MotoGP is accelerating its efforts to expand its footprint in the United States, and according to Dan Rossomondo, Dorna Sports’ Chief Commercial Officer, those efforts are paying off. “I definitely feel like we’re making headway,” Rossomondo told Sports Business Journal.

Since joining Dorna in 2022, Rossomondo—a seasoned executive who previously led global marketing and media at the NBA—has been pivotal in MotoGP’s strategic push to capture the hearts of American motorsport fans. The initiative comes at a time when Formula 1 has gained significant popularity in the U.S., hosting three races annually since 2023.

A Changing Landscape for MotoGP in America

In years past, MotoGP made multiple stops in the U.S., with three American rounds in 2013 alone. Today, however, the series has scaled back to a single annual visit at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Talks are underway to add a second U.S. race, but logistical challenges, including MotoGP’s stringent safety requirements, have slowed progress.

Rossomondo acknowledged these challenges but emphasized the series’ commitment to finding alternative ways to grow its presence. “Our tracks require specific safety considerations, so we can’t quickly go from one to three races,” he said. “But we’re making progress in other areas to achieve that growth.”

Growing Recognition and Fan Engagement

Rossomondo highlighted the increasing awareness of MotoGP among American audiences. “The number of people saying, ‘I’d never heard of your sport 12 months ago, and now I watch it,’ is growing,” he noted. “We’re also uncovering a surprising number of ‘closet’ MotoGP fans.”

These gains align with broader efforts to enhance MotoGP’s brand visibility. Last year, the series introduced a refreshed logo aimed at strengthening its global identity. Additionally, the upcoming 2025 season launch event in Thailand on February 9 underscores MotoGP’s commitment to engaging fans worldwide.

Strategic Partnership

In 2024, MotoGP welcomed a U.S.-owned team into its paddock when Trackhouse Racing took over operations from RNF. This addition marked a significant step in the sport’s American evolution.

Meanwhile, Dorna’s acquisition by Liberty Media is expected to further MotoGP’s U.S. expansion efforts once regulatory approval is secured. Liberty’s expertise in building F1’s presence in America could be pivotal for MotoGP.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season approaches, Rossomondo is optimistic about MotoGP’s trajectory in the United States. “You’ll see a lot of the fruits of our labor this year,” he said. With strategic branding, increasing fan engagement, and ongoing efforts to add more U.S. races, MotoGP is clearly striving for growth in the market.