Trackhouse Aims to Forge Winning Formula and Distinct American Identity in MotoGP Campaign

Trackhouse Racing is actively working to cultivate a winning culture within its MotoGP team while simultaneously emphasizing its American heritage, according to team principal Davide Brivio. The North Carolina-based squad, known for its successful participation in the NASCAR Cup Series, expanded its racing portfolio into MotoGP at the start of the 2024 season, taking over the operations of the former RNF Racing team.

The team signaled its intentions early by unveiling a stars-and-stripes livery, a visual representation of its American roots. Additionally, Trackhouse has expressed interest in potentially signing an American rider for the 2025 season, further solidifying its commitment to representing the United States on the global MotoGP stage.

On the track, Trackhouse has demonstrated tangible progress in its sophomore season. A significant milestone was achieved at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, where Raul Fernandez secured a breakthrough victory for the team. This victory propelled Trackhouse to seventh place in the teams’ standings, surpassing even the factory Honda team.

Davide Brivio, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles with Yamaha and Suzuki, believes that Trackhouse’s American management can play a crucial role in shaping the team’s culture and approach.

Related News :

"When I joined [in February 2024], the team was at the very beginning, even though it was based on what it was [as] the previous team [RNF]," Brivio told Motorsport.com. "What Trackhouse is trying to do is to install a Trackhouse culture, a winning mentality."

"We are an American team. Still, we want to do more, and more, and more to identify as an American team," he added.

"We are trying to learn. First of all, Trackhouse is learning how MotoGP is and then we will try to implement our strategy and our ideas into this. It’s a work in progress."

The victory at Phillip Island was a watershed moment for Trackhouse, marking its first-ever MotoGP win. Prior to this, the team’s best result was a fifth-place finish in a Grand Prix. Raul Fernandez’s triumph on the factory-spec Aprilia RS-GP was particularly significant for the American outfit.

Brivio emphasized that the victory served as a vital confidence booster for the team as it strives to become a consistent contender in the coming years.

"It’s been very important for us because at Trackhouse, we are only in our second season," he said.

"We have a very short history as a team and to be able to already win a race has been a big achievement for us. It makes all of us at Trackhouse proud because Trackhouse is a NASCAR team and it is a MotoGP team. The NASCAR team won six races this year, we won one race."

"I hope this gives a motivation to Raul, first of all, but also to the team," Brivio added.

"Of course, it’s difficult to win races in MotoGP. But our target should be to be more and more in the front, fighting with the top group – and if there is an opportunity, to take it."

"But it’s important. Maybe this can give us more self-confidence going forward."

Trackhouse has benefited from a strong partnership with Aprilia, which has emerged as a leading manufacturer in MotoGP. At the beginning of the 2024 season, only Miguel Oliveira had access to the full factory-spec RS-GP, while Fernandez received the upgrade later in the season. For 2025, both Fernandez and new teammate Ai Ogura are expected to have access to the latest factory equipment from the start.

"We’re working with Aprilia and we are quite happy about the relationship," said Brivio. "We all have factory material and factory equipment. And especially this year, we have exactly the same bike as the factory team."

"It took maybe a few races to get upgraded through the season, but now we have identical material and we are well supported. We have Aprilia engineers working in our garage."

"Then there are engineers who go back to the factory between races."

"We are directly connected with the factory. We have meetings together. Our engineers have meetings together everyday. We’re working well. We feel we are a part of Aprilia."

Trackhouse Racing’s entry into MotoGP has injected a fresh perspective into the championship. The team’s commitment to fostering a winning culture, coupled with its efforts to embrace its American identity, has resonated with fans and observers alike.

The addition of Trackhouse to the MotoGP grid also represents a significant expansion of the sport’s reach into the American market. With its established presence in NASCAR, Trackhouse is well-positioned to leverage its existing fanbase and introduce MotoGP to a wider audience in the United States.

The team’s performance on the track has also been noteworthy. Despite being a relatively new entrant in MotoGP, Trackhouse has demonstrated a competitive edge, consistently challenging established teams and riders. The victory at Phillip Island was a testament to the team’s progress and potential.

Looking ahead, Trackhouse faces a number of challenges as it continues to develop its MotoGP program. The competition in the championship is fierce, with a number of factory teams and experienced riders vying for victory. However, Trackhouse’s commitment to innovation, its strong partnership with Aprilia, and its unwavering focus on building a winning culture provide a solid foundation for future success.

The team’s efforts to cultivate an American identity within its MotoGP operations also present both opportunities and challenges. While embracing its heritage can help to build a strong brand and attract fans, Trackhouse must also navigate the complexities of competing in a global championship where the majority of teams and riders are based in Europe.

Ultimately, Trackhouse Racing’s success in MotoGP will depend on its ability to effectively manage these challenges and capitalize on its opportunities. The team’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to excellence suggest that it is well-equipped to achieve its goals and make a lasting impact on the world of MotoGP.

The recent signing of Ai Ogura further underscores Trackhouse’s commitment to long-term development and its ambition to challenge for top honors in the future. Ogura, a highly-rated Moto2 rider, brings a wealth of talent and potential to the team. His addition is expected to strengthen Trackhouse’s rider lineup and provide valuable insights into the development of the Aprilia RS-GP.

Furthermore, Trackhouse’s interest in potentially signing an American rider for the 2025 season highlights its desire to further connect with its home market and foster the growth of American talent in MotoGP. While no specific riders have been publicly linked with the team, Trackhouse’s commitment to this goal is a clear indication of its long-term vision for the sport.

As Trackhouse Racing continues to evolve and mature as a MotoGP team, it will be fascinating to observe its progress and the impact it has on the championship. The team’s unique blend of American ambition and European racing expertise promises to be a compelling force in the years to come. The focus on building a winning culture, fostering a strong partnership with Aprilia, and cultivating an American identity are all key elements of Trackhouse’s strategy for success in MotoGP.