DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

16-year old motorcycle racer Xarly Mendez de Oleo from the Dominican Republic made history in Hungary at the Balaton Park on Sunday, 3 May 2026 when in a photo finish ending he bested Italy’s Angelo Mottola. Mendez in a dramatic Race 2 crossed the line just 0.022 seconds in the lead to clinch the title. On the day before, he had finished second in Race 1 (behind Brazil’s Aymon Bocanegra). Mendez now leads the championship standings by four points.

Xarly Mendez said: “It was a difficult race, I tried to break the group but that did not work! In the last lap, I managed to get the win, but it was not easy with such a big battle. I’d like to thank my team and all of my family.”

The victory at Balaton Park is considered a watershed moment for Dominican motorsports. While the country has a strong tradition in baseball and track and field, this win places the Dominican Republic on...