New ESR Series Combines Tradition and Modern Road Racing – Top-Level Competition Expected at the Historic Imatra Race
Europe’s new road racing series, ESR, aims to elevate traditional motorcycle road racing to a new level by combining historic racing culture, modern organization, and high safety standards. One of the key events in the series, the Imatra Race, is seen as an important part of ESR’s international growth and identity. Finnish rider Erno Kostamo brings strong domestic interest and atmosphere to Imatra.
The European Series Road Racing (ESR) was established this year to unite the best elements of traditional road racing into a high-level championship series. When the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC), previously regarded as Europe’s premier road racing series, decided to remove the premier 1000cc Superbike category due to safety concerns and rising costs, discussions began behind the scenes on how to continue top-level road racing competition.
Experienced and well-known Belgian rider Laurent Hoffmann, particularly successful on road circuits and a former IRRC champion, began to push the idea of a new championship series forward with determination. He wanted to create a championship for riders who live for adrenaline and compete on production-based Superbike machines. This led to the birth of ESR, a six-round championship series in which the Imatra Race, taking place July 3–5 in Finland, plays a major role.
“In my opinion, riders themselves decide how much they want to invest in their passion. We keep safety at the highest possible level, and most Superbike riders are highly experienced competitors who know how to manage risks. And if there is one type of motorcycle truly equipped with electronic rider aids to maximize safety, it is the Superbike,” Hoffmann points out.
According to Hoffmann, the core of ESR is preserving authentic road racing and elevating it through competitions held on public roads closed specifically for racing. In ESR, rider skill, bravery, and precision matter just as much as the machinery.
“Unlike circuit racing, road racing has a unique atmosphere. ESR has been built to protect this culture while modernizing the public image, safety standards, and international appeal of road racing. ESR gives riders a clear championship to compete in and fans a structured series to follow across several legendary road circuits.”
The ESR season began in early May in the Netherlands and continued the following week in Northern Ireland. The series has been warmly welcomed at every venue.
“The riders appreciate the professional organization that respects the traditions of road racing while also offering visibility and competitive continuity. The audience response has also been very strong. Fans are drawn to the authenticity, the close access to the paddock area, and the spectacle of racing on real roads. Our fan base is growing day by day!”
ESR aims to establish a stable championship platform for elite road racers, increase international recognition, build strong partnerships with historic racing events, and above all preserve the spirit of road racing in the modern era as safely as possible.
Imatra and Erno Kostamo – ESR’s Strong Assets
The Imatra Race is one of Europe’s most historic and prestigious road racing events. It is Europe’s fastest road circuit and carries enormous history thanks to its Grand Prix heritage. Legendary names such as Finland’s only motorcycle road racing world champion Jarno Saarinen, British champion Barry Sheene, and Italian multiple world champion Giacomo Agostini have all raced in Imatra, making the event’s inclusion in the ESR series a natural decision according to Hoffmann.
“Finland has a strong motorsport culture, and Imatra brings its own Nordic character to the championship. It strengthens ESR both geographically and culturally and makes the series truly European,” Hoffmann emphasizes.
The participation of modern-day Imatra Race king, multiple-time King of Imatra winner Erno Kostamo, is extremely significant for ESR. Having a top-level Finnish rider competing in front of a home crowd adds emotion and excitement to the event.
“Kostamo is not only a championship contender but also the focal point for local fans and a bridge between the championship and Finnish motorsport pride. A strong domestic rider always elevates an event, and in Imatra this effect is especially clear.”
Although the Imatra Race has a long and nostalgic history, as part of ESR it is also a highly modern and top-level racing event. The races are expected to be extremely competitive, technically demanding, and visually spectacular.
“Road racing leaves no room for mistakes. Narrow roads, varying surfaces, and high speeds create a raw intensity that circuit racing simply cannot replicate. Spectators get incredibly close to the action and the riders — that is exactly what makes the sport so exciting for fans.”
“It is also important to understand that the Imatra Race was previously part of the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC), which established Imatra as a serious racing venue. ESR is building on that foundation and raising the profile and consistency of the competition even further.”
From a competitive standpoint, Imatra is expected to produce some of the fiercest races of the season. The circuit naturally creates close racing, and with a strong entry list the level of competition will be exceptionally high.
From the spectator’s point of view, the Imatra Race offers close proximity to the action, a festival-like atmosphere, and a deep connection between fans and riders.
“We expect large crowds and highly engaged followers both at the venue and through media coverage. Events like Imatra are important because they demonstrate how powerful road racing can be when tradition and modern organization come together.”
Hoffmann’s own role within ESR is also an interesting one. While he is part of the series leadership, racing is still in his blood.
“Balancing management and racing is always a challenge, but we have a strong team behind us where everyone handles their own responsibilities. The moment my visor goes down, someone else within the ESR organization takes over my duties so I can focus entirely on riding as fast as possible.”
The 60th Imatra Race, held on the Jarno Saarinen Circuit Imatra in the city center of Imatra, will feature the following classes: ESR Superbike, ESR Supersport, Open Superbike, Open Supersport, Classic / Retro Superbike, ICGP (250cc and 350cc two-stroke), Sidecars (subject to a minimum of 15 entries), and King of Imatra.
The event opens on Thursday with the official opening ceremony, followed by practice sessions and qualifying on Friday. The main race events take place on Saturday and Sunday.
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60th Imatra Race – July 3–5, 2026
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