MotoAmerica and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) are celebrating “50 Years Of Superbike Racing,” which commemorates five decades of production-based Superbike racing that made its debut at Daytona International Speedway in 1976. As part of the celebration, RPM Ventures NC, in partnership with the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMW MOA) will host a special 50th Anniversary Celebration at Daytona International Speedway on March 6 and 7.
Legendary rider Steve McLaughlin won the world’s first Superbike race aboard a Butler & Smith BMW R90S at Daytona, and his teammate and fellow legend Reg Pridmore finished a very close second in that race, then Pridmore went on to win the inaugural AMA Superbike Championship in 1976, while BMW riders took the top three spots in the AMA Superbike final points standings.
McLaughlin, who is world-renowned as the founder of the FIM Superbike World Championship, which began in 1988, and Pridmore will be special guests at Daytona during BMW’s golden anniversary. On Saturday, March 7 at 6 p.m., the Daytona 500 Club will host a special dinner and evening with the legends, including McLaughlin and Pridmore, as well as John Long, Harry Klinzmann, Ron Pierce, Tom Cutter, Udo Gietl, and Heidi Fisher (representing the late Gary Fisher).
For the first time in many decades, the three original Butler & Smith BMW R90S Superbikes that competed in that first race in 1976 will be proudly displayed at Daytona by BMW and the BMW MOA. Also on display will be the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR Superbike that was raced last year by Cameron Beaubier, who won the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship (the sixth Superbike title of his storied career). The display of BMW Superbikes highlights the Bavarian Motor Works’ journey from the 92-horsepower R90S Boxer to the modern, carbon-fiber-clad 200+ horsepower M 1000 RR that carried Toprak Razgatlıoğlu to back-to-back FIM Superbike World Championships.
Along with the Dinner and Evening of Celebration, fans and enthusiasts are invited to participate in a series of exclusive events, including:
- The Original Racing Prototypes: Udo and Eric Gietl will showcase the original R90S racing prototype, joined by a second rare prototype from a private collector.
- Parade Laps: Registrants will have the rare opportunity to ride a parade lap around the high banks of the fabled 3.56-mile Daytona road course.
- Commemorative Pin: Todd Trumbore has produced a special, limited-edition 50th Anniversary pin, which is designed to the exact dimensions of the iconic R90S seat cowl emblems.
Registration for this landmark celebration is now open through the BMW MOA. To register, CLICK HERE
On-site camping and hotel blocks are available. A special rate of $279 per night has been secured at the Marriott Courtyard adjacent to the Speedway. For booking details and more information, contact Rob McIsaac at [email protected]
