American stars welcome Texas announcement
The Circuit of The Americas will host the elite series on April 21, joining Laguna Seca and Indianapolis as MotoGP continues to enhance its profile in the USA.
Factory Ducati rider Hayden, the 2006 world champion, said he was looking forward to competing at the new circuit in Austin.
“It's great for riders and fans to have another MotoGP event in the United States, and the Circuit of The Americas will give us a chance to expose more of our home-grown fan base to MotoGP in an up-close-and-personal way,” he said.
“I love competing at new, fresh tracks and am really looking forward to racing at the Austin circuit.”
Texan Ben Spies is equally thrilled by the announcement and like Hayden is relishing the opportunity to challenge for honours at his home event.
“Who wouldn't be excited to have a MotoGP race in their home state?” said Spies.
“I hope all of my CMRA, WERA and AMA racing friends and family storm the track. It will be so easy for me to cruise down to Circuit of The Americas from my house in Dallas.”
Veteran racer Colin Edwards, who has been spearheading NGM Forward Racing's CRT project this season, said the move underlines the efforts being made to expand the appeal of MotoGP in America.
“Adding a race to the US schedule makes a statement that MotoGP is working to expand its influence on American soil,” he said.
“The best way to grow our sport is to add races, and with events on the East and West Coasts—and now one in Middle America—it's the perfect opportunity for more fans to see us in action,” added Edwards, who lives two hours away from the new circuit at Conroe in Texas, near Houston.
“Plus, my family is really looking forward to jumping in a pick-up truck and driving up to Austin to see me compete.”
