Trackhouse Racing Expands: Trackhouse Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by former driver Justin Marks and Grammy-winning artist Pitbull, announced its foray into the MotoGP World Championship for the 2024 season.
Under the leadership of the 42-year-old Marks, Trackhouse Entertainment Group is steering its expansion, bringing a MotoGP team into its fold. Operating from the U.S. while working in alliance with motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia and the Piaggio Group in Noale, Italy, marks a significant milestone for the entertainment group.
“The addition of the MotoGP World Championship team marks a pivotal moment for Trackhouse Entertainment Group,” stated Marks. “Since our inception, we’ve aspired to build a premier motorsports entertainment company, and this step aligns with our vision.”
Speculations surrounding Trackhouse’s interest in acquiring the RNF Racing team surfaced recently after Razlan Razali, the team’s principal, announced his departure. This development coincided with the series conducting testing in Valencia, Spain.
The MotoGP World Championship, established in 1949 and sanctioned by Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) headquartered in Mies, Switzerland, holds the reputation as the foremost motorcycle racing series globally. With an extensive schedule of 22 races across five continents and a roster of eleven teams each with two riders, the championship is set to commence on March 10 in Qatar, culminating with an American race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on April 14.
Trackhouse, initiated by Marks in 2020 as a one-car team with driver Daniel Suarez, gained momentum after securing the backing of Pitbull and the assets of Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021. Their expansion included driver Ross Chastain, elevating the team’s profile.
In addition, Trackhouse introduced its Project91 initiative in 2022, aimed at integrating racers from other motorsports into NASCAR. The roster featured renowned names such as former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen and Australian Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, the victor of the inaugural NASCAR street race in Chicago earlier this year.
Notably, Trackhouse Racing stands as the solitary American team in the MotoGP class, yet the U.S. boasts a rich history of successful riders, including Eddie Lawson, Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, and the late Nicky Hayden, among others.
Remaining consistent, the team retains Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira as its rider lineup. During their bike presentation, Trackhouse Racing unveiled an all-American scheme with the RS-GP bike adorned in red, white, and blue, accented by white stars on the front fairing.
For co-owner Pitbull, known as “Mr. Worldwide,” this venture propels Trackhouse onto a global stage, expanding its reach beyond the borders.
“We believe MotoGP is poised for substantial growth, not only in the United States but on a global scale,” remarked Marks. “The sport embodies thrilling on-track action, stars that resonate, an unparalleled fan and partner experience, and an inviting atmosphere for enthusiasts worldwide.”
As Trackhouse ventures into MotoGP, it remains poised to kickstart its fourth NASCAR Cup Series season in February, continuing its journey in the NASCAR sphere.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who will drive for Trackhouse Racing in 2024?
Trackhouse Racing has announced that crew chief Matt Swiderski will be joining their team for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Swiderski will be taking charge of the No. 99 car with driver Daniel Suárez. In a crew-chief swap, Mack will be moving to Kaulig Racing. This move is expected to bring a fresh perspective to both teams and help them achieve their goals. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented crews.
What team is trackhouse racing affiliated with?
In 2020, Marks established Trackhouse as a single-car team with Daniel Suarez as the driver. However, in 2021, the team received a significant boost after Pitbull’s support and the acquisition of Chip Ganassi Racing’s assets. As a result, Ross Chastain was added to the team’s roster.
Who builds engines for trackhouse racing?
Daniel Suárez drives the No. 2 99 in the NASCAR Cup, while the team also manages the No. 91 for various drivers on a part-time basis. Richard Childress Racing supplies the car bodies and engines for the team.
What is Project 91 at Trackhouse Racing?
In May 2022, Justin Marks, co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, unveiled Project 91. The initiative aims to broaden the team’s global presence by entering the No. 91 Chevrolet in the Cup Series for international racers on a part-time basis.
