reflecting Yamaha?s anticipation of podium finishes and race wins rather than a purely developmental role.
The rider market implications of Miller?s signing extend to current Yamaha WorldSBK rider Xavi Vierge, who is reported to be at risk of losing his factory seat. Multiple sources suggest Vierge may move to Barni Ducati for the 2027 season, opening the position ultimately secured by Miller. Canepa had previously expressed satisfaction with Vierge and indicated ongoing negotiations to retain him, underscoring how Miller?s arrival altered Yamaha?s rider lineup plans.
The progression of Miller?s WorldSBK move was closely followed throughout 2026. Early reports in July and early August described Miller as ?pondering? or ?eyeing? a switch to WorldSBK without a finalized contract. Official denials from Yamaha representatives at that time contrasted with media speculation. By mid to late August, a consensus emerged among motorsport news outlets that Miller had signed, with Motosprint cited as the primary source confirming the Aug. 20 signing date.
Miller?s contract with Yamaha for the 2027 World Superbike Championship is pending formal announcement by the team and regulatory registration. The move is part of a wider reshuffle within the WorldSBK grid, which has seen several MotoGP riders explore opportunities in production-based racing as premier-class seats become increasingly limited. Yamaha?s strategy to integrate Miller into its factory Superbike program reflects both a competitive ambition and a commitment to maintaining continuity within its broader racing operations.
Cole Davies took the lead in the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross 250MX Championship after the Budds Creek round and entered the season finale at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, holding a 14-point advantage over rival Levi Kitchen. Davies reclaimed the red plate by gaining a 15-point swing in the standings, turning a one-point deficit into a lead with only two motos remaining, officials said.
Davies secured his 14-point lead by delivering a strong performance at the penultimate round of the championship at Budds Creek, Maryland, on August 22, 2026. There, he posted a 1?3 moto scorecard that earned him second overall behind Chance Hymas but was pivotal in the title race, according to AMA Pro Motocross officials. Coming into Budds Creek, Levi Kitchen held a narrow one-point advantage over Davies, but Davies? moto win and consistent finishes resulted in a 15-point swing in the standings, turning his deficit into a 14-point lead heading into the Ironman finale, sources confirmed.
Following Budds Creek, official and independent standings list Davies with 378 points, holding a 14-point advantage over Kitchen, who has 364 points.
The 18-year-old New Zealander, riding for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing on a Yamaha YZ250F, has steadily climbed the championship rankings throughout the season. Early in the year, after the High Point National in Pennsylvania (Round 4), Davies captured his first outdoor overall victory by winning both motos, amassing 143 points and moving into championship contention, records show. At RedBud, Michigan (Round 5), he became the first repeat 250MX winner of the season with a 1?2 finish, although Jo Shimoda left that round holding a four-point lead over Davies, with Kitchen in third place, according to race reports.
Davies first took over the red plate at Spring Creek in Millville, Minnesota (Round 7), after a 7?2 moto score earned him a two-point lead over Kitchen in the standings, officials said. He extended his momentum at Washougal, Washington (Round 8), with a perfect 1?1 moto performance to win overall and significantly reduce Kitchen?s points lead, as Kitchen finished 6?6 in the motos. These results contributed to Davies? rise from fourth place in the standings after High Point to the championship leader entering the final round, sources noted.
The championship battle remains tightly contested, with only two motos left at the Ironman National in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on August 29, 2026. Both riders face pressure to perform, as a single poor result could alter the championship outcome, AMA Pro Motocross officials warned.
The 250MX class has seen intense competition throughout the season, with riders such as Jo Shimoda and Julien Beaumer also playing significant roles. Shimoda led the championship briefly after RedBud but has since fallen behind the top two, while Beaumer remains closely contested for third place, trailing Chance Hymas by just five points after Budds Creek, according to points data. The depth of the field was evident early in the season, with the High Point round compressing the top four riders within seven points, underscoring the competitive environment Davies has navigated.
Davies? rapid ascent is notable given his age and international background. At 18, the Waitoki, New Zealand native has transitioned from an outsider to a top contender within a factory-backed Yamaha program. His performances at key venues?including High Point, RedBud, Spring Creek, Washougal, and Budds Creek?have been documented as critical milestones in his pursuit of the title, according to multiple race reports and official results.
The Ironman National will not only decide the 250MX championship but also conclude the 450MX and WMX series, increasing the stakes for all competitors. With only two motos remaining, Davies will carry the red plate into the finale, aiming to convert his 14-point cushion into a championship victory. The AMA Pro Motocross season will conclude on August 29, 2026, at Ironman Raceway, where the final standings will be determined.
Cole Davies took the lead in the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross 250MX Championship after the Budds Creek round and entered the season finale at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, holding a 14-point advantage over rival Levi Kitchen. Davies reclaimed the red plate by gaining a 15-point swing in the standings, turning a one-point deficit into a lead with only two motos remaining, officials said.
Davies secured his 14-point lead by delivering a strong performance at the penultimate round of the championship at Budds Creek, Maryland, on August 22, 2026. There, he posted a 1?3 moto scorecard that earned him second overall behind Chance Hymas but was pivotal in the title race, according to AMA Pro Motocross officials. Coming into Budds Creek, Levi Kitchen held a narrow one-point advantage over Davies, but Davies? moto win and consistent finishes resulted in a 15-point swing in the standings, turning his deficit into a 14-point lead heading into the Ironman finale, sources confirmed.
Following Budds Creek, official and independent standings list Davies with 378 points, holding a 14-point advantage over Kitchen, who has 364 points.
The 18-year-old New Zealander, riding for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing on a Yamaha YZ250F, has steadily climbed the championship rankings throughout the season. Early in the year, after the High Point National in Pennsylvania (Round 4), Davies captured his first outdoor overall victory by winning both motos, amassing 143 points and moving into championship contention, records show. At RedBud, Michigan (Round 5), he became the first repeat 250MX winner of the season with a 1?2 finish, although Jo Shimoda left that round holding a four-point lead over Davies, with Kitchen in third place, according to race reports.
Davies first took over the red plate at Spring Creek in Millville, Minnesota (Round 7), after a 7?2 moto score earned him a two-point lead over Kitchen in the standings, officials said. He extended his momentum at Washougal, Washington (Round 8), with a perfect 1?1 moto performance to win overall and significantly reduce Kitchen?s points lead, as Kitchen finished 6?6 in the motos. These results contributed to Davies? rise from fourth place in the standings after High Point to the championship leader entering the final round, sources noted.
The championship battle remains tightly contested, with only two motos left at the Ironman National in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on August 29, 2026. Both riders face pressure to perform, as a single poor result could alter the championship outcome, AMA Pro Motocross officials warned.
The 250MX class has seen intense competition throughout the season, with riders such as Jo Shimoda and Julien Beaumer also playing significant roles. Shimoda led the championship briefly after RedBud but has since fallen behind the top two, while Beaumer remains closely contested for third place, trailing Chance Hymas by just five points after Budds Creek, according to points data. The depth of the field was evident early in the season, with the High Point round compressing the top four riders within seven points, underscoring the competitive environment Davies has navigated.
Davies? rapid ascent is notable given his age and international background. At 18, the Waitoki, New Zealand native has transitioned from an outsider to a top contender within a factory-backed Yamaha program. His performances at key venues?including High Point, RedBud, Spring Creek, Washougal, and Budds Creek?have been documented as critical milestones in his pursuit of the title, according to multiple race reports and official results.
The Ironman National will not only decide the 250MX championship but also conclude the 450MX and WMX series, increasing the stakes for all competitors. With only two motos remaining, Davies will carry the red plate into the finale, aiming to convert his 14-point cushion into a championship victory. The AMA Pro Motocross season will conclude on August 29, 2026, at Ironman Raceway, where the final standings will be determined.