Trackhouse Aims to Infuse MotoGP Team With American Flair and Championship Pedigree

Trackhouse Racing, the North Carolina-based outfit renowned for its NASCAR Cup Series presence, is actively cultivating a distinct American identity and a winning mentality within its burgeoning MotoGP team, according to Team Principal Davide Brivio.

Having expanded into MotoGP in 2024 by acquiring the former RNF Racing team, Trackhouse has embarked on a mission to establish itself as a competitive force while proudly showcasing its American heritage. The team’s initial foray into the premier motorcycle racing series featured a striking stars-and-stripes livery, underscoring its commitment to its American roots. Furthermore, Trackhouse has expressed interest in potentially fielding an American rider in 2025, further solidifying its connection to the United States.

On the track, Trackhouse has demonstrated tangible progress in its second season, highlighted by a breakthrough victory at the Australian Grand Prix, held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This triumph propelled the team to seventh place in the teams’ standings, surpassing even the factory Honda team.

Brivio, a seasoned veteran of MotoGP with prior experience at Yamaha and Suzuki, believes that Trackhouse’s US-based management can significantly influence the team’s culture and overall approach.

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"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."

He added, "We are an American team. Still, we want to do more, and more, and more to identify as an American team. 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 marked a watershed moment for Trackhouse, as Raul Fernandez secured the team’s first-ever MotoGP win aboard his factory-spec Aprilia RS-GP. This historic achievement represented a significant step forward for the American squad, which had previously never finished higher than fifth in a grand prix.

Brivio emphasized the importance of the victory as a crucial 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 continued. "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 technical partnership with Aprilia, which has emerged as a formidable force in MotoGP, challenging Ducati for supremacy.

At the beginning of the 2024 season, Miguel Oliveira was the sole Trackhouse rider with access to the full factory-spec RS-GP, while Fernandez received the upgrade later in the campaign. However, for the 2025 season, both Fernandez and his new teammate, Ai Ogura, will have the latest factory equipment from the outset.

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

He elaborated, "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’s Trajectory in MotoGP

Trackhouse Racing’s entry into MotoGP marked a significant moment for the American racing scene. Founded by former racer Justin Marks and rapper Pitbull, the team has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach and commitment to both NASCAR and MotoGP.

In NASCAR, Trackhouse has achieved considerable success, with multiple race wins and a strong presence in the championship standings. The team’s expansion into MotoGP reflects its ambition to compete at the highest levels of motorsport globally.

The acquisition of RNF Racing provided Trackhouse with a valuable foundation upon which to build its MotoGP program. RNF Racing, formerly known as Sepang Racing Team, had a history of fielding competitive satellite teams in MotoGP, utilizing Yamaha machinery. However, financial difficulties led to the team’s dissolution, paving the way for Trackhouse to step in.

Trackhouse inherited RNF Racing’s existing infrastructure, including its pit crew, mechanics, and logistical support. This allowed the team to quickly establish itself on the MotoGP grid and begin its development program.

Raul Fernandez’s Breakthrough Victory

Raul Fernandez’s victory at the Australian Grand Prix was a testament to Trackhouse’s progress and the effectiveness of its partnership with Aprilia. Fernandez, a former Moto2 runner-up, had struggled to find his footing in MotoGP prior to joining Trackhouse. However, under the guidance of Brivio and the support of the team, he has rediscovered his form and demonstrated his potential.

The Australian Grand Prix was held in challenging conditions, with intermittent rain and strong winds. Fernandez capitalized on his strong qualifying performance and maintained a consistent pace throughout the race, ultimately securing the victory ahead of more experienced rivals.

The win was not only a significant achievement for Trackhouse but also a personal triumph for Fernandez, who had endured a difficult period in his career. It provided him with a much-needed confidence boost and validated his decision to join the American team.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Trackhouse Racing has ambitious plans for the future, including the potential recruitment of an American rider. The team recognizes the importance of having an American representative in MotoGP to connect with fans and further promote the sport in the United States.

Several American riders have shown promise in the lower classes of motorcycle racing, and Trackhouse is actively evaluating potential candidates for a future MotoGP seat. The team is committed to providing opportunities for American talent and helping to develop the next generation of MotoGP stars.

In addition to its rider development program, Trackhouse is also focused on further strengthening its technical partnership with Aprilia. The team aims to continue receiving the latest factory equipment and support from the Italian manufacturer, ensuring that its riders have the best possible chance of success.

The 2025 season will be a crucial year for Trackhouse, as it seeks to build on its recent progress and establish itself as a consistent contender in MotoGP. With a strong team, talented riders, and a clear vision for the future, Trackhouse Racing is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the world stage.

MotoGP: A Global Motorsport Championship

MotoGP, short for Grand Prix motorcycle racing, stands as the premier class of motorcycle road racing, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). The championship features a series of races held worldwide on purpose-built circuits and public roads, attracting top riders and manufacturers from around the globe.

The sport’s history dates back to the early 20th century, with the first official Grand Prix motorcycle race held in 1949. Over the years, MotoGP has evolved into a high-tech and highly competitive sport, with advancements in motorcycle technology and rider skill pushing the boundaries of performance.

The current MotoGP regulations allow for prototype motorcycles with a maximum engine capacity of 1,000cc. These bikes are specifically designed for racing and are not available for public sale. The manufacturers involved in MotoGP include Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Aprilia, KTM, and GasGas.

MotoGP races are typically held over a distance of approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles), with riders competing for points based on their finishing position. The rider with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the MotoGP World Champion.

The MotoGP championship is followed by millions of fans worldwide, with races broadcast live on television and streamed online. The sport’s popularity continues to grow, attracting new fans and sponsors alike.