MotoGP establishes North American feeder series

MotoGP has established a North American feeder series, the MotoAmerica Talent Cup, which will launch in 2025.

Confirmed:

• The inaugural season will feature a pre-season test and a minimum of six events comprising 12 races
• The majority of the events will be held alongside MotoAmerica, with one taking place alongside MotoGP at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA)

Context:

MotoGP has a considerable focus on the US market at the moment, especially after the appointment of former National Basketball Association (NBA) executive Dan Rossomondo as chief commercial officer. His overhaul of the series saw US-based Trackhouse Racing come on board as a new team, making the series a much more attractive opportunity. This contributed to Liberty Media’s decision to pay a reported €4.2 billion (US$4.5 billion) for a controlling interest MotoGP.

The missing ingredient now is a US rider for a new legion of fans to get behind. There hasn’t been a full-time American rider in MotoGP since 2015, so widening the pipeline for future riders with this new feeder series will hopefully increase the chances of an American rider coming through the ranks.

Comment:

Carlos Ezpeleta, chief sporting officer at MotoGP rights holder Dorna, said: “We’re very happy to welcome the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup to the Road to MotoGP. America has a huge history in our sport, and we want to see more of that made in the future.

“The best way to do that, we know from experience across the Road to MotoGP, is to create an environment that provides valuable and relevant experience – but pairing it with the opportunity to progress.

“The new MotoAmerica Talent Cup will do that, providing a next step for those in the lower levels as well as the chance to move up and show their skills at the next level in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Selection Event.

“The Road to MotoGP is all about widening access to our sport and creating these kinds of opportunities, so we’re excited to see the Cup begin and look forward to welcoming the inaugural season alongside us at COTA next year.”

Coming next:

MotoGP returns for its eighth race of the 2024 season at its longest-serving track: TT Circuit Assen. The Dutch Grand Prix takes place from 28th to 30th June.

Go deeper:

• Liberty’s €4.2bn MotoGP takeover: Answering the key questions and what it means for F1
• MotoGP on the market: Does the series’ commercial performance justify a US$4bn valuation?