Following up on its successful 2025 season with South African rider Cam Petersen in the Motovation Supersport Championship, Celtic Racing and Warhorse HSBK Racing have announced that Petersen’s countryman and friend Darryn Binder will settle into the saddle of the same Ducati Panigale V2 that Petersen raced to eight podium finishes and a fifth-place ranking in the Supersport final points standings this past season.
Binder, who raced in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and then moved up to Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP, will bring his finely tuned racecraft, World Championship experience, and proven speed to Celtic/Economy Lube + Tire By Warhorse HSBK Ducati where his teammate in Supersport will be incumbent rider Wristin Grigg, also aboard a Ducati Panigale V2.
In addition, Binder will join fellow South Africans Mathew Scholtz, the aforementioned Petersen, and Dominic Doyle in the MotoAmerica paddock, bringing the “Saffa Squad” to a fearsome foursome in the U.S.
“I am very excited to start this new chapter with Celtic Racing, Economy Lube + Tire, and Warhorse HSBK Ducati,” Binder said. “My journey through Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP has taught me a lot, and I feel ready to bring all that experience into MotoAmerica. The Panigale V2 is a bike with proven speed and championship history, and I cannot wait to get to work with the team. The goal is simple. I want to race at the front, enjoy the battle, and build something strong for the future. I am grateful for the opportunity and for the confidence the team has shown in me, and I am fully motivated to make the most of this season.”
The team is led by Celtic Racing’s Barry Gilsenan, who has worked with a number of highly talented motorcycle road racers over the years, including Chaz Davies, PJ Jacobsen, Michael Laverty, Kenny Noyes, Alistair Seeley, and James Rispoli. Last year, Gilsenan teamed up with HSBK Racing’s Bobby Shek to field Petersen, and they will continue their partnership in 2026.
The ever-likable Irishman Gilsenan is excited to add an internationally experienced racer like Binder to the team while continuing to invest in emerging American talent.
“Bringing Darryn into our Supersport program is a major step for our team,” commented Gilsenan. “He has raced at the highest levels of the sport, and he knows how to fight in very competitive fields. His experience, his attitude, and his natural speed will help raise the level of our entire program. Pairing him with Wristin, who continues to grow and has already shown real promise, gives us an exciting lineup for 2026. Our partnership with Economy Lube + Tire and Warhorse HSBK Ducati continues to strengthen, and we are entering the new season fully committed to chasing wins. We are proud to welcome Darryn and proud to support Wristin as we move Celtic Racing forward.”
The team has very clear objectives for 2026: challenge for race wins, podiums, and the Motovation Supersport Championship, which will consist of 10 rounds and 19 races. The Supersport season gets under way at Daytona International Speedway on March 5 through 7 with the 84th running of the iconic Daytona 200.
We talked to Binder this week from his home in South Africa as he prepares to travel to the U.S. He is very excited to begin his American adventure. Watch the full interview below:
To check out the 2026 MotoAmerica calendar and purchase race weekend tickets, CLICK HERE
For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, including how to subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+, our Live Streaming and Video On Demand service, CLICK HERE
