After a lengthy absence, the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) could make its return to American soil in 2027, with Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, emerging as the leading candidate to host the event. According to a report from SPEEDWEEK.com, the venue is in discussions to secure a five-year contract to bring WSBK racing back to the U.S., which would coincide with the annual Barber Vintage Festival held each October.
The last time WSBK raced in the United States was in 2019 at the iconic Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Since that time, the series has primarily focused its events in Europe, with only a few exceptions, including a regular stop at Phillip Island in Australia and sporadic races in Argentina and Indonesia. This limited international presence has raised concerns among stakeholders about the series' global appeal.
In stark contrast, the MotoGP series has managed to maintain a more diverse international schedule, featuring races in locations such as Austin, Texas, Thailand, Brazil, Japan, and several others, alongside its European rounds. This disparity has led to criticism regarding WSBK's predominantly European focus, with BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch expressing frustration. Flasch, who also serves as president of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, stated, "As a global manufacturer, we are naturally interested in competing in a global series. In reality, the WSBK has now become a European championship."
Adding to the urgency of a U.S. return is the fact that WSBK is now owned by Liberty Media, a U.S.-based company. Reviving interest in the series within the American market could be beneficial for Liberty, especially as they look to expand the sport's reach. However, organizing a new race in the U.S. presents its own set of challenges, primarily financial ones. WSBK's current contracts with broadcasters and sponsors are structured around twelve events, and adding a thirteenth round would require the new race to be financially self-sustaining, which can be particularly difficult for overseas events due to higher travel costs.
For the 2027 season, the logistics of scheduling a new race depend on the availability of slots within the existing calendar. Currently, eleven of the twelve organizers have valid contracts, including tracks like Phillip Island, Portimão, and Assen. However, the Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary is facing uncertainty, with reports suggesting that MotoGP may drop it from its schedule due to safety concerns and low attendance. Additionally, WSBK's contract with Jerez is set to expire this year, with no renewal announced yet. If both Balaton and Jerez are removed from the calendar, Liberty Media could potentially open two slots, which could allow for one Asian round, likely in Malaysia, and one at Barber Motorsports Park.
The prospect of WSBK returning to the United States is an exciting development for fans and stakeholders alike, as it could reinvigorate interest in the series and expand its global footprint. As discussions progress, the motorsport community will be watching closely to see how this potential return unfolds.
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