- Imatra and Schleiz no longer part of the IRRC 2026
- Championship currently reduced to four events
- IRRC working on an additional fifth round in mid-June
The International Road Racing Championship is heading into the 2026 season with considerably fewer races. In January, the series announced that two events have been removed from the provisional calendar: the race in Imatra, Finland, and the Schleizer Dreieck in Thuringia. Instead of the planned six weekends, only four remain on the calendar for now. The changes come while the IRRC is already in a period of upheaval. The series had previously announced that it would replace its Superbike class with Supertwin-spec machinery from 2026, citing safety and the high costs Superbikes mean for riders.
Why have Imatra and Schleiz dropped off the IRRC calendar?
The two cancellations have different causes. In Finland the decision lay with the national federation, in Schleiz with the event organizer itself.
The Finnish federation did not include the Imatra race in its national calendar for 2026. As a result, the event lacks the federation’s support, and the IRRC riders’ licenses would not have been valid there. The series therefore saw no option other than cancelling the round.
In Schleiz, by contrast, the end came unexpectedly. According to the IRRC, the organizer terminated the cooperation unilaterally without consulting the series beforehand. The IRRC regrets that the long-standing partnership has ended in this way.
Which races are on the IRRC calendar 2026?
After the cancellations, the IRRC calendar 2026 currently comprises four events in four countries. Originally, the champions of the Sportbike and Supersport classes were once again to be decided over six weekends with two races each.
- 2 and 3 May: Hengelo (Netherlands)
- 25 and 26 July: Chimay (Belgium)
- 8 and 9 August: Hořice (Czech Republic)
- 19 and 20 September: Frohburg (Germany)
Planning is not quite finished yet. The IRRC is working on adding a fifth round on the weekend of 13 and 14 June 2026, with a decision expected shortly. The series also says the entry fee could change because of the revised calendar. Further details are to follow in the coming days.
Will there still be racing at the Schleizer Dreieck in 2026?
Yes, the Schleizer Dreieck remains a venue for road racing even without the IRRC. The 91st Internationales Schleizer Dreieckrennen is scheduled for 12 to 14 June 2026, using the date that had already been set.
The programme is being put together anew, however. Instead of the IRRC classes, races for the International Sidecar Trophy, the German Twin Trophy and the HR Cup are among those planned. Races for classic motorcycles will be added as well.
What does the new calendar mean for road racing fans?
Anyone who wants to follow the IRRC live will have fewer opportunities to do so in 2026. With Imatra and Schleiz, the championship loses two tracks with a character of their own and a long history. The remaining dates are spread from early May to late September, and whether another weekend will be added in June is still open. Road racing can still be seen in Schleiz in June, but without the IRRC riders.
