Royal Enfield has confirmed its entry into the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship, marking a significant step into international flat track racing with the newly developed Sherpa FT Mk2. The race-spec machine is scheduled to make its competitive debut at the championship’s opening round in Roden, Netherlands, on 9 May 2026.
The motorcycle will be campaigned by Gary Birtwistle, founder of the Dirt Craft race school and a two-time national flat track champion. While Royal Enfield’s official communication referenced a “soon-to-be-launched” model, the company has not revealed further details regarding what form that motorcycle will take.
Although the Sherpa FT Mk2 name has now been confirmed, Royal Enfield has yet to disclose the complete technical specifications of the race motorcycle. However, the Sherpa designation points towards the brand’s 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, already seen in the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. In race trim, the motor is expected to receive performance upgrades over its current 39bhp and 40Nm output.
The choice of a single-cylinder engine appears particularly suited to flat track racing, where riders spend much of the race controlling slides on loose surfaces. In such conditions, precise throttle modulation plays a crucial role in balancing traction, managing slide angles, and maintaining momentum while exiting corners. A single-cylinder setup offers a more immediate throttle response, mechanical simplicity, and strong low- to mid-range performance.
Royal Enfield’s decision to enter the 2026 championship also comes at a time when the FIM Flat Track World Championship is expanding in scale. The series has grown from six to ten rounds and will travel across eight countries spanning two continents, creating a more demanding competitive landscape.
