Texas to Host MotoGP in 2013

3FourTexasMGP, Full Throttle Productions and Dorna Sports have agreed to bring the MotoGP World Championship to the Circuit of the Americas racetrack which is currently in construction in Austin. All three classes, the premier MotoGP class, the Moto2 class and the Moto3 class (set to replace the 125cc class in 2012) will compete at the Circuit of the Americas beginning in 2013.

We are delighted to be adding the Circuit of the Americas to the MotoGP calendar, says Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive officer of Dorna Sports. Its an honour to expand our Championship to Texas, which has a rich history of producing World Championship riders. We have had a wonderful and special relationship with Kevin (Schwantz) for 20 years and often talked about a mutual dream of increasing the popularity of MotoGP in the U.S. and raising our already successful worldwide profile. Now, with what Tavo Hellmund (Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions) is doing in Austin, we have realized that situation and are looking forward to this new venture together. The ten-year agreement is a sign of our confidence and commitment to the future success of MotoGP racing in Austin.

Texas has produced several world-class racers, including Schwantz, the 1993 World Champion, and current MotoGP racers Ben Spies and Colin Edwards.

For me this is a dream come true, that the MotoGP World Championship will be in my home state of Texas, says Schwantz, manager of 3FourTexasMGP. I am such a believer in the sport and know how popular motorcycling is in Texas. I am sure that this will be a resounding long term success.

Austin will be the third U.S. stop on the MotoGP tour, joining Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., and Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca brought MotoGP to the United States in 2005 and we welcome the addition of a third venue in anticipation of expanding the World Championship to a broader audience, says Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Theres no denying that our countrys and states economic condition the past two years has hindered attendance growth. I am hopeful that this expansion into a new demographic is a sign that fans and corporate sponsors are intensifying their support of the worlds best motorcycle racers.