MotoGP, the global motorcycle racing championship, is poised for growth in the United States, with a new American team, a television deal, and potential American ownership on the horizon. The sport offers a unique combination of physical ability and danger that appeals to American sports fans. Bobby Epstein, president of the Circuit of the Americas racetrack in Texas, which hosts MotoGP’s only race in the U.S., believes the sport has what Americans crave.
The recent purchase of Dorna, the company that owns and operates MotoGP, by Liberty Media has sparked speculation about the future of the series. Liberty, which also owns Formula 1, has successfully expanded that sport’s popularity and aims to do the same with MotoGP. Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP champion, believes that Liberty’s involvement will present a great opportunity for MotoGP.
Liberty has yet to reveal its specific plans for MotoGP, but the company’s president and CEO, Greg Maffei, expressed a desire to expand the sport to a wider global audience. MotoGP already has two factors working in its favor for growth in the U.S.: Trackhouse Racing’s entry into the series this season and a broadcast deal with TNT Sports to air races live.
Justin Marks, co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, recognizes the potential for MotoGP’s appeal to NASCAR fans. He cites the sport’s high speeds and short races as aspects that will resonate with American motorsport fans. Trackhouse Racing has been actively promoting MotoGP to its NASCAR fanbase, engaging in cross-promotion between the two series.
Despite these efforts, there is currently no American rider competing full-time in MotoGP, and no American has won a race in the series since 2011. Most of the riders come from Europe, with Spain and Italy dominating talent development. Joe Roberts, who races for the Onlyfans American Racing team, is the sole American rider at the Moto2 level. Marks hopes that Trackhouse Racing can help cultivate American talent and eventually see an American rider competing for wins.
The Liberty takeover of MotoGP has not signaled any immediate major changes. Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna’s chief sporting officer, stated that the sport does not need fixing. MotoGP had previously seen a decline in the number of races held in the U.S., but it has stabilized with one race at the Circuit of the Americas. Bobby Epstein believes that adding a new U.S. race too soon would only dilute attendance at his race and the new one. However, Marks envisions MotoGP following the Formula 1 model by expanding into new American markets with international appeal, such as Southern California or Miami.
Fans of MotoGP also have their own expectations for the sport’s expansion. While they welcome the idea of more races, particularly on the West Coast, they emphasize the importance of affordability. The cost of attending Formula 1 races has been criticized, and MotoGP fans hope that their series remains accessible to all.
In conclusion, MotoGP is poised for growth in the United States with a new American team, a television deal, and potential American ownership. The involvement of Liberty Media, which successfully expanded Formula 1’s popularity, presents a great opportunity for MotoGP. While American riders are currently absent from the series, Trackhouse Racing aims to cultivate American talent. The immediate future of MotoGP is not expected to bring major changes, but there is potential for expansion into new American markets. Fans emphasize the importance of affordability as the sport grows in popularity.
