As the season rolls on, so does the generosity of our MotoAmerica VIP Superfans. At VIRginia International Raceway, their passion and commitment once again turned a race weekend into something truly meaningful for one privateer racer working his way back to form.
Riding a Ducati Panigale V2 in the Supersport class, Jason Waters of Springfield, GA clocked a qualifying time of 1:29.173, landing him 14th on the grid — the magic number that made him this round’s VIP Superfan Privateer Support Program recipient. For Jason, the timing couldn’t have meant more: a hand and finger injury had kept him sidelined for much of the season, and VIR marked his long-awaited return to competition. Despite the layoff, he delivered respectable finishes of 13th and 15th, a strong showing for a rider knocking the rust off after time away from racing.
This weekend’s fundraising effort was powered by the incredible support of our VIP Superfans and the extraordinary contributions of photographers Geoff and Barbara Nickless, whose action images donated of guest speakers Tony Elias, Kensei Matsudaira, Hayden Gillim, Tyler Scott, and Blake Davis became the centerpiece of a lively auction.
Bidding stayed brisk throughout, with VIPs eager to take home a piece of the weekend while supporting Jason’s comeback. Combined with donations tied to the VIP-exclusive hats, Jason was presented with a check and cash envelope totaling $2,310.00 — a powerful reminder of what this community can accomplish together.
Once again, VP Racing Fuels stepped up, donating a five-gallon drum of their high-performance racing fuel to help fuel Jason’s return to the grid as he looks to build momentum in the final stretch of the season.
“What an awesome surprise,” said Waters. “After a pretty tough start to the season and missing most of the rounds due to a finger injury, I planned to come to VIR and just make the best of the race weekend and get back out there. This surprise was so uplifting. So much goes into a race program behind the scenes. Working full time, working on bikes until midnight, loading and unloading, traveling. The logistics of the madness. This helps relieve some of the financial strain being a privateer brings. I couldn’t be more appreciative to all of the VIP Superfans who are a part of our sport. MotoAmerica for putting together these events and giving the VIPs the opportunity to see the hard work at the track. Everyone who helps us get there and through the weekend, there is no rest for the wicked, we give it our all. I can’t thank you all enough. Thank you all for considering me for this opportunity.”
The determined Georgia-native now turns his attention to the final two rounds, hoping to carry the momentum of his VIR return into strong results down the stretch.
The generosity of VIPs at each round continues to shape the stories of our privateers. Every hat purchased, every auction bid, every moment of support makes a real difference, and the spirit of the VIP Superfan community is alive and thriving. Let’s take this VIR fire straight into the final two rounds and blast past $25,000 for our privateers in 2026 — the VIP Superfans are rolling, and it’s time to finish this season big.
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