The STRANGE Reason Why There Are NO Americans in MotoGP

[@SuperbikeJohn]

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[@scottburgle4889]

Just letting you know…..I looked into buying the air compressor. It states it’s not available in the US but then shows the exact same one I can buy in the US. I’d be quite surprised if you earned any commission from it.

[@stewartmckinley7058]

I say Richie Escalante is the new Valentino if he heals well enough.

[@Juan_van_Eeden977]

​@@stewartmckinley7058Nope.

[@Juan_van_Eeden977]

​@@stewartmckinley7058Look what happened to Cameron and SDK...went to moto2 and gone nowhere. Europeans are on a different level.

[@A-FrameWedge]

One reason is that most American GP racers were from California, and California with its extreme environmental policies closed down most of the motocross and other tracks.

[@luckylanno]

That didn't happen...

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

Nicky Hayden is the reason I ride a '06 cbr1000rr........everytime I'm at Phillip Island doing track days he's in my thoughts...🇦🇺

[@SuperbikeJohn]

He was a wonderful man. Such a sad loss.

[@christopherking9338]

Nicky is why I never wear earbuds while riding........

[@JRTC88]

Why not a RC51

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

@@JRTC88 They a very rare in Australia and ridiculously expensive.....more of a collector's item....Track bikes for me are a "disposable item".....I'd be devastated dumping an RC51...AU$30,000 average price......for that money I can kill 2 fireblades and still buy a third one 👍

[@JRTC88]

@PhilipBurton-dn3ce wow that's a lot of $$$ there still around 10K usd here. Superhawk around 4k.

[@mattcrad8605]

Watching the Hayden brothers, Mat Mladin and Ben Spies battle it out on the SPEED channel in AMA was the glory days of motorsports television. Between the AMA supersport/superbike class, FIM world superbike and MotoGP there was always a race on.

[@SuperbikeJohn]

May Mladin is probably the fastest rider the rest of the world has never heard off. Those were awesome days.

[@MattWiningham]

I miss the good old days!

[@Bryan-jd7os]

​@@MattWininghamthose were great times!!

[@raymondchapman5990]

@@SuperbikeJohn he and Suzuki was using electronic aids(traction control) for a few years in AMA when he won few championships. He was fast without it but two of those titles were cheated up.

[@ronnieka3309]

Mladin is an Australian by the way

[@BillJones]

Because the AMA handed superbike to DMG who tried to NASCARize the series, making it so different from FIM that it was no longer a route to the world stage.

[@SuperbikeJohn]

Yep, all in the video.

[@BillJones]

@@SuperbikeJohn ... eventually - you count on punters to sit through eight minutes of history when the answer is eight seconds long. This video is a test of patience. If you had any faith in your ability to tell a story, you'd say up front what the story was about. I reckon you're selling yourself short. Your storytelling is good. But despite your skill, you're click-baiting. Start with the thesis. "America NASCAR'ed itself off the world stage of motorcycle racing!" - that's at least as provocative as your presentation which amounts to "the Shocking Truth about grand prix motorcycle racing that American dentists don't want you to hear! (plus five ways Spanish motorcycle racers are having more sex than your mum!)" You can write. Don't be a wanker.

[@gloriathomas3245]

The way I see things, MotoAmerica is basically on the level or WSS

[@gasracing5000]

The decrease in american tallent and rise of european tallent took place at the same time. I blame Rossi for the European rise. He was a role model to Spanish and Italian kids and his popularity helped breed the new generation of europeans that are currently ruleing the sport. I blame the American media, culture and motorcycle industry for the downfall of american tallent, not the just DMG (F DMG, all they did was damage the sport, but it is their initials, what did we expect?) Go into any class room and ask the kids, who thinks motorcycles are cool? Who wants to go fast on a motorcycle? Today in America, maybe 3 boys and 3 girls, the rough ones, will raise thier hands. In the 80s ask the same question and every boy in the class would start hootin and bouncing about. It is not just about motorcycles, it's a lack of risk taking mentality and general mindset of the public. It's also the bikes that appeal to Americans. Kids see fat guys on harleys and those are the biker role models. Not exactly inspiring the next next generation of motorcycle racers. Go into a spanish or italian class room and ask the same question... you will hear chanting and fanatisim... It will take 15 years to put competitive americans back in motoGP and thats if we change the publics opinion now. (Yes, I know joe is going, but hes not going to be world champion. That and he's literally the only candidate, we have no other viable future prospects.)

[@Crash276]

Italy and Spain have development programs from childhood and have had since the early 2000s. The rest of the world doesn't. America has one of the lowest quality national series in the world. There is no way MotoAmerica can produce a motoGP star.

[@paultruesdale7680]

Not yet, it’s early days.

[@supermccnasty4176]

Joe Robert’s is currently leading the Moto2 championship and looks like the real deal. I know you are referring to Moto America but Robert’s is definitely the real deal…. Hopefully we see him on a Trackhouse Aprillia next year

[@samuelgarrod8327]

But America is the best at everything! 😂

[@MrBlindbird]

@@samuelgarrod8327 Sir,while reading your comment,my sarcasm sensor exploded,you ow me a new one 😁

[@Happy_2_Wheels]

Exactly.

[@josephreisinger33]

Cheers mate. Tanks from a Yank on this side of the pond. It would be great to have a US racer in the running again. 👍💪🌭🏁🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@cryogeneric]

I've just sort of accepted that the we lack the appropriate feeder series to compete at the highest level at the moment. Spain got it right and implemented the rider development programs for youth and it's paid off immensely. But that also required a lot money, patience, and interest. I'm not sure the US has any of that right now.

[@poolking123]

Colin Edwards said, the american tobacco money funded americans to ride and progress through the ranks. Thats why you dont see americans anymore because it was around 2010 they banned visual sponsorship on the bike. Like at schwantz (lucky strike) rainey (malboro) times for example. In 2007 there was 4 american riders with hayden, edwards, hopkins and roberts jnr. Motogp is just a smaller version of f1 where money talks. Obviously being a spanish championship you have a huge advantage being spanish progressing. And now with Vr46 academy thats an easy route for italians. But for any other country, its difficult. Especially brits, aussies and americans which jave shown such great talent before and still do incredible at superbike championships

[@viarnay]

Just excuses EEUU is plenty of circuits and championships

[@poolking123]

@@viarnay you're clueless

[@viarnay]

@@poolking123 Tobacco sponsors are prohibited in all sports genius

[@poolking123]

@@viarnay so why in 2007 ducati had its main sponsor on the bike Malboro? Where you had Colin Edwards, John Hopkins, Kenny Roberts jnr and nicky hayden all in motogp all American? I don't think you understand what I am saying. When it was legal, the American tobacco money funded Americans into the sport. When it became illegal to advertise, no Americans advanced because no money to fund them so it became only Spanish and Italians mainly

[@viarnay]

@@poolking123 You are plenty of sponsorhip on EEUU that's only a cheap excuse..

[@zogzoogler]

Pulled out my late Dad’s photo album, loads of photos of the American transatlantic series (here in UK) Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola, Dave Aldana etc then later pics with me as a kid with Schwantz and Rainey, lets not forget Edwards and Hayden (pics from Goodwood), a mixed international grid is missing from motogp the personality of Edwards and Hayden sorely missed.

[@rwsix5892]

Joe Roberts is a standout title contender in Moto2 this year. Expect to see him next year in GP!

[@mtnolan0307]

Haven’t watched a single race since DMG took over and made the races basically pay per view. My dad and I used to watch every race together.

[@cw6795]

Yup. Even poor kids back in the day had basic tv where you could watch this kind of thing, at least on occasion. Nowadays so many things have gone to ppv or special sport packages that kids just aren't exposed to them.

[@kjpr00]

A big thing in the 70's and 80's especially was that you could race a US domestic championship and get noticed and get a MotoGP ride. That path just doesn't exist anymore, and for good reason. Kenny Sr got on the radar of MotoGP teams by winning the national flat track championship! Incomprehensible these days, it just doesn't prepare you to be a grand prix rider. You have to go through either the Spanish CEV or Italian CIV ladder systems to get the skills and be taken seriously for a Moto3 ride. Without greater American commercial interest, American junior riders will never get the funding to do this en masse, though hopefully Liberty will help with that.

[@djmerchant]

You put together an AWESOME video. In the late 90's and early aughts there was no better motorcycle road racing series on the planet than the AMA superbike series. The depth of talent on the starting grid at any round wasn't even matched by the 500cc World Championship. The races were almost alway competitive until the years of Mladin vs Spies (because they just left the rest of the field in their dust). A superbike back then cost more than a neighborhood of houses because they were made out of shit like "unobtanium" and the racetracks were lined with people as far as the eye could see. The manufacturers took up a good deal of real estate to show their entire lineup of bikes to entice would-be buyers. I have SOO many good memories and stories from those days as Mid-Ohio was only about a 20 minute drive from my house and I spent all weekend at the track when the AMA races came to town. MotoAmerica is planning a return to Mid-Ohio this year after a 10 year hiatus and I have no urge to go watch the races at the track when I can watch them on multiple platforms. *SIGH*

[@cristheojon4884]

don't count on liberty media to bring an American rider, they didn't even let Anretti in F1

[@rexthewolf3149]

That wasn’t Liberty Decision it was FOM and the teams.

[@headlibrarian1996]

They treated him like crap as a driver, it isn’t surprising they didn’t want him as an owner.

[@aldo_1326]

I think the problem is the difference between growing up competing with street motorcycles or competing with prototypes is very big and for this reason riders like Ben Spies Colin Edward did not finish performing, the key is to create riding schools and promotional cups that Use prototypes like in Spain and Italy. In Spain at the end of the 90s, a very good promotional cup was created from which riders like Stoner and Pedrosa immediately emerged and 30 years later we have seen how Spain dominates the MotoGP World Championship by work done for this, if the USA does the same as Spain did in a couple of years the results will be seen

[@dealwolfstriked272]

Yeah the riders in MotoGP live this life from early age. We Americans are just not that into motorcycle racing. I have been watching for a decade and can tell you I am completely alone. If I mention MotoGP I know its moot save for the very odd person here and there.

[@BlainePaulus]

After US riders with dirt riding experience revolutionized moto GP with their techniques and started to dominate, European riders started adopting the techniques and training. With the much greater interest in the sport and access to tracks, Europeans took back the sport.

[@JoeLucero-r5l]

Another issue is that back in the day of Roberts, Spencer, etc., is that there were still true privateers following the circuit, as it was more affordable to race back then. That, coupled with the lack of grass-roots racing in the US, due to the lack of "neighbourhood" tracks, has had a big impact on the sport. Don't forget that Roberts, Spencer, Lawson, Rainey, Schwantz, and Hayden were all dirt trackers, before they road raced.

[@megarollxrgmbroadcasting91]

as an american motogp fan for literally as long as i can remember, i find it’s such a shame the fall from grace this sport had in the country. thanks a lot for this video!

[@chapusa100]

YOU FORGOT COLLIN EDWARDS THE TEXAN!!

[@tracklife971]

USA is dirtbike culture more than street racing

[@jamesleyda365]

🤘🏴‍☠️🤘

[@marksmart9754]

A lot of champions had dirt bike backgrounds. It’s not the skill set that’s lacking. It’s the popularity of the sport and the lack of opportunities due to lack of interest.

[@seantaylor7431]

The old 2strokes had similar style of riding on dirt.

[@tracklife971]

@@marksmart9754 agreed !

[@dougiequick1]

I blame The Harley FAD together with American follow the fad mentality. If the Harley FAD had not hypnotized the majority of the American market? We would have been riding bikes similar to our euro cousins which would have had us identifying more with the road racing scene since we would have been on a LOT nicer sportier machines. See the whole Harley cruiser thing totally does not relate to road racing. And the HD motor company quite simply fell into an easy buck and has intentionally stayed as far from the road race image as possible not EVER wanting to have to get off their cans and WORK for a market share...but I blame our gullible market (people of the USA) more than Harley corporate. Just such a shame it will appaently require the majority of American DYING of old age to finally turn America around to ride fantastic sportbikes instead of clunky old Harley Davidson PIG bikes. I was so hoping the Bronx might finally be an actual turning point but at the last minute a totally NON motorcycle loving dude took the helm and immediately axed what looked like a very honest attempt to COMPETE...when the US market FINALLY embraces Sport Bikes THEN we will embrace RACING....I dont mean the American dirt track racing either which has is rigged to disallow overseas competition ....Honda tried to join in and basically got outlawed for competing which apparently was NOT anything Harley was interested in doing! I love that Indian kicks butt on Harley and they cant get em outlawed like they did Honda because Indian is almost as "Merican" as Harley is...course Indian wont build Sport bikes either.....THEY also want to ride the porky big vibration cruiser thing right into the grave

[@donaldhipple4921]

The best riders of that time learned their skills in the GNC. I believe that combining dirt track and road racing skills gave us the great racers of the recent past.

[@Reppo80085]

I watch few race series of MotoAmerica! It's absolutely entertaining...they even race in heavy rain !

[@Nick169x]

I think why you don't see Americans in motogp is you need to come through the ranks on prototypes nowadays not production bikes. And almost all Americans start with and stick with production bikes

[@charlesterrell-bu3lq]

I believe the track day events in the US hurt club racing which up thru the late 80s supplied several world champions. Club racing participation went down and then the AMA sold off road racing to a private company and well that was that.

[@wanr5701]

Another thing to consider; the type of racebike they raced since the riders' formative years. Specifically; pure race machine vs production bikes. Europeans (and Japanese to the lesser extent) have their riders race with pure race bike similar to Moto3 and Moto2 since their formative years in domestic championships. These thoroughbreds, while faster but also more rigid and less forgiving to ride thus requiring a more precise and higher level of ability to master. On the other hand, young Americans (and the British to the lesser extent) raced production bikes from the very beginning in their domestic series. Production bikes are tamer to ride and the chassis are generally more flexible and forgiving in the sense that it suits to a wider variety of riding style for the masses, which is opposite to the pure race bikes that require specific way of riding. Yes modifications can be done here and there, yet in the end they still retain many production characteristics. They still feel "production" instead of a race bike. That explains why European and Japanese riders are able to be competitive straight way in GP after coming from their domestic championships because their bikes are relatively similar, while Americans tend to struggle a lot despite racing in bigger capacity bikes in domestic championship. Just ask Josh Herrin and Cameron Beaubier. On the other hand, Americans tend to be more competitive straight away in WSBK after jumping from MotoAmerica, because both series use production bikes. Just ask Garrett Gerloff. Related to the production bikes, are there any sub-300cc single cylinder production sport bike sold in USA? Such bike is popular in Asia. That alone can answer why it is so difficult for young American riders to start and hone their racecraft in the most affordable way possible while still able to be competitive and have wheel to wheel combat like in Moto3. At least domestically.

[@PeacefulRallyCar-pw3cs]

The motocross scene has far more appeal to teens in USA. Motogp is as far away as the moon. While supercross is bigger than mxgp and it's in their backyard.

[@wanr5701]

@@PeacefulRallyCar-pw3cs looking at history, anything that raced on gravel and/or unpaved, dirt (with mostly public) roads tend to appeal more towards working class people. Middle-upper and higher class people tend to prefer a refined and controlled environment like tarmac circuit racing. Not surprised should those American teens that interested in Motocross come from middle or working class background. As for supercross vs mxgp, if not mistaken their bikes are basically the same with some notable exceptions. Yet it is relatively easier for AMA Supercross riders to jump to MXGP and be competitive straight away, compared to their road racing counterparts. Which is rather pity, because their skills in Motocross racing could well transferred to road racing. And historically in bigger capacity bikes, racers with history of dirt track or motocross tend to perform better than those that race pocketbike or minibike.

[@PeacefulRallyCar-pw3cs]

Gp bikes used bias ply tires until 1980. This along with 2T engines meant the bikes were constantly sliding. No surprise the flat track riders did well. Once radials began, the game changed. This effectively ended the reign of Kenny Roberts.

[@TheInfantry98]

You are 100% correct in what you said. Americans have zero chance of being competitive in moto GP. Prototype motorcycles are superior to production bikes in every aspect

[@wanr5701]

@@TheInfantry98 the only way for Americans or anyone from North America to be competitive in GP racing, is to have Moto3 and Moto2 categories in MotoAmerica. Understandably logistics and supply chain issue play huge part here; Honda and KTM racing division need to set up their North American base specifically to support Moto3. Triumph as engine suppliers in Moto2 together with some other chassis manufacturers also had to do the same. Yet the economic size of road racing in North America is relatively small compared to Europeans and Japanese. Therefore it will not be a worthwhile investment to do so. At least for a couple of years.

[@frankxaoz1286]

Fun fact on that 06’ season… Troy led more laps in the season than Hayden. Troy only race on the last race of the season, he went from start to finish in the lead at Valencia

[@jenpsakiscousin4589]

The American riders in the 70s 80s 90s came from dirt track. The 500cc bikes of GP required a rider to be comfortable at sliding the rear and steering with the throttle, point and shoot style. A dirt tracker has these skills as muscle memory from the dirt track. Todays bikes a totally different and to be fast requires a different technique.

[@BarryMergen]

Great analysis! Finally someone on KZbin that actually gets it right! I truly don’t understand why our most talented riders just can’t get to terms with the ultra stiff Moto2 bikes!

[@nickarnold8417]

We don't have nearly enough childhood motorcycle programs or following in USA to be competitive. My state only has ONE track. Italians, Spaniards, and Europeans start much earlier with professional training and have a MUCH larger following. I wish it wasn't the case so I could get my son started.

[@TheInfantry98]

Are you a millionaire ? If no then completely forget it

[@nickarnold8417]

@@TheInfantry98 that expensive ey??

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

It’s strange how we have ZERO american sport bikes outside of buell in this massive country and we cant build a sport/motor GP bike. But we can build Lemans winning corvettes and ford GTs

[@avijitchander]

Audio is peaking too much, Kindly look into it for your next video

[@Gawernator]

Great video! The lack of sponsorship is really hurting a lot of MotoAmerica riders

[@mylexicon2]

The DMG era is misunderstood and improperly characterized by most fans. The balance of performance rules and eligible equipment list DMG imposed is very similar to the current FIM rules for Superbike and Supersport, though DMG was balancing bikes without the benefit of throttle by wire. The DMG rules were characterized as NASCAR hillbilly racing by the American marketing executives at the Japanese distributors who were accustomed to running the show and controlling the rulebook. They were not happy to see DMG in charge, and some of them had lingering personal animus towards Roger Edmondson for conflicts that occurred decades before DMG took over AMA Pro. The decline of US presence in Grand Prix is complex and multi-faceted. The US has philosophical differences with Europe, preferring to protect the notion of sport by restricting technical sophistication. The old AMA tried to ban traction control and focus on rider ability. Furthermore, the old AMA was an infomercial that required perpetual sales increases to operate. That ended abruptly in 2008 with the global financial crisis. Since the US emphasizes sales in motorsport, the lack of sales is drastically reducing interest in US road racing. In Europe it seems that motorsport has a looser affiliation with sales volume. Lastly, Superbike and GP are divergent. In the golden era, riders could jump between series. Today, the bikes are too different. GP bikes are too stiff and technically specialized. Superbike-based national series struggle to make GP riders.

[@paultruesdale7680]

The Americans have only had limited participation in recent years , only finding rides in WSBK and championship support classes. I was disappointed that Garrett Gerloff did not get offered the number two in the works BMW next Toprak Razgatlioglu, he had a superb season the year before. I had the opportunity to see Pat Hennen race back in the day along with the likes on Baker , Robert’s and Mamola. It was cool to see the yellow and black livery of Robert’s against the red and black of Baker. The Americans brought a larger than life persona to the paddock, having only seen Americans on tv at that point in my life. The racing today has a lot to thank the Americans for in its professionalism and better safety standards and better pay for the riders. The safety and organization was amateur before Barry Sheene and Kenny Robert’s formed the riders collective. The Americans brought motor homes and proper facilities for the mechanics. I hope Moto America can build a solid foundation and attract attention for the present and new generation of riders capable of competing in the MotoGP and WSBK championships.

[@lorentzinvariant7348]

You are right about Gerloff. He crushed the 2023 season. He was consistently the top BMW rider that year. Sometimes by a good margin. He was also on pole once. I was disappointed they didn’t put him next to Toprak too.

[@aydinvideo]

Well made video- sub'd.

[@paultruesdale7680]

There also used to be the trans Atlantic races, mixing Americans against the Commonwealth riders, it would be cool to see Moro America riders against British Superbike, Canadian Superbike and Australian Superbike, surely then any of the top riders would be recognized and possibly picked up for MotoGP.

[@DigitalTarmac1]

I remember the level of AMA was so high in the 2000's Neil Hodgeson as a recent WSB champion didn't do a great deal. Champion Ben Spies went on to win WSB in his rookie season before moving up to Moto GP.

[@anditard]

If I remember after schwants and rayney. Only kochinski shows promise to be a world champ. The regeneration really dried up from the 90's

[@morri03]

Junior won in 2000

[@dediman47]

​@@morri03and Hayden in 2006

[@owengarnett1008]

I left US pro racing in '08 for the same reason. Haven't been to a Superbike race since.

[@BrokeLifeEU]

This is such a good channel! Thank you for a great video yet again!

[@victormaholik594]

There are kids riding in Europe as children, they far more developed and have far more experience on bikes.

[@HoodlumMoto]

Great video!!! There is a reason why the Italians and Spanish rule grand prix racing. They are starting with minimoto and then progressing through the classes. So comparing them to a usa rider will never be equal. They could literally have 5+ more years of road racing experience against the other best riders in the world. The pros (VR46 Academy) still frequently run the trainer bikes at cart tracks and help young riders. Same thing with supermoto. Marquez brothers have been doing the same thing as well at indoor dirt tracks in Spain. I know that an AMA Superbike champ went to a cart track in Mississippi to play supermoto for some light training almost 20 years ago but he's the only one I know. I currently only know of a couple usa kids that have a similar path. But the real problem is once you get to the top, you have to keep progressing. New styles, new bikes, new tires, etc. and some people can do this on their own but it will always be easier with a group. You will never know how fast you are until you play with the big boys and that is what VR46 does all the time. Rossi said a decade ago that "Pecco was coming" after he destroyed them all on pocketbikes. For those of you that don't know and for most humans that is the closest we'll ever get to riding a grand prix bike. Every weekend they are all home you have 10-15 world champions together working on different aspects of racing and fitness. In the end it is an argument that cannot be won. But it is fun. MotoGP is run by the Spanish and only a blind and deaf person wouldn't know that. All the journalist and commentators push Spanish riders above all others. Could you imagine if a usa rider was given the kind of treatment they receive. John Hopkins tucked the front in a turn 1 incident years ago taking out another rider and was penalized and fined. That same rider did it to him a few races prior with no consequences. Spain's golden boy has knocked down more riders than Ernie McCracken has knocked down bowling pins and the media laugh and joke about how that is racing until someone bitch slaps him back to his place. Maybe you remember or maybe not but there was the a guy named Marco Simoncelli years ago who rode the same way but he was constantly complained about by Spanish riders so Dorna was always on his back about aggressive riding. Joe Roberts is fluchenfast - hoodlum

[@fepatton]

Very interesting! I watched Nicky (RIP!) race in at Laguna Seca over several years, but lost interest in motorcycle racing after I hung up my own boots. I've started watching again recently and was wondering what happened to the American contingent!

[@terryhunt2659]

John, your chart at 5:26 is a projection for investment in the period 2022-2032 showing a trend exactly opposite to the period after 2008 that you're actually narrating. Doesn't really work.

[@giganoob1968]

The American superbikes are too restricted to train the riders for MotoGP. Additionally, the Europeans come across as educated, they all can speak 3 languages, the American sound like hick compared to them. Finally, the Americans can't stand the pace and after about a third through the season they quit. And you can't forget the insurance costs of having a sports bike, nobody hardly buys them anymore, so who learns to ride?

[@lorddrac_dontaskmetodance]

Sounds like slander to me. American superbikes are not restricted; they're just different bikes. Secondly, language has nothing to do with it; most areas of MotoGP, the paddock, the media, anything else that matters, etc. is spoken in English. Thirdly; name a rider from America that had quit in the middle of the season. Even if you can name one ever, he was also most likely a champion in MotoGP, because we historically didn't have many riders and yet we've had multiple champions with multiple championships. Lastly, a lot of Americans are buying sports bikes; they just prefer to ride it recreationally.

[@giganoob1968]

the Yamaha rider Josh Harran, he lasted about 3 months in Moto2. He was an American Superbike champion, but a nobody in Europe. He was no Wayne Rainey

[@rowdstar]

The US would need the number of racetracks in the country to triple. First problem to solve is simply making places to race accessible and visible for kids.

[@rapid13]

It’s no mystery. MotoGP changed the bikes to emphasize a riding style better suited to Euro racers than the dirt track style that allowed American riders to dominate for over a decade.

[@itafaber]

Well.. no. Riders that are able to dirt track are still the best in motogp. Look at hte Marquez training style or VR46 Academy. They know that they can do a difference only knowing how to manage a bike with the wrist over the electronics. This is why some of them are still the best after years. Even on asphalt circuits, prototypes need to be driven with gas

[@rapid13]

@@itafaber Well…yes. Being “able” to ride on the dirt and being a dirt tracker are not even close to the same thing. None of the current crop of GP riders could hang with US dirt trackers right now (and the same is true in the other direction), but back in the 2 smoker era the top GP racers won dirt track events (and championships) regularly _before_ moving to the GP circuit. The last true dirt tracker to win a ‘ship was Nicky Hayden, and even then he had to change his riding style to keep the wheels in line more than he was accustomed to. Spanish control of MotoGP rules forced changes to the bikes that specifically disadvantaged US riders in favor of Euro riders. It’s not a secret.

[@itafaber]

​@@rapid13 I can't respond as I'm not a dirt tracker rider so I guess you're right says that the current training mode is not even closer to the US dirt track style. I cannot agree with your writing about the specific disadvantage to US riders, because what really happened was that Italy and Spain has really developed something that no other thought to be useful or even needed. It's the same thing that Honda and Yamaha are saying now that they are not the best anymore. They didn't notice that the wind has changed years ago. Everyone who wants to ride prototypes is going to Spain because they have the most competitive championship on that bikes. This championship was made from scratch in late '90 to beat Americans AND Australians that were dominating the championship. Australians were able to hear the bell and some of them came in Europe to train themself, americans didn't. I don't know why. I don't know why they didn't build up a competitive championship in US or developed a competitive alternative. Now US has a guy that is promising, we'll see where he will go

[@rapid13]

@@itafaber Convenient of you to skip the move to 800cc bikes driven by Dorna which owns MotoGP. The winds didn't change, Dorna decided to blow the other way. That Spanish championship from the 90's? Didn't do much until the switch to 800's in 2007, did it? And even then you had to wait for Rossi to get old. The only way to beat the Americans was to change the rules. Rossi, bless him, made the transition. US riders didn't. One Aussie did.

[@miroslavm2553]

It is a real shame that we don’t have a representative in Moto GP, neither than in WSBK and F1 for many years. It is too bad we can’t just identify as a “motorcycle racer” and get on a race bike. 😂

[@YouT860]

😂

[@FenderMarko47]

Nope, its a safety thing, if none of you are any good then you're not worth paying are you?

[@taylorhorner1065]

Actually you can do exactly that. You just won't be in MotoGP

[@DroneStrike1776]

Hey, everyone else is identifying as someone else these days, so I wanna identify as Pecco's older and faster brother. Maybe I'll get a seat on a Ducati GP25.

[@DroneStrike1776]

​@@FenderMarko47it's a joke dude. "I identify as........".

[@ssamirye7259]

Hit the breaks a little on your delivery, sounds like speed reading. We got time on our hands.

[@gloriathomas3245]

Cam was the best shot ever since Spies retired to have an American back on the grid however I blame Yamaha for prioritizing Vinales over Cam. Now some people would say that Joe Roberts is the next big opportunity but I beg to differ. Like I said that ship done sailed when Yamaha decided to sideline Cam.

[@jpesicka492]

They are too busy going 140mph down the freeway on their Hayabusa to know about real racers like MotoGP.

[@philipkeohane2652]

200+mph ; we have bigger freeways ;)

[@ncjay08]

America is a different place than Europe. Americans don't find their way to F1 very often, either. It seems to me the Europeans are just much more serious and focused on motorsports. For an American to go racing in Europe is a pretty big hurdle all by itself. All of a sudden, you're seeing tracks for the first time that other riders have been on all their lives. I grew up in Connecticut. There were many car racing tracks within an hour or two of my house. The nearest track capable of motorcycle racing was 3 to 4 hours away. Now I live in Charlotte, NC. There's one track out near the coast and one track in South Carolina. VIR is also not that far away. The lack of places to race makes it hard just to get going as an amateur.

[@noodle3384]

its ok im finding the motoamerica series to be a fun watch.

[@grayknight836]

It’s simple there’s no more CBS Worldwide Sports. Motorcycle racing isn’t even aired in the states much. The youth isn’t cycling and then eventually motorcycling. They’re too busy playing video games 🎮.

[@StanleyKubick1]

you don't think european kids are playing video games?

[@jimdiamond8246]

It's because if you don't have an Spanish or Italian passport you don't get onto any of the top teams .just look at what happened to Remy Gardner.

[@kadasrichard]

Yeah it is sad. Dorna has been prefering the Spanish,and the Italians have always been a motorcycle nation. Dorna also curiously dropped the rookie rule when Marc Marquez came to GP. I personally would like to see a good American or Australian rider. GP nowadays feels more like a Nations cup.

[@ivangarciaferrer4921]

Dorna is doing everything to promote other countries, they even created the asian cup, and push David Alonso to take the Colombian nationallity instead of representing Spain, its hard to develope youth when you dont have racetracks with FIM rules, the only one is Austin. And US has a lot more money than Italy and Spain to built tracks, they are just not interested.

[@jamesodonoghue]

Great content. Sad American's can't compete these days. I thought Ben Spies would have a better time in GP. I don't see why many of the more successful US riders can't make a good start in Moto3 then work their way up.

[@pantera29palms]

Nicky Hayden is a true American Hero along with Wayne Rainey.

[@paultruesdale7680]

Don’t forget Wayne Gardner 1987 500cc world champion and Barry Sheene 1976-77 500cc world champion.

[@morri03]

They aren’t American

[@SuperbikeJohn]

Err, Wayne's Australian, and Barry was British...Great riders though!

[@paultruesdale7680]

I’m aware that they are not American, but you failed to mention them while you were reciting the dictation. You started with the late Pat Hennan then went on chronologically mentioning all the champions, missing Sheene and Gardner. You mentioned that Doohan was the one to break up the American domination. I just wanted them mentioned, that’s all.

[@paultruesdale7680]

I’m aware of that.

[@graemesydney38]

Its going to be hard to beat the Spanish - they junior racing is deep and competitive, and formative. They, closely followed by the Italians, are the benchmark for any nation who want a world motorcycling champ in any class.

[@morri03]

What are you talking about? The last 3 titles have been been won by an Italian and a Frenchman. So no Spanish domination

[@ParallelTwinWings]

audio is bad.

[@william5159]

I heard a chronology, but not sure I heard a “strange reason why”…? Maybe I missed it. Listen again tomorrow.

[@stephankl632]

We are all waiting for American riders coming back to MotoGP and Superbike. Its a must for the series that Americans are joining again. USA has such a great history on superb riders. US bring your talents back 👍

[@fristytron]

Easy answer for USA vs Spain + Italy: We mediterraneans, have good weather all year long, going from A to B in 2 wheels is in our culture.

[@jrock9687]

Sean Dylan Kelly was a superstar talent here in The State and looked uber promising. Won MotoAmerica SuperSport Championship straight to Moto2. But things just never evolved? And we are going to hold our breath with F1/Liberty Media management being 'Pro American'. Look at how they are treating the Andretti family & General Motors trying to make their way into F1. They are all about venues, marketing and profit, not the drivers/riders nationalities.

[@Juaza]

A question for those who think electronics babysit the riders and that makes them inferior to 500cc riders (or any 2-stroke class): If modern machines are so easy to control, why do you need literally decades of experience to be competitive? If these bikes vary the power output depending on the turn they are at each track (therefore having autopilot when compared to a NSR500), why don't we have many more riders getting 100% out of the bikes? C'mon, you just need to floor it and GPS and TC will do the rest. Heck, these toys even change ride height on the go, they drive themselves! Jokes aside, motorcycling is like any elite sport: if you want to have world class competitors you need to invest in them. Raw talent without preparation is not enough, and nowadays a tenth of a second later is too late

[@highdadd6526]

Nobody said they were easy, but they are much easier to ride than they used to be, just like race cars were much harder to drive than today's, it's simply moderation, nothing more, nothing less.

[@DrtyALGreen]

I think it boils down to our series here not being a good feeder system anymore but mainly that our riders are soft. Theyd rather make 100k here while being on the podium than going around the world and being uncomfortable. The kind of stuff that pays of when you do get to MotoGP. Also only one or two manufacturers always win the titles and the AMA is incompetent and sides with manufacturers over even their own interests.

[@fjp3305]

I remember when the Daytona 200 race was a top level event. Now it's nothing.

[@everss02]

road racing is too expensive here, for a kid to get any time they need to start on dirt, tracks are disappearing all the time.

[@80z1r]

There are far more factors contributing to the decline of Americans rockin' in Motogp/WorldSbk then mentioned in these comments. For starters let's look at young folks: Too much time on cellphones at any young age, too much time in front of the television. Easy access to illicit drugs and alcohol. The rise in broken families, single parent households, and kids raising kids. Go through darn near any suburban or rural community and what do you not see? Kids out riding their bicycles, playing pickup games> football on a side lot, boys chasing girls, putting on the gloves for some street boxing, working on and riding a mini bike or go cart. Where to ride is disappearing or access is getting more restricted, dragstrips are shutting down across the country same as dirt tracks, why is that?> cost($), noise, vandalism, greed, etc. etc.. I have not begun to scratch the surface yet. BUT there maybe a place where to tap the next American superbike superstar, Any HOOD USA, them streetz'. I do believe there is a diamond in the rough amongst the masses.

[@BikeStandByMe]

In the 70s and the 80s kids road and raced more than they do today. Now it’s all scooters and video games.

[@taylorhorner1065]

Hot take here. Man blames the kids.

[@jackmorrison8269]

Your talking kids or adults??? 😂 👍

[@StarkRaven59]

Scooters and video games are what people can afford. If the question is, "why aren't people doing [X] or buying [X]", it's because they can't afford it. Economy's messed up, dude. And that hurts racing.

[@basedgodstrugglin]

Before the video started I assumed it was the ladder system here yet you managed to blame it on video games, that’s incredible.

[@mikepalmer1971]

Being able to afford it is a huge factor as well.

[@StarkRaven59]

Arguably the biggest reason the US is lagging behind is the economy. The middle class is generally where the race fans are. It used to be where the racers were. The middle class is suffering in the US. That means less disposable income, which means less money for watching races, or going racing. A double-edged sword that cuts sponsorship, and reduces the talent pool. Which also reduces the quality of the racing, which reduces interest in the sport and series.

[@I_Evo]

You're talking about the last 2 or 3 years there, how about the previous 10 plus years? And you don't think the rest of the world has suffered with high inflation, vastly increased prices for everything from food, to fuel, to energy.

[@ileutur6863]

This would make sense if the middle class wasn't disappearing everywhere. Its not a US problem, inflation has fucked Europe hard too

[@juanrodriguez-ry6yt]

you think the economy in Spain or Italy is in better shape?

[@deanbrantley]

It has very little to do with inflation. More so us Americans have gotten beyond lazy. I see more kids riding ebikes than regular pedal bikes, if they arent sititng on the newest phone trying to figure out how to be an influencer they are eating every carb they can find. Its a sad state Usa is in amd getting worse.

[@StarkRaven59]

@@deanbrantley Okay, boomer.

[@lesteubes-r1t]

Moto GP is now so specialised the only way to get there is via GP3 and GP2. Transitioning from Superbikes to MotoGP is becoming well nigh impossible because the bikes are so different. Thus, the sport now exists almost entirely for Spanish and Italian riders (with their schools and development programmes). It will kill or marginalise the sport.

[@rooster72886]

Eddie lawson and nick hayden made a name for themselves in motogp plus if we started developing kids at 5 like europe does bet your ass with the right bike and crew a American would be crown champion but remember the loosest nut on a motorcycle is the one holding the handle bars

[@DigitalTarmac1]

Unfortunately Joe Roberts isn't good enough to be in Moto GP. Every full time rider on the MotoGP grid has had at least one standout ride in the class. As in they have had a pole position, lead a race etc. The only rider that hasn't is Pedro Acosta's team mate Augusto Fernandez. Augusto is almost 2 full seasons in and to be honest if he doesn't do something pretty impressive in the last 3 rounds of the season I would say he shouldn't be in the class. Fernandez came in as a reigning Moto 2 champion!! I think the level in Moto GP is now so high that if you haven't had a World Superbike or Moto 2 title in the past 2 seasons you shouldn't be able to go into that class. Quartararo and Mir etc can't help being on poor machinery but the last thing the class needs is sub par riders like Bradley Smith rolling around in 15th clogging up decent bikes that could have good riders on them.

[@Rycerz49]

I love MotoGP…but every time I see 5 Spaniards and 3 Italians in the top ten i see why MotoGP doesn’t have a bigger world following. We need more Americans, British, Japanese, Australians..more everything apart from these two nations.

[@KushLemon]

Cry some more.

[@FedericoLucchi]

Italians and Spaniards love and enjoy MotoGP. They also don't complain that there aren't enough Europeans in top fuel drag racing. What I'm trying to say is, let's enjoy the sport that is tailored to our taste. USA doesn't need to be everywhere and win everything.

[@jaiman3107]

Come’on Joe Roberts… we need you now!

[@cmdr.sypher1820]

I grew up with Eddie Lawson telling folks to not even show up if you cant steer with the rear wheel and didn't have a six axes IMU to do it for him. A bigger question for me is why isnt there an American Motorcycle Manufacturer kicking Ducati's ass. King of the baggers is nice but I own one but where's the kick ass American made moto GP bike? You dont think sales would be good, I own it and people would wait in line to ride it at home and in competition!

[@scottanderson4175]

MotoAmerica focuses on Baggers and hooligans instead of bringing riders through to the world stage 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@christianhardwick6530]

Colin Edward , Ben Spies Hopkins ,

[@gasracing5000]

The decrease in american tallent and rise of european tallent took place at the same time. I blame Rossi for the European rise. He was a role model to Spanish and Italian kids and his popularity helped breed the new generation of europeans that are currently ruleing the sport. I blame the American media, culture and motorcycle industry for the downfall of american tallent, not the just DMG (F DMG, all they did was damage the sport, but it is their initials, what did we expect?) Go into any class room and ask the kids, who thinks motorcycles are cool? Who wants to go fast on a motorcycle? Today in America, maybe 3 boys and 3 girls, the rough ones, will raise thier hands. In the 80s ask the same question and every boy in the class would start hootin and bouncing about. It is not just about motorcycles, it's a lack of risk taking mentality and general mindset of the public. It's also the bikes that appeal to Americans. Kids see fat guys on harleys and those are the biker role models. Not exactly inspiring the next next generation of motorcycle racers. Go into a spanish or italian class room and ask the same question... you will hear chanting and fanatisim... It will take 15 years to put competitive americans back in motoGP and thats if we change the publics opinion now. (Yes, I know joe is going, but hes not going to be world champion. That and he's literally the only candidate, we have no other viable future prospects.)

[@Zeta9465]

audio is terrible

[@kfmathew]

Erm.....maybe because for Americans, "racing" only means going straight and turning left?

[@KushLemon]

😂😂😂

[@astrochronos9326]

Need some new music John, having the same song obviously pause and then loop is so distracting

[@alex-E7WHU]

Distinct lack of Spaniards at the IOM TT though..

[@fulldrawscarps730]

We do have joe Robert's in moto2 he come up to motogp next year or following

[@NudaMan]

Yeah I was about to say, and the new USA Aprilia MotoGP team, this video is bs lol

[@FurryestX]

If joe robberts has hood results maybe track house can sign him up

[@Icem4n84]

Hopefully Joe Roberts will come up and do well. It needs more nationalities in there.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Yes, that is the result of a sport becoming a boardroom choice. The sport dies.

[@frankxaoz1286]

Easy, traction control. Murikans like to slide amd rise in a controlled/out of control motorcycle. Heck I heard, John K said he would lightly high side his bike on the laguna cork screw to make that drop fast. CRAZY

[@viarnay]

MotoGP bikes are insanely overpowered, around 300 bhp and 155 kg and only the rear wheel to push..

[@x_mau9355]

The new people prefers wheelies, stunts and such instead of just go fast.

[@kaismith-tx3gz]

he may not be in MotoGP but hes in moto2. joe roberts!!

[@geraldselvey7687]

Silly really. To keep the competition amongst European only riders is really limiting marketing opportunities

[@viarnay]

that's fake..Moto GP roster has people from all over the world..

[@louismartin4446]

I don’t see many europeans excelling in Football, Hockey, Baseball, basketball….uhm….but Americans are trying it all!

[@itafaber]

you're right, except for Basketball where I see a lot of euopeans playing in nba 🙂

[@louismartin4446]

@@itafaber sure but it’s a numbers game..and those Europeans come to America to compete with the best….Same with Hockey, Baseball, Football. USA lacks a wide-spread development program for motorcycle racing- just like the Europeans lack it for the North American-based sports

[@ROBERTSMITH-io7tb]

Well Dorna is a Spanish organisation, coupled with Italian motorcycles means MotoGP is Dominated by Spanish and Italian riders, then of course there's always a token Japanese rider and then we're are just relying on KTM to throw in the odd wild card International, it really is a centralised European championship and even Britain have been kept well out of it, Nicky Hayden was the last American to win a GP title almost 20 years ago and with only 2 race wins in 2006 and only 3 GP career wins in total, I'm not trying to take anything away from Nicky Hayden but but did he really win the championship or did Rossi and Yamaha just lose it?

[@59vaughn]

French fries, quarter pounders and drag racing...

[@rodya_malverde]

We just dont have the system to groom young riders like they do in europe. Theres no money invested in bringing up that talent. A lot of kids start as dirt trackers and that move into road racing can be succesful, but with the modern bikes and tech behind it, that transition is way more difficult than it was. Modern road racing is an entirely different beast.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

I'm sure America is great at grooming.

[@fjp3305]

Probably video games are to blame, and not only in motorcycle racing.

[@busyguy925]

Same reason there are no or few Spanish NBA players , priorities

[@jamesgeorge4874]

Because it's the F1 of motorcycle racing, and requires $$$$$$ to make the events, even national racing in America requires that, and MGP is international....

[@I_Evo]

And the US is the richest country in the world with more billionaires per capita than anywhere else. Someone needs to ask why nearly all branches of US motorsports struggle to keep and maintain both large corporate and 'sugar daddy' sponsors.