Sean Dylan Kelly recorded a lap time of 1:24.677 to finish fourth during the MotoAmerica Superbike Timed Practice Wednesday at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Riding the BMW M 1000 RR for OrangeCat Racing, Kelly’s performance followed his earlier top time in the opening Superbike Free Practice, officials said.
The session was part of the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike season schedule. Kelly, riding the BMW M 1000 RR for OrangeCat Racing, demonstrated consistent speed throughout the day, having set the fastest time in the opening Superbike Free Practice earlier at the same venue, according to MotoAmerica records.
Kelly’s lap time of 1:24.677 placed him fourth in the MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike Timed Practice session, which began at 10:39 a.m. Wednesday and lasted 40 minutes at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, officials said.
The 22-year-old Florida native’s performance at COTA aligns with his prior success on the BMW M 1000 RR model, which he used to claim his first career Superbike victory at the track in 2024. That win was a highlight of his rookie Superbike season, during which he finished fourth overall with seven podium finishes, according to MotoAmerica statistics. Kelly’s move to OrangeCat Racing and the BMW machine for the 2026 season follows his announced return to Team Hammer Suzuki for 2025, where he aimed to challenge for the Superbike title on the GSX-R1000R, Suzuki Motor USA officials said in a February 12, 2025, press release.
Kelly’s career includes a dominant 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport campaign, where he secured 12 wins and 17 podiums in 18 races for Team Hammer, as well as a two-year stint in the Moto2 World Championship from 2022 to 2023, according to his racing biography. His international experience is noted by MotoAmerica as exceeding that of most riders in the paddock, sources confirmed. Kelly trains regularly with his younger brother Ezra on the Area 97 TT track, utilizing a 150cc motorcycle to hone his skills, according to team insiders.
The Circuit of the Americas is recognized as one of the most technical tracks on the MotoAmerica calendar, with qualifying and practice sessions demanding precision and consistency. The Timed Practice was followed by Superbike Qualifying 1 later Wednesday, where riders aimed to improve starting positions for upcoming races, officials said. Pre-season testing at COTA also featured other classes such as Supersport and King of the Baggers, with riders like Xavi Forés and Kyle Wyman topping their respective sessions, according to MotoAmerica timing sheets.
Weather conditions during the practice sessions included cool air temperatures and strong breezes, with wind chills in the 30s Fahrenheit, which can affect track grip and tire performance, MotoAmerica meteorological reports indicated. Kelly’s lap times during the Dunlop Pre-Season Test at COTA included a fastest lap of 2:09.538 on Day 1, showcasing his early pace on the circuit, records show.
The 2026 season represents a significant step for OrangeCat Racing as they enter the premier Superbike class with Kelly as their lead rider. Suzuki Motorsports Manager Chris Wheeler praised Kelly’s return to the Suzuki family for 2025, stating it would strengthen their Superbike program, while OrangeCat Racing aims to position Kelly to reclaim a front-running spot in the championship, sources said. Kelly’s experience and recent results position him as a key contender in the evolving MotoAmerica Superbike landscape.
