Wayne Rainey, a three-time MotoGP world champion and an iconic figure in motorcycle racing, is spearheading a mission to reintegrate American riders into the MotoGP championship. Once a dominant force with American racers like Rainey, Kenny Roberts, and Kevin Schwantz ruling the roost, the U.S. presence in the premier class has dwindled in recent years. Rainey is determined to change that.
Rainey, who now serves as president of the MotoAmerica series, believes the key to reviving American talent lies in rebuilding a strong domestic racing pipeline. MotoAmerica has become the breeding ground for American racers with the goal of giving young riders the experience and exposure necessary to compete on the global stage. By elevating the profile of MotoAmerica, Rainey aims to create a clear pathway from U.S. competitions to the MotoGP paddock.
A core part of Rainey’s strategy is fostering partnerships between MotoAmerica and MotoGP teams, helping to provide American riders with opportunities to test their skills at the highest levels. He has also emphasized the importance of U.S. tracks hosting more international races, which can attract the attention of MotoGP scouts and manufacturers.
Rainey acknowledges that the journey will take time, but he is optimistic. He has seen promising talent emerge through MotoAmerica, and with continued development and exposure, he believes that it’s only a matter of time before American riders are once again battling for championships in MotoGP. By nurturing grassroots racing and focusing on skill development, Rainey is leading the charge to bring the stars and stripes back to the world stage of motorcycle racing.
