Dorna Sports is proud to announce a new path to the MotoGP: the North America Talent Cup. Modeled on other Talent Cup programs, the series will be a one-make competition with racing weekends in the USA. The promoter and organizer will be a collaboration between MotoAmerica and Rise Moto. Rise Moto is an integral partner of MotoAmerica in the FIM MiniGP North America Series.
The new North America Talent Cup will partner with MotoAmerica and aims to provide riders across the continent with a vital link on the path to MotoGP and the springboard between the FIM MiniGP North America Series and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup or FIM Moto3 to create Junior World Championship. The sanctions agency will be the American Motorcyclist Association and FIM North America.
Riders will ride equivalent Aprilia RS250SP2 machines and will be between 13 and 16 years old for the first season, with the minimum age increasing to 14 years from 2023 – as is the case in similar competitions around the world.
“The North America Talent Cup is a perfect complement to MotoAmerica’s development efforts and will be a vital element in the development of young road racers in North America,” said Rob Dingman, President of AMA and FIM North America.
“The new North America Talent Cup will definitely help us in our goal of developing more young riders to compete and represent the US internationally and we are excited to be working with Dorna, Aprilia and Rise Moto to make that happen – added Wayne Rainey, MotoAmerica President – This program ensures we continue to build a system where young racers can develop their talents in a program that gives them the tools they need to succeed. We’re looking forward to the first race at the Circuit of The Americas in April and to the North America Talent Cup taking part in our season finale at Barber Motorsports Park in September. “
“The North America Talent Cup, a forge of future talent, fully reflects Aprilia’s racing philosophy of educating technicians and riders who have made motorcycle history over the years – said Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing – Promising young American talents can rely on a product that we are proud of, the RS 250 SP2, which, thanks to its combination of performance and lightness, is already an intermediate step between MiniGP bikes and ‘high wheel’ bikes Operation is extremely popular. I’m sure we’ll see fun and educational races that can really bring out new talent. “
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, summarized: “We are excited to announce this new project with Rise Moto and MotoAmerica, which creates a crucial new path on the way to MotoGP. With the incredible success of the inaugural FIM MiniGP World Series, we’re more committed than ever to helping young riders from around the world find the best possible path to advance their careers, and the new North America Talent Cup, along with the MotoAmerica Championship, will pave the way for the Complete MotoGP for riders on this continent.
“With Aprilia’s support, a new manufacturer will become a major player on the road to MotoGP and all of our partners will ensure that the series is competitive and affordable – removing as many barriers as possible for those pursuing a career in racing want to start and offer young talents the best possible stage on which they can shine. “
Learn more about the new series and how to apply at www.northamericatalentcup.com.