Let’s talk about a curious paradox in motorsports: the United States, a nation that dominates everything from NBA basketball to NFL football, has somehow managed to produce zero MotoGP champions in over a decade. The last American to win the premier class was Nicky Hayden in 2006—a full 17 years ago. Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing, recently quipped that the next American MotoGP champion is probably three years old now. That’s not just a throwaway line; it’s a scathing indictment of the US’s failure to cultivate motorcycle racing talent. Personally, I think this says more about systemic neglect than innate ability. Why? Because the US has the resources, the culture of competition, and the infrastructure to excel in almost every sport—except this one.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between America’s obsession with speed in other forms and its indifference to motorcycle racing. Think about it: American kids grow up idolizing Formula 1 drivers, but how many of them can name a MotoGP rider? The answer is: not many. And that’s a problem. Motorcycle racing isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision, balance, and a deep connection to the machine. Yet the US has no real pipeline for nurturing that. The last American to even compete in MotoGP was Joe Roberts, a 29-year-old who’s been stuck in lower-tier classes for years. Meanwhile, European riders like Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez, both on Trackhouse’s roster, are dominating the grid. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about opportunity. What many people don’t realize is that the US lacks the grassroots programs, funding, and cultural momentum that countries like Spain or Italy have invested in for decades.
Marks’ comment about the next champion being a toddler isn’t hyperbole—it’s a call to action. The US has a population of 350 million people, yet almost none of them know about MotoGP. That’s a staggering gap. Why? Because the sport hasn’t been marketed effectively here. Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of the sport’s rights is a glimmer of hope, but it’s also a chance for Trackhouse to step up. I’ve seen this before in other sports: when a company like Liberty gets involved, it’s not just about money—it’s about rebranding. But this raises a deeper question: Can a sport that’s been historically European ever become a global phenomenon without local champions to inspire the next generation? The answer, I believe, is no. You can’t sell a sport to a country without someone from that country excelling in it. And right now, the US has no one to look up to.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Trackhouse is thriving despite the lack of American riders. Their success with Ogura and Fernandez is a testament to the fact that talent isn’t bound by nationality. But this also highlights a missed opportunity. If Trackhouse is investing in non-Americans, why not invest in Americans? The answer lies in the infrastructure. The US doesn’t have the racing schools, the technical academies, or the cultural buy-in to produce riders like Hayden or Roberts. It’s a chicken-and-egg problem: without champions, there’s no interest; without interest, there’s no investment. What this really suggests is that the US needs to rethink its approach to motorsports entirely. Maybe it’s time to stop treating motorcycle racing as a niche hobby and start treating it like the national sport it could be.
Looking ahead, the partnership between Trackhouse and Liberty Media could be the catalyst for change. But it’s not enough to just have a platform—it requires a strategy. Imagine a future where American kids are watching MotoGP races on TV, inspired by a homegrown hero. That’s the dream. But to get there, the US needs to stop waiting for miracles and start building the foundation. Otherwise, the next American MotoGP champion will indeed be three years old… and we’ll all be wondering why it took so long.
