Optical Express and MGM Performance have confirmed a new exciting partnership for the 2026 World Superbike Championship, competing as MGM Optical Express Racing with Tarran Mackenzie leading the team as the sole rider. The deal with Optical Express marks MGM Performance’s full-season return to the circuit under the new name, combining Optical Express’s support along with MGM’s technical base to attack the 2026 season head-on.
Tarran joined MGM for the final 5 races of the 2025 season, making his debut at Balaton Park, Hungary, with Tarran and the crew enjoying a successful run to close the season out. The Scotsman and the now-experienced WSBK team gelled well, posting some impressive results, topped off by achieving a clean top 10 run at the Jerez de la Frontera finale. Tarran managed a 9th, 8th, and 7th in the final two long feature races and the Superpole race.
For the 2026 season, Tarran will debut a highly recognisable but striking blue, white and black livery aboard the newest machine of the Ducati line-up, the Ducati Corse RS V4R. This will be first on display over the winter, with testing currently out in Jerez before finishing the testing in the Algarve.
This is what Tarran had to say, looking ahead to the 2026 season and the partnership of Optical Express and MGM Performance:
“It’s great to finally announce the new partnership with Optical Express and MGM Performance. Everyone’s been working so hard in the background over the winter to prepare everything for the new season, so it’s great to finally show the new colours. I know the new Ducati Panigale V4R will be exceptional, and to have such strong backing behind me for 2026 gives me huge confidence. We have four days of testing in Europe before heading to Australia, so I can’t wait to kick things off and get the season underway!”
The season opener of the 2026 World Superbike Championship takes place in just under a month’s time on the 20th of February at the Phillip Island Circuit, located just south of Melbourne, Australia.
Everyone at Lexelle wishes Tarran the best of luck for the 2026 season.
(Words and Image courtesy of MGM Optical Express Racing)