Simon Reid embracing 'cool opportunity' after seizing chance to make MotoAmerica debut at COTA in Texas
Banbridge rider Simon Reid will make his MotoAmerica debut this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) near Austin, Texas.
Reid, currently seventh in the National Superstock 1000 Championship, jumped at the chance for a wildcard ride Stateside with Scheibe Racing on a BMW M1000RR.
The 30-year-old recently had the opportunity to ride at COTA for the first time after attending an event organised by BMW North America with top road racer Davey Todd.
Reid will compete in the Superbike class, with free practice taking place on Friday followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday, and two races on Sunday.
“I’ve been doing a lot of stuff obviously with Alpha BMW and it was mentioned at the start of the year when the collaboration between Alpha Racing and Carl Cox came about that we could maybe do a one-off wildcard in another series,” Reid said.
“They suggested COTA, which is one of the biggest MotoAmerica weekends of the year. It worked out and it’s actually going to happen now, so it’s a pretty cool thing.
“The team I’m riding for is Scheibe Racing, owned by Steve Sheibe, and pretty much anybody who’s anybody in American has rode for him: [Josh] Herrin has rode for him, [Cameron] Beaubier has rode for him, [Josh] Hayes has rode for him, so he’s been around for a long time.
“I’m riding under Carl Cox Motorsport by Scheibe Racing, and Alpha Racing and BMW Motorrad USA are also backing the project.
“I was there three weeks ago when BMW North America brought me over: Davey [Todd] was also there, they had a big event – the DoubleRfest – so we spent a few days in Austin and me and Davey got doing some laps. It was quite good to have the chance to learn the track and ride on Dunlops so I’m not arriving into the race weekend green,” added Reid.
“The Dunlop tyres are probably going to be the biggest challenge because they’re a lot different [than the Pirelli tyres used in the National Superstock Championship].
“I think the circuit will suit my riding style quite well and I think I have a decent shout of getting a half decent result, but it will be an experience.
“It’s an opportunity that I’m embracing and it’s going to be a cool experience, and who knows what these opportunities bring.”
Reid returned to the British championship in 2026 after losing his Superstock 1000 ride with IWR Racing the previous year at the eleventh hour.
The Northern Ireland rider has been in good form, claiming podium finishes at Donington Park and Snetterton, where he broke the lap record.
“I’ve had some good results in BSB this year and after a year and a half away, I knew some circuits were going to be more difficult than others,” Reid said.
“I probably exceeded expectations this year in BSB and the hard rounds I’ve had have been what I expected, so this year has been really good and has went to plan so far.
“I broke the lap record at Snetterton and almost won the race there, so that was a highlight, and I’ve had podiums, so the only box I have to tick is a win.
“We went well at Donington earlier in the year and we go back there at the start of October. I’m just trying to get the best result that I can now in this championship and build into next year.”