South African rider Darryn Binder is set to make a high-profile return to American soil, headlining the 2026 MotoAmerica Supersport grid with Celtic / Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati. The newly announced two-rider effort marks a bold re-entry for the powerhouse team, led by Barry Gilsenan, and positions Binder on the formidable Ducati Panigale V2 platform. The move brings a MotoGP and Moto2 veteran into one of MotoAmerica’s most competitive classes, raising the stakes for the upcoming season.
With a résumé that spans a rare direct jump from Moto3 to MotoGP, six Moto3 podiums, a Grand Prix victory, and two years of solid Moto2 performances, Darryn Binder brings world-class pedigree and grit to the paddock. Most recently with Italjet Gresini in the Moto2 World Championship, Binder’s 2025 season was cut short by an ulna injury, but not before he banked 19 championship points and reminded everyone why his aggressive, adaptable racecraft still turns heads. Now fully fit and focused, Binder’s transition to the Panigale V2 comes with serious intent.
“I am very excited to start this new chapter with Celtic Racing, Economy Lube and Tire, and Warhorse HSBK Ducati,” Binder said. “My journey through Moto3, MotoGP, and Moto2 has taught me a lot, and I feel ready to bring all of 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.”
Darryn Binder: A Boost for Celtic / Warhorse HSBK Ducati
Binder’s signing is a strategic win for Celtic Racing and Warhorse HSBK Ducati. Long known for grooming talent and chasing championships, the team now welcomes a rider who has fought at the highest levels of global competition. The Panigale V2 beneath him has already proven its championship mettle in MotoAmerica, and with Binder’s race-proven edge, the bike and rider combo promises to be a threat from the first green flag.
Team principal Barry Gilsenan emphasized the significance of the signing: “Bringing Darryn into our Supersport program is a major step for our team. He has raced at the highest levels of the sport, including MotoGP and Moto2, and knows how to fight in very competitive fields. His experience, his attitude, and his natural speed will help raise the level of the entire program. Pairing him with Wristin, who continues to grow and has already shown real promise, gives us an exciting lineup for 2026.”
Wristin Grigg returns for his sophomore season aboard Ducati V2 machinery. Following a 2024 campaign that included several top-15 finishes, an 11th at Mid-Ohio, and a standout 9th at New Jersey, Grigg enters the new season with momentum and manufacturer support. Add to that his 2024 AMA 600 Title and Daytona performances, and the team now balances Binder’s elite experience with rising domestic talent.
Darryn Binder and the 2026 Supersport Vision
The expectations are clear, and the team’s objective is to challenge for race wins, podiums, and the MotoAmerica Supersport title. With Darryn Binder’s MotoGP credentials and hunger for redemption, combined with Ducati’s proven platform and the organizational capability of Celtic and Warhorse HSBK Racing, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for the Supersport class.
Binder’s move to MotoAmerica signals a larger trend: international stars are increasingly looking to the American series as a viable, exciting, and prestigious arena for competition. As Binder puts it, “The goal is simple. I want to race at the front, enjoy the battle, and build something strong for the future.”
Darryn Binder’s blend of resilience, speed, and global experience is just what the Supersport grid needs—and just what Celtic / Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati is counting on.
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