Trackhouse jumps into MotoGP world

Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing will make the big jump from four to two wheels in 2024 by joining the MotoGP World Championship.

Trackhouse Entertainment Group owner Justin Marks announced on Wednesday morning his team will expand its motorsport presence by joining the premier motorcycling championship as a satellite squad with Italian manufacturer Aprilia.

The Trackhouse team will be managed out of Nashville, but operate from Noble, Italy in an alliance with motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia and the Piaggio Group.

The American owned team will run as a satellite team, taking over from the recently defunct RNF team due to “repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement affecting the public image of MotoGP”.

After RNF folded, Trackhouse quickly emerged as the leading candidate and now the team has come to fruition.

Justin Marks with Shane van Gisbergen at Nashville. Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

A striking stars and stripes show bike was shown off at the announcement, while Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez will be the inaugural riders as Trackhouse essentially takes over the old RNF squad and its staff.

Marks is excited to take on a new challenge.

Read AUTO ACTION’s special feature on the story behind Trackhouse HERE

Pitbull is bring some new razzamatazz to NASCAR and on track Ross Chastain and Daniel Saurez are delivering Track House Racing some great results… If not a whole heap of mates.

“This is a monumental moment for Trackhouse Entertainment Group,” said the 42-year-old Marks.

“It has been in the ethos of Trackhouse since the very first day to put in the work, have the vision, and deploy the enthusiasm and passion necessary to build one of the most valuable motorsports entertainment companies in the world. 

“Our entry into the MotoGP World Championship is another step in the execution of that vision.”

RNF’s Miguel Oliveira leads Marc Marquez and Jack Miller in Indonesia. Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images

Trackhouse is where van Gisbergen famously won on NASCAR Cup Series debut in Chicago and next year he will be racing much more regularly in the hope of one day racing full time.

Also driving for the team are regular drivers Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain, who are both winners at the top level, while the likes of Kimi Raikkonen have also driven the Project 91 car.

Having quickly made a splash in NASCAR, Trackhouse hopes to do the same as the only American team in MotoGP.

“We feel that MotoGP is perfectly positioned for massive growth in the coming years not only in the United States, but internationally,” Marks said.

Raul Fernandez performs a wheelie on his RNF Aprilia in Qatar. Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images

“It has all the ingredients necessary to continue its rise to global prominence: a thrilling on-track product, aspirational stars, unmatched fan and partner experience, and an environment that’s fan-friendly and welcoming.”

The 2024 MotoGP season begins in Qatar on March 10, while all eyes will be on Trackhouse when the only US Based race takes place at COTA on April 14.

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