The 2026 European Individual Grass Track Championship reached its spectacular conclusion on 29 August in Aduard, The Netherlands, where some of Europe’s leading grass track specialists battled for continental glory in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Report and Images by FIM Europe
Following the Championship Challenge held at Bielefeld, Germany, at the end of May, the Dutch venue welcomed an international field representing some of the strongest grass track nations in Europe. Around 2,200 spectators gathered at the famous Aduard circuit for an afternoon of fast, close and highly competitive racing, creating a fitting atmosphere for the decisive meeting of the 2026 European campaign.
The field featured several headline names. Great Britain’s Zach Wajtknecht arrived as reigning FIM World Long Track Champion, while Denmark’s Kenneth Kruse Hansen returned to defend the European crown he claimed in 2025. Attention was also firmly focused on James Shanes, winner of the Bielefeld Challenge with 20 points ahead of Jacob Bukhave and Andrew Appleton.
The Dutch rider immediately established himself as the benchmark of the meeting, combining outright speed with remarkable consistency throughout the qualifying heats. Hummel remained unbeaten on his way through the programme, securing his place in the decisive A Final and giving the home supporters plenty to celebrate.
READ MORE: GRASSTRACK NEWS
Alongside him, fellow Dutchman Dave Meijerink emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the title. Runner-up in the 2025 European Championship, Meijerink once again demonstrated his ability at the highest continental level and kept himself firmly in the medal battle throughout the afternoon.
Shanes also carried the strong form shown at the Bielefeld Challenge into the Final. The British rider consistently remained among the leading competitors and earned his place in the decisive stages of the meeting, confirming himself as one of the major protagonists of the 2026 championship.
With the European crown on the line, the A Final provided a fitting climax to an exciting afternoon of racing. Hummel once again delivered when it mattered most, completing an unbeaten meeting with victory in the decisive race to become the 2026 European Individual Grass Track Champion.
Behind him, Meijerink secured the silver medal, completing an outstanding Dutch one-two in front of the home crowd. Shanes rounded out an excellent European campaign by taking bronze, adding a championship medal to his victory in the Bielefeld Challenge earlier in the season.
For Hummel, the Aduard triumph represented another major achievement on the international stage and saw him add his name to the European roll of honour for the third time. His perfect performance on home soil provided a memorable conclusion to the championship and underlined his position among Europe’s leading grass track riders.
The 2026 European Individual Grass Track Championship therefore concludes with Romano Hummel as European Champion, Dave Meijerink taking silver and James Shanes securing bronze, after a Final that once again showcased the speed, intensity and spectacular racing that make grass track one of the most distinctive disciplines in European motorcycle sport.
Results
