Courtesy of MotoGP
MotoGP™ Legend Wayne Rainey is one of the key figures behind the new MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series and he believes renewed efforts can reinvigorate motorcycle racing in the U.S
On a visit to Spain this week, Rainey spoke to motogp.com about the progress being made with the organisation of the MotoAmerica series. In the second part of Rainey’s interview to be published on motogp.com later this week he also gave his views on MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez and the current Grand Prix scene – ahead of the forthcoming 2015 season.
With the MotoAmerica series Rainey and his colleagues from the KRAVE Group LLC, which will operate the championship, aim to increase the relevance of North American road racing and to help prepare American riders for the international stage.
Three-time 500cc World Champion Rainey has been given support for the project from the CEO of Dorna, Carmelo Ezpeleta, and the American former rider believes MotoAmerica will significantly promote participation in racing in the States.
Rainey told motogp.com, “We were able to acquire the U.S. road racing championship from the AMA and so now we are in charge of the championship. I have changed the rules immediately to make it more in line with what World Superbikes are doing, so now the manufacturers are happier. There is not so much manufacturer participation in the U.S. but now with the new rule changes there is much more interest than before.”
Rainey explains, “We hope we can make a very competitive championship and have manufacturer participation and that the racers can have big fights with each other like myself and Eddie Lawson and Kevin Schwantz. So then we can find the old feeling that we used to have from very long ago, in the near future.”
On the challenge of bringing through new American talents to WSBK or MotoGP Rainey added, “This is my goal for sure. Because with MotoGP coming to America it is very popular, but to make it more popular inside America we must have an American racing for the podium at each race. I know that there is an American that can be this guy.”
[yasr_visitor_votes size=”medium”]
ASC - Action Sports Connection 