- World championship return: New Zealand racer Avalon Lewis has been confirmed for the 2026 FIM Women’s World Motorcycle Championship, targeting podiums and her first race win.
- Carl Cox backing: Long-time supporter Carl Cox Motorsport will again back Lewis, continuing a partnership that began in the New Zealand racing scene.
- NZ success story: Although now based in Brisbane, Lewis remains one of New Zealand’s most successful female road racers, representing Kiwi talent on the world stage.
New Zealand motorcycle racing star Avalon Lewis has been confirmed for the 2026 FIM Women’s World Motorcycle Championship, continuing to fly the Kiwi flag on the world stage with support from Carl Cox Motorsport. Although now based in Brisbane, Lewis began her racing career in New Zealand and remains one of the country’s most successful female road racers, heading into 2026 with her sights firmly set on podium finishes and a first world championship race win.
New Zealand motorcycle racing stalwart Avalon Lewis has been confirmed for the 2026 FIM Women’s World Motorcycle Championship (WorldWCR), continuing her rise on the global stage with backing from Carl Cox Motorsport.
While now based in Brisbane, Lewis remains one of the most successful female motorcycle racers New Zealand has produced, and she will again represent Kiwi talent at world championship level when the series returns in 2026. Her goal for the upcoming season is clear: regular podium contention and her first world-level race win.
Lewis’ journey into road racing began early in New Zealand, growing up in a motorsport-focused family where racing was simply part of life. After starting out in motocross, she switched to road racing at just 13 – the youngest age permitted at the time in NZ – and immediately found her calling.
“Road racing just suited me,” Lewis said. “I loved the speed, the people, and the feeling of winning. That passion has been there ever since, and it’s still what drives me today.”
Her connection with Carl Cox also traces back to the New Zealand racing scene. Long before Cox became synonymous with world championship support programmes, he was a regular presence at local circuits, drawn in by his deep-rooted love of NZ, of motorcycles, and racing culture.
“Carl was always around the track and he’s just the nicest guy you could ever meet,” she said. “He literally beams when you talk about motorsport and loud, fast things, which is probably similar to me.”
That relationship has since evolved into long-term backing through Carl Cox Motorsport, a programme built around supporting riders who combine talent, commitment and character.
“I feel like a super-uncool mum who races motorbikes and somehow I’ve got this legendary DJ backing me. The biggest thing is that Carl and the whole team genuinely believe in me. They’ve seen what I can do, and that belief helps me find the confidence you need to race at this level.”
Cox, whose passion for motorsport is every bit as strong as his influence in global dance music, says supporting Lewis aligns perfectly with the ethos of his racing programme.
“I first met Avalon many years ago at the track in New Zealand, and even then I could see how much she cared about her racing. My love for motorsport has always been about backing good people, not just fast ones, and that’s what Carl Cox Motorsport is built on. Avalon is both. It’s an honour for us to support her in 2026.”
Balancing a European-based world championship campaign while living in Australia remains one of Lewis’ biggest challenges, with long-haul travel and tight calendars adding pressure to an already demanding sport.
“Travel is a massive challenge. The calendar is more condensed this year, but it’s still a huge amount of flying between Australia and Europe,” she said. “But I’m proud of our little Australian–New Zealand squad. We’ve made big sacrifices to make this possible, and that makes competing on the world stage even more special.”
As one of the first generation of riders competing in the Women’s World Championship, Lewis is also conscious of the impact the series is having on the sport.
“When I was young, there wasn’t even a women’s class to dream about. Seeing how inclusive the sport has become is incredible. The men in motorsport have also been so welcoming, the paddock is full of people who just love racing, regardless of gender.”
Her message to young riders is simple and direct.
“Just go for it. If you’re passionate about motorbikes, don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Give it a crack. That’s all I ever did.”
With confidence high and experience on her side, Lewis enters the 2026 season believing she can fight consistently at the front.
“I really want to get on the podium this year, and I’d love to win a race,” she said. “Learning new circuits is always a challenge, but I’m giving it everything this season. The pace is there, and I know I can fight at the front.”
For Carl Cox Motorsport, Lewis’ continued presence on the world stage is a natural progression from its grassroots beginnings in New Zealand. The Carl Cox Motorsport Cup, now running for more than a decade, was created to lower the barrier to entry and provide a genuine pathway for emerging riders – a pathway Lewis herself has successfully followed from domestic racing to world championship competition.
As the Women’s World Championship continues to grow, Lewis’ return in 2026 ensures New Zealand remains represented at the highest level, backed by one of motorsport’s most passionate and recognisable supporters.
Carl Cox Motorsport
Carl Cox Motorsport is a global racing programme founded by world-renowned DJ and lifelong motorsport obsessive Carl Cox. The team supports riders across motorcycle road racing, sidecars, drag racing and circuit competition, combining grassroots development with world-level racing. In New Zealand, the long-running Carl Cox Motorsport Cup has helped launch multiple careers, including Avalon Lewis, providing a genuine pathway from local racing to international competition.
Who can race in the Women’s World Motorcycle Championship?
The championship is open to female riders who meet FIM licensing and performance criteria, typically progressing from national or continental road racing championships. Riders are selected based on experience, results and demonstrated racecraft, with entries coming from around the world.
What bikes are used in the Women’s World Motorcycle Championship?
All riders compete on identical Yamaha R7 race bikes, creating a one-make championship. This ensures equal machinery across the grid and places the emphasis firmly on rider skill, racecraft and consistency rather than budget or equipment advantages.
How many races are held each weekend?
Most WorldWCR rounds feature two races per weekend, run alongside WorldSBK events. This gives riders multiple opportunities to score points and gain experience in a world championship paddock environment.
Is the Women’s World Motorcycle Championship part of WorldSBK?
Yes. The Women’s World Motorcycle Championship runs as an official support class within the WorldSBK paddock, sharing circuits, infrastructure and international exposure with the Superbike World Championship.
Is the Women’s World Motorcycle Championship a world title?
Yes. The series is sanctioned by the FIM and awards an official world championship title, making it the highest level of women-only motorcycle road racing in the world.
How many riders compete in WorldWCR?
Grid sizes vary slightly by season, but the championship typically features around 20 to 25 riders, representing multiple countries and racing backgrounds.
How do riders qualify for the Women’s World Championship?
Most riders qualify through strong results in national championships, regional series or previous international competition. Selection is overseen by organisers and the FIM to ensure a competitive and balanced grid.
Is WorldWCR only for European riders?
No. While the championship is based in Europe, it is open to riders from around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and the Americas. Travel and logistics are challenging, but the series is fully international.
Can Women’s World Championship riders progress to other classes?
Yes. One of the key goals of WorldWCR is to create pathways into mixed-gender international racing, including World Supersport, endurance racing and other professional categories.
How can fans watch the Women’s World Motorcycle Championship?
Races are typically broadcast alongside WorldSBK coverage, with live streams, highlights and replays available through official WorldSBK platforms and international broadcasters, depending on region.
Why was the Women’s World Motorcycle Championship created?
The championship was created to address the lack of clear progression pathways for female riders in motorcycle road racing, providing a professional, global platform with equal machinery and world championship status.
AVALON LEWIS
Avalon Lewis is one of the most successful female motorcycle racers to come out of New Zealand. She began road racing in NZ at just 13 years old, progressing through domestic competition and the Carl Cox Motorsport Cup before stepping onto the international stage. While now based in Australia, Lewis remains firmly connected to New Zealand racing and continues to represent Kiwi talent in world championship competition.
SUMMARY
Avalon Lewis will return to the FIM Women’s World Motorcycle Championship in 2026 with support from Carl Cox Motorsport. The New Zealand-born racer, now based in Brisbane, enters the season aiming for regular podium finishes and her first world championship race win. Backed by one of motorsport’s most passionate supporters, Lewis continues to represent New Zealand at the highest level of women’s motorcycle racing.
