Trackhouse Racing, co-owned by Justin Marks and international music superstar Pitbull, has built a reputation for making waves in motorsport. From winning NASCAR races in its second year to historic moments like Ross Chastain’s wall-riding finish at Martinsville in 2022, Trackhouse has thrived on bold moves. Now, the American-owned team is looking to carve its niche in MotoGP.
In 2024, Trackhouse entered the premier class by taking over the RNF operation after the team’s collapse due to title sponsor CryptoDATA’s issues. The revamped squad forged stronger ties with Aprilia, marking its debut with a maiden sprint podium in Germany, courtesy of Miguel Oliveira. However, the team finished ninth overall, with Oliveira’s injury and struggles with the RS-GP24 hindering progress.
Despite the challenges, Trackhouse is clear about its long-term ambitions. The addition of former Yamaha and Suzuki team manager Davide Brivio has infused experience and vision into the project. Brivio emphasized the team’s approach, saying:
“We’re not here to make up numbers. Trackhouse wants to build something sustainable and impactful, not just for one season but for the years to come.”
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A Game-Changing Signing: Ai Ogura
Trackhouse stunned the MotoGP paddock by signing Moto2 champion Ai Ogura on a two-year deal, bypassing the opportunity to secure an American rider. Ogura, who won three Moto2 races en route to his title, stood out for his resilience and adaptability. Reflecting on the decision, Brivio remarked:
“In Ai, we saw a fighter—someone who recovers from setbacks and shows remarkable consistency. His riding style and attitude made him the ideal choice for our project.”
Ogura’s laid-back yet confident approach was evident during his first MotoGP test in Barcelona, where he downplayed common rookie challenges.
“Carbon brakes? Not really a drama for me,” Ogura commented. “I expected more surprise from the speed, but it felt manageable.”
Balancing Youth and Experience
Trackhouse’s 2025 lineup pairs Ogura with Raul Fernandez, a young but experienced MotoGP rider. While Fernandez showed flashes of brilliance, including a sixth-place finish in the Catalan Grand Prix, he struggled to maintain consistency. Brivio sees great potential in the pairing:
“Raul is young but experienced, while Ai is a rookie with potential. Together, we’re aiming to build something special for the future.”
Brivio also emphasized that Trackhouse isn’t simply a stepping stone for riders to graduate to factory teams:
“We don’t aim to grow riders for factory teams. The goal is to create an independent team that riders want to stay with because of the environment and competitive package we offer.”
Taking Inspiration from Pramac
Brivio acknowledged that Trackhouse looks to emulate Pramac Racing, Ducati’s independent team that won the MotoGP championship in 2022 with Jorge Martin. He highlighted the evolving dynamics between factory and independent teams:
“With manufacturers providing equal machinery, the gap between factory and independent teams is shrinking. Our aim is to make riders think twice before leaving. Pramac’s success shows what’s possible, and we hope to replicate that balance.”
A Vision for the Future
Trackhouse’s ambitions are clear: to become a competitive, attractive destination for riders and a force in MotoGP. Brivio’s strategy revolves around creating a team environment that fosters loyalty and success.
“Our challenge is to make riders feel at home here, with a good bike and a team that supports their growth. We want to be the kind of independent team where staying becomes the obvious choice,” Brivio stated.
As Trackhouse looks ahead to 2025, its bold moves and innovative approach suggest it is determined to stand out—not just as a newcomer, but as a serious contender in MotoGP. Its slogan, “Welcome to the House,” perfectly encapsulates its vision of building a long-term legacy in the sport.
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