NORTH AMERICA TALENT CUP BECOMES OFFICIAL ROAD TO RED BULL MOTOGP ROOKIES CUP SERIES
The American development series has been designated a Road to Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup™ program along with its Road to MotoGP™ designation.
YORK, PA, January 24, 2023 – After a successful first year, the North America Talent Cup (NATC) series has been granted official status as a Road to Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup™ development series. The designation was approved based on the structure and criteria of the NATC.
Riders competing in designated Road to Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup ™ and Road to MotoGP™ programs are introduced early on to the rules and regulations required to be successful. Through an understanding of the development system and experience gained on GP-oriented motorcycles, competitors have a greater chance of advancement.
Peter Clifford, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup™ Director of Rider Development, stated: “It is wonderful to see how this program is developing young talent in the U.S. The history of Grand Prix racing features so many great American riders but fewer in recent years, and we hope that this trend will be reversed.
“Alexander Enriquez was one of the stand-out riders at the 2022 Selection Event and we look forward to welcoming more riders from this program.”
Prospective competitors who meet eligibility requirements can now apply to participate in the 2023 NATC. Applicants have until February 1, 2023 to submit their candidacy.
The 2023 race calendar will include up to seven rounds. The NATC series will kick off April 14-16 with MotoGP™ during the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. The NATC will run alongside MotoAmerica™ at select events.
“MotoAmerica’s mission since inception is to establish a path forward for riders that ultimately could give them an opportunity to race for a World Championship,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The support of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup to create another opportunity through NATC and Road to MotoGP is a welcome addition to our program.”
Riders from all nationalities can apply, but the NATC aims to discover talent from across North America. After only one season, NATC alumni have already gone on to be selected for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup™, as well as for national race teams.
In 2023 — the series’ second season — the NATC grid will be limited to 22 entrants. Riders must be born between January 1, 2004, and April 6, 2009, to be a minimum of 14 years of age before the first round. Riders from different racing backgrounds can apply with no road racing experience necessary, as other disciplines can also translate into road racing success.
Individual riders can apply, but they must choose a team name and have a team manager. Riders must also have at least one mechanic and a legal guardian.
Any team application should specify a team manager, who will be the main contact with the organization, and can be comprised of a rider and two mechanics. Mechanics can be family members or acquaintances.
To apply, please visit: www.northamericatalentcup.com
About NATC
The NATC is a one-make spec-series of teams and riders, using the successful Northern Talent Cup as a blueprint. The limit on entries is 22 riders between 14 and 16 years of age in 2023. The spec-motorcycle will be the Aprilia RS250 SP2; a machine developed by Aprilia in partnership with Ohvale and proven to offer a competitive platform for developing talent. The NATC is designed to create close competition in a cost-effective manner. The NATC will race throughout the continental U.S., with seven designated rounds taking place alongside MotoGP™, MotoAmerica™, and select clubs.
About the FIM North America
FIM North America is one of six Continental Unions (CONUs) recognized as geographical subdivisions and accountable to the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). It was founded in 1998. The national federations who are members of FIM North America are, by virtue of their geographical area and their membership in the FIM, the American Motorcyclist Association and the Canadian Motorcycle Association. FIM North America establishes an annual calendar of Continental Championship events and other activities and declares champions in designated disciplines and classes. Its member federations issue CONU licenses to riders participating in FIM NA events as well as those who are participating in Continental Championship events organized in other CONUs. For more information, visit fim-northamerica.com.
Learn more at www.northamericatalentcup.com
