Kawasaki has officially announced that American rider Garrett Gerloff will continue with the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship season. The Texas-born racer will remain aboard the Ninja ZX-10RR, extending his commitment to one of the sport’s most competitive line-ups.
The 29-year-old Gerloff transitioned to the World Superbike Championship following a standout MotoAmerica career, where he clinched third place in the 2015 Supersport category, achieving two race victories. His rising potential was further confirmed by back-to-back MotoAmerica Supersport titles in 2016 and 2017.
Gerloff’s progression into the MotoAmerica Superbike category in 2018 marked another milestone, where he improved from fifth in his debut year to third the following season. This performance caught the attention of WorldSBK teams, leading to his debut on the world stage with a satellite team in 2020.
Since then, Gerloff has competed with two different manufacturers before joining Kawasaki in 2025. His WorldSBK career boasts eight podium finishes, including two runner-up results.
Racing under the Puccetti Racing-operated Kawasaki WorldSBK Team banner, Gerloff has quickly made his mark in one of the most fiercely contested WorldSBK fields in recent memory. His steady progress on the Ninja ZX-10RR reflects both his individual growth and Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining its legacy in production-derived racing.
The continued presence of Kawasaki in WorldSBK, with its proven Ninja ZX-10RR platform, underscores the manufacturer’s ongoing dedication to high-performance racing. The Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR have collectively secured seven WorldSBK Rider Championship titles, cementing their reputation within the sport.
Despite the team’s recent debut in the WorldSBK paddock this season, the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team has quickly gained recognition. Securing Gerloff’s future at the championship’s halfway point is seen as a strong signal of confidence from Kawasaki regarding both the current campaign and the prospects for 2026.
Gerloff expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
“I am very happy to have signed again with the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team for the 2026 season. I have been confident in the team and everything we have been doing. We are moving forward, even if it has been tough at times. I am happy with the team, the progress that we have made in the first half of the season, and their belief in me. They have been great at not putting undue pressure on me. I can see that they believe in the project and they also believe in me. We all want to keep investing and developing the bike. I am excited to build on what I have come to know about the Ninja ZX-10RR. It’s going to be nice to continue with the same project, the same people, and while not having to re-learn anything fundamental. For 2026, I am sure that is going to be positive for us.”
Team Principal Manuel Puccetti also shared his optimism:
“It is a pleasure to continue to work with Garrett because, for us, he is a real top rider, the same level as the front guys. I think we will have better and better results. Our collaboration started this year, together with our new Kawasaki supported team, in WorldSBK. This achievement makes me incredibly proud. It is also a big responsibility to do our best for a wonderful brand that we have worked with for more than 20 years, in one form or another. We have continuously improved with Garrett this year, and I am quite positive that for next year, we will make a good step and have better and better results. We are super-pleased to work with Garrett as he is such a nice guy. I saw in the history of Kawasaki’s collaboration with new riders that they only improve in their speed, progression, and performance.”
Manabu Shinobu, Senior Manager of the Marketing Department at Kawasaki Motors, Ltd., emphasized the significance of the news for fans:
“We are sure Ninja fans will be enthusiastic about Garrett Gerloff extending his agreement to ride for the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team into 2026. From a factory perspective, his feedback helps us to continually develop our Ninja machines for riders everywhere. The Ninja brand has a global significance – including in Garrett’s USA homeland where the Ninja concept was originally conceived. We join all Kawasaki fans wishing him good fortune in 2026.”
Gerloff’s renewed commitment reflects Kawasaki’s confidence in both rider and machine as they set their sights on stronger results in the latter half of the 2025 season and beyond.
