| The Liqui Moly Beta Factory Off-Road Team has finalized its off-road rider lineup for the 2026 season, centering on a mix of defending champions and a strengthened East Coast presence.
West Coast Program
Beta’s West Coast efforts will once again be led by Zane Roberts and Dare DeMartile. Both riders are coming off successful campaigns and look forward to building off that.
Zane Roberts returns to contest the National Hare and Hound and West Hare Scramble series. Following a strong 2025, Roberts aims to reclaim the top spot in the desert.
Dare DeMartile will defend his WORCS Pro title while looking to improve upon his runner-up finish in the NGPC series. DeMartile’s consistency over the last two seasons remains a focal point for the team’s West Coast strategy.
“It is looking to be business as usual for the West Coast team,” said Brian Marok, West Coast Team Manager. “Zane was so close last year, with 5 out of 9 wins, and I think that has got him fired up to prove he deserves to be the NHHA champion that we all know he can be. We have Dare coming off of back-to-back championship wins in WORCS, and he is going have a bullseye on his back for sure going into the 2026 season. Beta isn’t just a niche exotic brand. We have the bikes and the riders, and we are going to show everyone that we are the competition.”
East Coast Race Team
The East Coast team expands for 2026, welcoming back a former team rider and fielding two entries in the GNCC premier class.
Cody Barnes rejoins Beta for the first time since 2020. Barnes will compete in the GNCC XC1 class and the US Sprint Enduro series. His return adds significant depth to the team’s woods racing program.
Josh Strang continues his dual role as East Coast Team Manager and XC1 competitor. Strang’s veteran experience remains a strong asset for the team’s technical development and rider mentorship. This will be Josh’s 20th season racing GNCC.
Jhak Walker enters his second year of a two-year contract, competing in the GNCC XC2 class and National Enduro NE Pro2 class on the Beta Factory 250 RR. Walker had a very successful transition to the 250 last season and will look to build upon that experience heading into 2026.
“2026 will be an Interesting and exciting year for the Beta Factory racing program on the East Coast. Jhak will continue in the XC2 and NE Pro2 classes, where he should continue in NEPG to be a front runner and has the opportunity to step into a podium spot in the XC2 class for GNCC, which is really exciting for the Beta program,” said Josh Strang, East Coast Team manager. “Cody will be back after a few years away from the program, but with the speed I have seen throughout 2025 and the speed he already has on our 480, I’m excited to see what he has for the GNCC series. I will also be racing in my 20th season. I’m proud of the team and will put my best foot forward, but I will be putting the pressure on the kids to make sure they also put their best foot forward every week.
2026 Rider Lineup
Zane Roberts: NHHA, West Hare Scramble (Factory 480 RR)
Dare DeMartile: WORCS, NGPC (Factory 450 RC)
Josh Strang: GNCC XC1, National Enduro (Factory 480 RR)
Cody Barnes: GNCC XC1, US Sprint Enduro (Factory 480 RR)
Jhak Walker: GNCC XC2, National Enduro (Factory 250 RR) |
