The unpopularity of MotoGP in America is costing them the chance to watch a thoroughly entertaining form of motorsport; from its many on-track and off-track personalities to its dramatically fueled races.
MotoGP is the equivalent to Formula 1 in terms of motorcycle Grand Prix racing. Since 2002 when the MotoGP became what it is today, the bikes are 500 ccs or four-strokes up to 990 ccs speed monsters. The series includes a Championship for both Drivers and Constructors.
What is MotoGP to fans?
MotoGP riders are the craziest of them all outside probably the Isle of Man riders - which we'll come to later. The level of fearlessness needed to push a bike with 990 ccs underneath you is extraordinary, to say the least.
A MotoGP weekend consists of 3 practice sessions, 1 qualifying session, and 1, usually intense, race. MotoGP being the top tier is the main show and draw for fans but alongside the main show is the support races: Moto2 and Moto3. These support series hold the young talent forging their skills and gaining experience ready for their chance at the main show that is MotoGP. The Moto2 series riders attack each other on 600 ccs four-stroke class bikes and Moto3 riders are on a 250cc four-stroke class bike.
The MotoGP Show and its Characters.
As mentioned before, the extraordinary talent needed to control these bikes draws in a vastly different set of characters. None more so than the series-defining 7-time MotoGP Champion Valentino Rossi, who has made a name for himself with his sheer talent and off-the-wall personality. Another notable mention about Rossi is his unique helmet designs over the years, none more so than the one he used for the Misano round in 2020 - trying to figure out what he is saying by using it is a task for someone else.
Shows like Netflix's Drive to Survive, a docu-series documenting the behind the scenes action of Formula 1, provides an opportunity for new fans to learn about the characters within the sport. MotoGP does have a show like that yet! But it does have films like Hitting the Apex (2015) which follows the battle for supremacy between drivers - a must-watch for any current or new fan. Other must-watch films or documentaries include, Fastest (2011), TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011), and Márquez Unlimited (2020).
If you feel like you need to learn more, these are the shows you must be watching alongside the races themselves, it provides insight into the people who make the sport click.
Why should it be more popular?
With the range of manufactures involved in MotoGP such as Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, and Suzuki. It's hard to see why the sport doesn't have much of a following in the U.S when these brands are popular bikes in the U.S. To go further, the 2020 covid-affected MotoGP season has been one of the tightest on record with 8 different winners and its eventual champion Joan Mir, who only won 1 race to date, becoming Champion in the penultimate round.
To say that the sport of MotoGP is just a European sport would be wrong too. The sport goes to 5 different continents; South America, Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Australia so it isn't concentrated solely in European rounds. The only arena it is yet to break into is North America, but with circuits like Circuit of the Americas in Texas, it should happen sooner rather than later.
American's have had success in the sport from the late-great Nicky "The Kentucky Kid" Hayden the 2006 World Champion to Freddie "Fast Freddie" Spencer regarded as one of the best during the 1980s era. For 2020, however, the American audience should be looking out for a rider called Joe Roberts who is making a name for himself in the support series - he's certainly looking like a sensational talent for the future.
Extra: Isle of Man TT.
The Isle of Man TT is a motorcycle rider's Indy 500 or NASCAR's Daytona 500, it's the big event of the year. The race is separate from the MotoGP championship but a must-watch for any motorcycle lover. Over time the Isle of Man TT has changed circuit layout but the design of the weekend has remained the same since its beginnings in 1907. The event consists of touring bikes racing along 37.73 miles (60.72 km) of public roads; clipping garden fences and leaping over hills at a ridiculous spine-tingling speed. Due to the fact of it taking place on public roads the dangers of a life-altering crash are immense yet the event continues to thrive. If you want to experience how dangerous and thrilling this event is, you should check out TT3D: Closer to the Edge.
How to watch MotoGP?
With more dominating characters like Marq Márquez, multiple teams, and drivers vying for the glory of the Championships. Who wouldn't want to watch a sports series that includes a diverse range of characters and exceptional talents on-track that are sure to leave you entertained?
For U.S viewers, you can access the MotoGP Video Pass which provides 1080p live-streaming on all kinds of platforms, mobile or otherwise, includes instant replays and multi-screen features.