For 2026, Hayden Gillim returns to Real Steel Honda aboard his CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Superbike, and he will be joined by 2025 Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee, who will compete in Superbike Cup, also aboard the Honda Fireblade SP. In Talent Cup, Ian Fraley will be joined by 2024 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award winner Derek Sanchez King.

The Talent Cup season kicks off this weekend at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Three weeks later, the Superbike and Superbike Cup seasons begin on April 17 through 19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, where round two of the Talent Cup Championship will also take place.

Real Steel Honda is proudly supported by American Honda, HRC, Progressive Insurance, Pro Honda Oils. Southern Honda Powersports, Idemitsu, Last Ark: Tactics Analogue, Vesrah, K-Tech Suspension, Orient Express, Dunlop, Akrapovič Exhaust Systems, Sprint Filters, Armour Bodies Race Bodywork, Vortex, and REB Graphics.

Brandon Wilson – American Honda Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing: “We are excited to return to the MotoAmerica paddock for the 2026 season with Real Steel Honda, fielding entries in both Superbike and Superbike Cup and expanding to a two-rider Talent Cup program. After a full year competing aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade in Superbike, we’re entering the season with a stronger baseline and a clearer direction than a year ago. Equally important, we’re proud to continue investing in the next generation with Ian and Derek, alongside the outstanding partners who make this program possible. We look forward to getting the season underway.”

Hayden Gillim – Rider #69/Team Principal: “I’m really looking forward to 2026 and continuing to get better on the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. After a full year of Superbike, we now have data to look at and can come out of the gate swinging every race weekend. We finished last season with a podium at New Jersey, so I’m looking to pick up where we left off.

“I want to thank the team, sponsors, and fans for supporting this program. Having Honda back in the paddock last year was incredible for everyone, and I’m looking forward to making it another big year!”

Andrew Lee – Rider #14: “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the Real Steel Honda team. Although this came together late in the off-season, the whole crew has made a great effort to pull everything together. It’s an honor to be with a team that has such a rich history of success and proven ability to build great programs. Most importantly, the team is one large family, and we all share the same goal of improving each session and weekend. I look forward to putting the Honda on the grid in a few weeks!”

Ian Fraley – Rider #10: “I’m excited to be back with Real Steel Honda this season. This team feels like family, and we’ve built a strong foundation together. I’ve grown a lot, and I’m coming into the season more focused, more confident, and ready to compete every weekend. Let’s get to work.”

Derek Sanchez King – Rider #23: “I’m incredibly grateful to the Real Steel Honda team for giving me this opportunity. It means a lot to be part of such a strong and professional team, and I’m excited to give it everything I have this season as we fight for the championship.

“This off-season, I’ve been working extremely hard, both physically and mentally, to come into the season stronger, more consistent, and smarter on the bike. We’ve already done some testing together, and from the beginning, I felt very comfortable with the team and the bike. The environment within the team is great, and I already feel at home working with everyone.

“I’m also extremely happy to have Darwin Rodriguez as my crew chief and my father, Jose Sanchez, working with me this season as my mechanic and trainer. Having such a strong group around me gives me a lot of confidence going into the year.

“I’m really looking forward to the season starting and continuing to build together throughout the year.”

Mark Junge – Technical Director/Team Principal: “I’m looking forward to the 2026 MotoAmerica season and continuing to develop and refine the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP for both Hayden and Andrew. Expanding to a two-rider effort in the Talent Cup class will hopefully benefit both Ian and Derek as they look to progress in their road racing journey. I cannot thank American Honda and HRC enough for the support they have shown this program.”