Stockholm – September 08, 2026 -- Slovenian motocross rider Jan Pancar has clinched the 2026 Italian Prestige 24MX MX1 championship, winning the opening moto at the final round in Castiglione del Lago to seal the title.
Pancar overtakes defending champion to win the deciding moto
Racing for the family-run TEM JP253 KTM Racing Team, Pancar arrived at the Gioiella circuit already holding the championship lead. He controlled the early stages of the opening moto, then increased his pace to pass defending champion Isak Gifting and take the chequered flag, securing the title with one race win.
It marks Pancar's second Italian Prestige championship, following his MX2 title in 2022.
A 17th-place finish at the season opener did not stop the comeback
Pancar started the 2026 season with a 17th-place finish in difficult mud conditions at Ottobiano, a round complicated by a bike problem that left him with zero points from the first moto. He rebounded with a win at Maggiora, followed by consistent results, then a double moto win at the Faenza Night Race that put him in command of the championship.
"It has been a tough season with a lot of very good riders, which makes this title even more special," Pancar said. He described the mud race at Ottobiano as a low point that pushed him to fight back into contention, adding that he won three races during the campaign and felt strong throughout the season. Pancar, who races as a privateer, credited his family and sponsors for making his campaign possible.
Raven gear built around ventilation and grip powered the season
Throughout the campaign, Pancar raced in Raven motocross gear, including the Raven RV-Zero MX kit, which combines lightweight construction with four-way stretch materials and ventilation through the jersey and trousers to manage heat during motos. Reinforced inner knee panels add grip and durability. He also used Raven RV-Zero MX gloves, which he said improved his grip enough that he no longer needs to tape his hands to prevent blisters.
TEM JP253 KTM Racing Team is run by Pancar and his family, competing against factory-backed teams throughout the European motocross season.