Colin Fraser: MotoGP Pre-Show Circuit of the Americans, Austin, Texas

The first on-track activity for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americans in Austin, Texas, involved action at the venue’s parking lot Go-Kart track for MiniGP Ohvale racers. The focus was on the new Ohvale American importer, former MotoGP star John Hopkins. The American ace has always taken an interest in the smaller racers, and now is directly involved in one of the lower rungs of the established “roads to MotoGP.”

American distributor John Hopkins talks to media with MX legend Ryan Villopoto in background.

Many of the stars from the MotoGP paddock attended the event, and some even took to the track. Hopkins, a long time Monster Energy ambassador, also plays a central roll for the American Racing Moto2 squad. American Racing currently field Kalex-Triumphs for American Joe Roberts and Spain’s Marcos Ramirez.

Most prominent of the visiting dignitaries was former MotoGP, World Superbike and AMA Pro Superbike Star turned broadcaster Neil Hodgson. Shooting for British television, 2003 Ducati World Superbike Champ Hodgson had a full crew on hand and competed in the demonstration competition at the end of the program, including an interview on the grid pre-race!

Former MotoGP, WorldSBK and AMA star Neil Hodgson.

On hand from Canada were Ben Hardwick and his family, the Sudbury-based racer a front runner in the Canadian MiniGP for the past two year and a Canadian representative at the Valencia MotoGP-support Ohvale MiniGP World Finals last November. Canadian organizer Toni Sharpless was in the Ohvale entourage, visiting with organizers from both the American and World Championship Series.

2024 COTA Thursday Ohvale event AMA staffer and FIM Official Bill Cumbo chats with Canadian Hall of Famer and MiniGP organizer Toni Sharpless at the Ohvale launch event.

The demo event was won by Hardwick, who took it easy early, as did several of the adults ex-racers who joined the field. On the last lap, Hardwick diced with former mini-cycle star Hopkins and Australian Moto3 World Championship racer Joel Kelso, the Canuk earning the victory.

Ben Hardwick gets ready to race at COTA.

“Yeah, didn’t really know what to expect from the race,” explained Hardwick to the British television crew. “I didn’t know how much of a demo it was going to be, but it really turned into more of a race. It’s great to get out and ride after the winter, and get to ride with famous racers like that.”