US motor racing team Trackhouse Racing has announced its entry into motorcycle racing, joining the top-tier MotoGP grid for the first time ahead of the 2024 season. 

The Trackhouse Racing MotoGP team joins as an independent team, serving as a partner of the Aprilia team and constructor, which is headquartered in Italy.

Trackhouse was formed out of the joint venture partnership between US racing driver and entrepreneur Ryan Marks, and US rapper Pitbull.

Trackhouse will run Aprilia’s prototypes in its races, with its two bikes piloted by Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez.

Carlos Ezpelete, chief sporting officer at MotoGP’s promoter Dorna Sports, said: “In the most competitive era the sport has ever seen, it’s even more vital than ever to have strong independent teams on the grid with solid projects.”

“Trackhouse working with Aprilia, who will offer extensive support, is a really exciting prospect too. The RS-GP is a winning motorcycle and the combination of the bike, factory, and Trackhouse’s approach with this team is something super exciting for MotoGP fans everywhere.”

Aprilia chief executive Massimo Rivola added: “[Aprilia and Trackhouse] were immediately in sync both in terms of technical ambitions and marketing and communication developments in such an important market as the US. Our commitment will increase significantly, a responsibility we gladly take on because I am sure, it will allow us to grow even more.”

Trackhouse Racing replaces Malaysian team RNF Racing, which was not selected for participation in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship after being found to have breached the championship’s participation agreement multiple times.  

Trackhouse has raced in US stock car racing’s iconic elite competition NASCAR since 2020, where it has raced in the NASCAR Cup series with factory parts provided by Chevrolet.

The brand has competed in 108 races, scoring six victories, and was sponsored by whiskey brand Howler Head ahead of the 2022 season.