NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK ROARS AS MOTOAMERICA VIP SUPERFANS RALLY BEHIND TALENT CUP RACER BANDIT LANDERS
New Jersey Motorsports Park roared with energy as the MotoAmerica VIP Superfans delivered an unforgettable wave of support for MotoAmerica Talent Cup privateer racer Bandit Landers during the MotoAmerica Superbikes at New Jersey season finale. The weekend’s randomly selected qualifying position — eighth — proved to be the lucky number for the 17-year-old, instantly making her the focus of the VIP Privateer Program’s generosity and enthusiasm.
Landers comes from a prominent family of dedicated racers, following in the tire tracks of her father, Stoney, and her older brother, Rocco Landers. Competing under the Jones Honda Powerhouse banner, Bandit pilots the No. 17 Krämer APX-350 MA machine in the highly competitive Talent Cup class. After battling across the line in a thrilling photo finish for sixth place on Saturday, she visited the track’s VIP suite to discuss her career-best result of the 2026 season.
Little did she know, a massive VIP effort was waiting for her. The weekend’s fundraising was supercharged by Mission King Of The Baggers stars Tyler O’Hara and Kyle Wyman, who stepped up as guest auctioneers. The crowd bid generously on racing memorabilia, exclusive VIP hats, and special action photography donated by Geoff and Barb Nickless. Driven by the significant contributions of VIPs Bob McKenna and Joey Bones, Landers was presented with a check and envelope totaling $4,000 to fuel her privateer racing journey.
“The challenge was to exceed over $25,000 in donations for the 2026 season,” said Ron Heben, MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Director. “Rain or shine, our VIPs are so generous. I can’t wait to see how we can build on this to benefit our MotoAmerica Privateers in 2027. Thank you to everyone; you certainly made a difference.”
Bandit Landers utilized her eighth-place qualifying spot and a brilliant Saturday performance to secure a career-best sixth-place finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
“What an awesome surprise! When I went up to the VIP Superfan interview, I thought we were only doing a nice interview with the fans. So it was a truly crazy and amazing surprise to get such a helpful donation to our racing program!
“I cannot thank everybody involved enough! Ron Heben, Kathy Price, VP Racing fuels, MotoAmerica, the auctioneers and the whole VIP crew and superfans!I am so grateful to be part of such a helpful program.
“This year has been such a fun and crazy ride with Jones Honda Powerhouse, Darrell (Jones), Cameron (Jones), my dad, my brothers and sister. All While my mom (Jamie) covered the farm so we could be gone. Watching my brother (Rocco) grow up racing as a privateer and then becoming one myself, I know how challenging it is to travel all across the country to race.
“As everyone knows, it is not the cheapest sport and every bit of help counts. I am so pumped to put it towards training, practice and some gear I have been needing. I intend to give it everything I’ve got and come back stronger and faster.
“I appreciate all of you benevolent contributors, your help will make a big difference. I will never forget this!”
With the 2026 racing calendar drawing to a dramatic close in New Jersey, the VIP Privateer Program successfully met its milestone goals — a phenomenal testament to the unmatched passion, community spirit, and generosity of the MotoAmerica VIP Superfans.
