The following is from OrangeCat Racing…
OrangeCat Racing is expanding its presence in the MotoAmerica paddock for the 2026 season. The team plans to build on its success in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 competition by elevating its partnership with Lightfighter to the pro racing ranks to enter a Lightfighter V3-RH model in MotoAmerica’s RSD Super Hooligans Class starting next year.
OrangeCat Racing and Lightfighter held a joint unveiling of the partnership’s V3-RH race bike Saturday night during MotoAmerica’s round at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The V3-RH has been homologated for the Super Hooligans class, which features a variety of electric and internal combustion models.
“We’ve been inspired by the efforts of past teams to bring new technologies to the series, and we’re looking forward to continuing that tradition by taking the next generation of EV powertrain and proving what it can do against some of the best racers and motorcycles in the world,” said Lightfighter CEO Brian Wismann.
The V3-RH was designed to be the ideal motorcycle for a racer or trackday enthusiast and is ready to take on the challenge of professional road racing. The V3-RH is fast, quiet, clean, and easy to maintain based on its electric powertrain. The main tubular chromoly steel trellis chassis, lithium-ion battery pack, and motor/gearbox unit were all designed specifically for this motorcycle.
During the event, the partnership also announced the kick-off of the Lightfighter Design Partner Program for Lightfighter’s next model – the V4. The new program is a fusion of advanced R&D, elite coaching, and once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experiences—all culminating in a one-of-a-kind machine that will be both a performance benchmark and a collector’s item.
The one-of-a-kind Design Partner Program will allow 10 participants to purchase a V3 model, participate in a variety of testing and development events as Lightfighter test riders and assist Lightfighter engineers in designing the new V4 model. Participants will then trade in their V3s for a fully-customized V4 of their own when that model enters production in 2027. Among the test sessions will be joint events with the OrangeCat Racing Stock 1000 and Super Hooligans riders. Participants also will enjoy VIP access to two 2026 MotoAmerica rounds.
The OrangeCat Racing / Lightfighter partnership got its start by competing in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. Its successes include two victories and resetting the electric motorcycle lap record during AHRMA’s round at Barber Motorsports Park in October 2024. The team is currently leading the AFM championship in Middleweight Superbike and Formula 2 with rider Brenden Ketelsen.
OrangeCat Racing began participating in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Class in 2023 and found immediate success. One of the team’s riders finished runner-up in the Stock 1000 points standings each of the first two seasons it has competed in the class.
“We’re very excited to work with Lightfighter on bringing an EV-powered motorcycle to Super Hooligans in 2026,” said Jeff Connors, principal of OrangeCat Racing. “As OrangeCat Racing continues to grow and evolve, we love partnering with groups like Lightfighter and MotoAmerica that are taking the sport to the next level.”
“This class has really evolved and bike technologies have developed quickly,” said Chuck Aksland, COO of MotoAmerica. “We look forward to seeing the Lightfighter on the track.”
Lightfighter crafts purpose-built motorcycles for the racetrack – using electric powertrains for peak performance and precision handling. Their bikes are intelligently designed to enable riders to go faster and safer with confidence.
For more information about OrangeCat Racing, visit http://www.orangecatracing.com.
For more information about Lightfighter and the Design Partner Program, visit http://www.lightfighter-racing.com or check them out on Instagram at @lightfighterracing.
