Royal Enfield made its debut in the FIM Flat Track World Championship on May 9 at the opening round in Roden, Netherlands, marking the first time the manufacturer has competed in the series. The brand fielded the Sherpa FT Mk2, a purpose-built flat track machine ridden by Gary Birtwistle.
- Sherpa FT Mk2 based on 452cc liquid-cooled single from Himalayan 450
- Raced by two-time British national champion Gary Birtwistle
- 2026 championship will run 10 rounds across eight countries
Royal Enfield participates in FIM Flat Track World Championship
The Sherpa FT Mk2 is powered by the same engine as the Himalayan 450
As the name suggests, the Sherpa FT Mk2 is based on the brand’s 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, also used in the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. While full specifications haven’t been disclosed, the race bike is expected to produce higher output than its road-going counterparts.
The bike was raced by Birtwistle, a two-time British national flat track champion and three-time Twins Championship winner. In the opening round at Roden, he finished 20th overall after showing promising early pace but retiring in one of the qualifying heats.
With nine rounds remaining in the expanded 2026 calendar, the team will have multiple opportunities to develop the Sherpa FT Mk2 and improve results.
Armando Castagna said, “These are very exciting times for the FIM Flat Track World Championship, with growing interest from manufacturers, riders, and fans. The involvement of such a long-established and highly regarded manufacturer as Royal Enfield comes at a very opportune time and is yet further confirmation of the appeal of flat track racing.”
Unnatee Gidithuri
