MotoGP racing for new momentum in America, with hopes of riding an F1

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A new American team with ties to the NASCAR stock car series, a new television deal in the United States and upcoming American ownership.

MotoGP, global motorcycle racing’s version of Formula 1, looks primed for a bid to copy F1’s explosive growth in recent years and bring a new group of fans — notably from the U.S. — to the thrills of two-wheeled speed.

“It has what Americans really crave or demand out of their sports: A combination of physical ability and danger,” said Bobby Epstein, president of the Texas racetrack Circuit of the Americas, which hosts MotoGP’s only race in the U.S.

Liberty Media’s purchase of Spain-based Dorna and the commercial rights to MotoGP by the end of the year has fueled speculation of what might come for a racing series anchored largely in Europe.

“They know what to do, they raise Formula 1 to the maximum peak we’ve ever seen,” said Italy’s Francesco Bagnaia, the 2022 and 2023 MotoGP champion with Ducati. “It will be a great opportunity for MotoGP.”