WorldSBK: MGM Optical Express leaves after six seasons
The newsroomUpdated on October 19, 20263 minWorldSBK: Michael Galinski's MGM Optical Express Racing confirms its exit from the Superbike World Championship after six seasons, a day after Jerez.
Key point
MGM Optical Express Racing, Michael Galinski's team, has confirmed it is leaving WorldSBK after six seasons, the day after the Jerez finale.
MGM Optical Express Racing is leaving WorldSBK. According to GPOne, the team officially confirmed the paddock rumours the day after the season finale at Jerez. After six seasons in the Superbike World Championship, team owner Michael Galinski is closing the chapter for good, Racesport.nl reports.
A final weekend at Jerez with Loris Baz
For the closing round the team again turned to Loris Baz, who stood in for the still-injured Tarran Mackenzie. Mackenzie was present to support the team over the weekend.
- Qualifying: Baz lined up 14th.
- Race 1, Saturday: 12th, 0.1 seconds behind Jake Dixon. It was his best result of his three stand-in appearances.
- Superpole Race, Sunday: 16th.
- Race 2: a good start and initially 11th, before dropping to 18th because of excessive tyre wear.
In the final standings Mackenzie finishes 15th and Baz scored seven points for the team.
A team that came from the IDM
The team moved up to the Superbike World Championship six years ago from Germany's IDM. According to Racesport.nl, Galinski feels he has proved such a step is possible, while acknowledging that it demands enormous commitment and a great deal of money.
What next for Michael Galinski?
He stays in motorsport. Racesport.nl says he will focus on a new role in the German road racing championship, which returns to the IDM name in 2027 after a year as Euro Moto, with ADAC as its new promoter. He will also continue his work for PVM and in his own workshop, which specialises in engine tuning and overhauls.
Loris Baz's view
Baz spent two full seasons with this team and has known Michael Galinski since 2012, Racesport.nl recalls. The Frenchman called it special to ride this last race with the team and said he was sad to see it leave the paddock, while thanking everyone who contributed to those memories.
MGM's exit takes one team off the WorldSBK grid. The sources consulted contain no information on the 2027 grid line-up.
Frequently asked questions
Who is leaving WorldSBK?
Michael Galinski's MGM Optical Express Racing team, in the Superbike World Championship for six seasons, has confirmed its departure.
Who rode for MGM at Jerez?
Loris Baz replaced the still-injured Tarran Mackenzie and finished 12th in race 1, 16th in the Superpole Race and 18th in race 2.
What will Michael Galinski do next?
He stays active in motorsport: a new role in the German road racing championship, work for PVM and activity in his own workshop.
Sources
- Racesport.nl — MGM Optical Express Racing leaves WorldSBK after six seasons
- GPOne — Team MGM: the rumors are true, goodbye to the Superbike World Championship
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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