Following the conclusion of the 2023 MotoGP season, Dorna Sports announced it would not be allowing RNF to continue participating in the series as of 2024.
In a statement it highlighted “repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement affecting the public image of MotoGP” as the reason.
This is related to RNF majority shareholder and title partner CryptoDATA not paying what it owed for sponsorship of the Austrian Grand Prix, while numerous suppliers of the team also had outstanding debts.
Read more: RNF MotoGP boss opens up on team’s collapse
Autosport reported on 28 November – the same day as Dorna’s statement – that the grid slots leased by RNF would be taken over by Trackhouse Racing.
Trackhouse Racing, owned by Justin Marks and the musician Pitbull, races in NASCAR in North America and has scored six victories in the flagship Cup Series.
The team had already visited the MotoGP paddock earlier this year to sound out the possibility of joining the grid, with it originally planning to do so in 2025, as it felt it needed to expand out of America.
However, the situation with CryptoDATA making RNF’s position untenable led to Trackhouse fast-tracking its move to MotoGP.
Announcing its plans on Tuesday, the team hosted a press conference featuring team owner Justin Marks, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola, Dorna Sports CCO Dan Rossomondo and CSO Carlos Ezpeleta.
The team also unveiled its striking livery for the 2024 season, with the star-spangled banner colour scheme a nod to that which Nicky Hayden used when he first tested for Ducati in 2008 after leaving Honda.
Trackhouse will essentially take over the old RNF squad and its staff, while Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez – who are contracted to Aprilia – will remain as riders.
Marks said: “This is a monumental moment for Trackhouse Entertainment Group.
“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.”
He added: “We feel that MotoGP is perfectly positioned for massive growth in the coming years not only in the United States, but internationally.
“It has all the ingredients necessary to continue its rise to global prominence: a thrilling on-track product,…
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