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Trackhouse Racing joins 2024 MotoGP grid as RNF replacement
After the 2023 MotoGP season, the series organizer, Dorna Sports, announced that RNF would no longer be allowed to participate in the series starting in 2024. Dorna cited repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement as the reason for their decision. The issues revolved around RNF’s majority shareholder and title partner, CryptoDATA, failing to pay their sponsorship dues for the Austrian Grand Prix, as well as outstanding debts to team suppliers. Following this announcement, it was reported that Trackhouse Racing, owned by Justin Marks and Pitbull, would be taking over RNF’s grid slots. Trackhouse Racing, currently competing in NASCAR, had initially planned to join MotoGP in 2025 but expedited their entry due to RNF’s situation. Trackhouse will take over RNF’s squad and staff, with Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez remaining as riders. The team believes that MotoGP has the potential for significant growth and aims to be a valuable motorsports entertainment company. They also plan to establish closer ties with Aprilia and potentially have a third factory bike for one of their riders. This development coincides with MotoGP’s increased American influences, including the appointment of former NBA chief Dan Rossomondo as Dorna’s chief commercial officer. The last American world champion in MotoGP was Nicky Hayden in 2006, and there hasn’t been a full-time American rider since 2015, but Trackhouse’s entry may contribute to a resurgence of American involvement in the series.
