Gone are the days when American motorcycle riders dominated the premier class during the 1980s and 1990s. However, 1993 500cc champion Kevin Schwantz believes there are now better pathways for upcoming talents from the Americas.
The United States, in particular, has been crying out for a leading figure to revitalize one of MotoGP’s historically significant markets. No American rider has won a MotoGP race since 2011, and the late Nicky Hayden remains the last American world champion, having claimed a shock championship back in 2006.
MotoAmerica Talent Cup – ‘The Right Direction’
While the famous MotoAmerica series remains prevalent for American riders, it hasn’t traditionally served as a direct feeder series that guarantees livelihoods for those wanting to move across the Atlantic to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. Riders like Hayden, Texan Colin Edwards, and Californian John Hopkins were among the last notable names to make a direct switch.
This has since changed at the start of this year, thanks to Schwantz’s former rival Wayne Rainey launching the MotoAmerica Talent Cup to build more structured pathways for young talent. This series is a spec-racing class where riders aged 14 to 21 compete, leading to up to five riders being presented with opportunities to participate in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection.
“It’s funny because they’re racing at Road Atlanta and I looked at some results from Friday,” Schwantz said to the media at the Cremona WorldSBK round. “You know, the grids are getting smaller and everything, but it’s maybe that’s Supersport.”
“I mean, the new American Talent Cup, I think that’s in the right direction. Whether it’s something that’s accepted and something that enough people can afford [is a different story].”
The Texan hinted that the Krämer APX-350 MA spec bikes could hinder progression. “I mean, it’s a $25,000 motorcycle. I could have a fleet of [Yamaha] R3s or [Kawasaki] Ninja 400s, and I could race in every championship there is. Locally, nationally or wherever I live, and probably get as much time. And, you know, it’s about riding and racing. I don’t think it’s the specific bike that’s gonna make it happen.”
Red Bull Rookies Cup
Despite the series being in its very early phases of development, it’s unclear how many will be presented with the opportunity to join the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2026. Schwantz labels this seven-round series as “an absolute perfect venue” for aspiring American talents.
“You’re racing in front of the Grand Prix teams, you’re racing on the Grand Prix track,” he stated. “So as a kid [who’s] raced Red Bull Rookie’s Cup, you’ve got the opportunity to ride in front of all those important people on tracks and you’re learning the race tracks if you do get the opportunity to move on into Grand Prix racing, the tracks you’re going to race on.
“You’re not going to get to see all of them, but you’re going to get to see a handful of them, and don’t forget how many rounds they do now. But, you know, Rookies’ Cup is kind of a standalone thing. We’ll just have to see if this Talent Cup thing works.”
Schwantz Names Two Upcoming Stars
Schwantz named two upcoming American stars, but one of them, Mikey Lou Sanchez, has since lost his seat in the FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup after one race weekend.
The then 14-year-old made his debut in Estoril at the start of the month, but was removed after a difficult debut as he adapted to mainland European soil. RoadRacingWorld reported that his parents had paid the team for a season-long ride, before revealing he had lost his ride.
“Rossi Moor and Mikey Sanchez are two American kids in a race in there,” Schwantz mentioned.
“It’d be interesting to see what their results turn out to be. and I think that’s two names that quite possibly could end up in the WorldSBK paddock or in the Grand Prix Paddock, either one.”
Moor kicked off his JuniorGP Moto2 campaign with a 17th-place finish, before earning three points in Race 2 by finishing in 13th.
Between these two young stars, America still has a long way to go to become a powerhouse again — but it’s making steady progress. In 2024, NASCAR outfit Trackhouse Racing expanded its organization further into motorcycle racing by becoming a satellite team to Aprilia Racing. Meanwhile, current Moto2 rider Joe Roberts remains the highest-level American rider competing in the Grand Prix paddock.