Royal Enfield debuts Sherpa FT Mk2 in Flat Track World Championship

Royal Enfield has debuted its all-new Sherpa FT Mk2 model, as part of its first-ever appearance in the FIM Flat Track World Championship.

The new machine was debuted on Saturday, May 9, at the 2026 season-opener in Roden, Netherlands, by Dirt Craft race school founder Gary Birtwistle.

Birtwistle was unable to make the event final despite a couple of impressive performances early on. A retirement in one of the final heats was one of the reasons why Birtwistle finished the opening round in 20th place overall. 

With the 2026 calendar consisting of ten rounds compared to six previously, the two-time British national champion will have plenty more opportunities to achieve success with the Sherpa FT Mk2 machine. 

Birtwistle has competed throughout Europe and the USA during his career, and has also raced a Harris Framed Royal Enfield 797cc twin-cylinder machine in the ‘Twins’ Championship, where he is also a three-time champion. The Sherpa FT Mk2 machine he races currently is a 450cc single. 

Royal Enfield’s participation in the FIM Flat Track series comes after the Indian-owned company was ranked as the world’s third strongest automotive brand in the latest Brand Finance Automotive Industry 2026 report.

Armando Castagna, Director of the FIM Track Racing Commission, said this about Royal Enfield’s involvement in the 2026 Flat Track World Championship: 

“These are very exciting times for the FIM Flat Track World Championship with growing interest coming from manufacturers, riders and fans as word spreads about what a fast, spectacular and spectator-friendly series this is. 

“The involvement of such a long-established and highly-regarded manufacturer as Royal Enfield comes at a very opportune time and is yet further confirmation of the attraction of Flat Track racing. I am looking forward to seeing how the newly extended season unfolds and wish all riders and teams the very best of luck.”

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