MotoGP has announced the latest addition to its roster of teams by welcoming US racing veterans Trackhouse Racing.
Having already been successful in the NASCAR Cup series, the American team will now take to the racetrack on two wheels thanks to its partnership with motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia, which will be in charge of developing Trackhouse’s new RS-GP MotoGP bikes.
The announcement saw the whole Trackhouse team being presented on stage in Milan, including Trackhouse Founder and owner Justin Marks.
Marks commented: “Joining the MotoGP World Championship is a very exciting moment for our young company. Trackhouse has worked from day one to recognize unique and compelling motorsport opportunities and being able to expand to a global series like MotoGP is a massive step in scaling the company.
“We believe deeply in the mission of Dorna and are committed to bringing something new and exciting to the championship while working hard to help grow and amplify this amazing sport to millions of new fans in North America and beyond.”
Marks was also joined by Aprilia Racing’s CEO Massimo Rivola, Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta, and Dan Rossomondo – Dorna’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Rivola said: “We are happy and proud to welcome Trackhouse into the Aprilia Racing family. What they have been able to build in a very short time in NASCAR is an extraordinary presentation card, which anticipates the potential of this partnership.
“This is thanks to Justin Marks and his team, whom I got to know through my long-time friend PJ Rashidi, and with whom we were immediately in sync both in terms of technical ambitions and marketing and communication developments in such an important market as the US. Our commitment will increase significantly, a responsibility we gladly take on because, I am sure, it will allow us to grow even more.”
Trackhouse will manage two Aprilia bikes, with riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez placed at the handlebars heading into the new season.