Josh Herrin will race a Desnuda Tequila-backed Rahal Ducati Moto Panigale V2 in the 2026 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Rahal Ducati Moto (RDM) is excited to announce that multi-time champion Josh Herrin will join the team for the 2026 MotoAmerica Supersport season, supported by Desnuda Tequila as a primary partner. With extensive Ducati experience, Herrin’s arrival represents a significant competitive shift for the growing Ducati program as it sharpens its ambitions for the upcoming season.

“Racing with RDM feels like the perfect next step,” said Herrin. “Graham (Rahal) and Ben (Spies) moved mountains to make this happen so quickly and, throughout the entire process, they’ve been nothing but professional, supportive, and genuine. They picked me up at a moment when I needed it most, and that means a lot. The future is bright with this team, and I’m excited to get to work.”

​​A proven force in American road racing, Herrin brings nearly two decades of results at the front of national competition. His resume includes the 2013 AMA Superbike Championship, a dominant 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, four Daytona 200 victories, and, most recently, the 2024 MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike Championship – Ducati’s first American Superbike Championship since 1994.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh to Rahal Ducati Moto,” said Graham Rahal, Team Owner. “It was an opportunity too good to pass up. Desnuda is rebuilding a vibrant, fun, and unapologetic energy, and that spirit aligns perfectly with Josh. We’re focused on growing this team and already looking ahead to 2027, where the possibility of running multiple Superbikes on the grid is within reach. We couldn’t do this without the support of Ray from Roller Die and Jonathan with Brew Watches, and with our ongoing team restructuring, including Grace Kever stepping into the Team Manager role, and Tom Campion moving into Technical Director, we’re more excited than ever to see what the future holds.”

Herrin’s addition to RDM signals a renewed emphasis on performance development for the team, building on its foundation from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Desnuda Tequila, distilled traditionally from small-batch organic agave, partners with Rahal Ducati Moto for Herrin’s 2026 Supersport campaign, reflecting a shared commitment to precision, passion, and pursuit of excellence. This marks the organic tequila distillery’s first venture in the MotoAmerica series and continues their involvement in American motorsports.

“Rahal Ducati Moto and Josh Herrin compete with the intensity, precision, and heart that define great teams. Desnuda is proud to be the primary sponsor supporting that level of performance,” said Brandon Korthuis, President of Desnuda Tequila. “This partnership elevates our brand and connects us with fans who appreciate authenticity and excellence.”

The 2026 season also reflects a broader restructuring within RDM, including expanded technical infrastructure, strengthened rider support systems, and new leadership roles within the organization. The team continues to invest in long-term program depth as it moves toward the goal of fielding multiple Superbikes in 2027, while simultaneously nurturing rising talent within its Supersport efforts.

“It’s an exciting time for the team,” said Rahal Ducati Moto Team Principal Ben Spies. “Josh brings incredible experience and a championship-winning mindset that will be invaluable to our younger riders, Kayla (Yaakov) and Alessandro (Di Mario). Building on the guidance PJ (Jacobsen) has provided over the past two years, Josh’s mentorship on and off the track will help them develop faster, elevate their performance, and strengthen the program as a whole.”

The team is excited to welcome Josh into the RDM family,” said Team Manager Grace Kever. “Our Supersport program has grown substantially over the last two seasons, and Josh’s arrival helps us take the next step in raising our level of competition. Beyond his performance on track, he brings a presence that engages fans and strengthens our visibility all over the country. We’re looking forward to building momentum on every front as we head into 2026.”

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