Justin Marks’ Trackhouse Racing-MotoGP Dream in Jeopardy As FIM Ousts Valentino Rossi’s Former Team

Justin Marks’ dream of owning a MotoGP team might have hit a major roadblock, with the RNF MotoGP team being shown the exit door for the 2024 season. Several reports earlier had stated that Justin Marks was eyeing the RNF team, eager to make his MotoGP ownership dream a reality. GP One had even hinted that an announcement about Trackhouse group taking over RNF Racing was on the cards. But the MotoGP Selection Committee, a trio made up of FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports, decided not to renew RNF’s contract. This turn of events could throw a wrench in the works for Justin Marks’ plans.

This decision to effectively give RNF the boot, attributed by the committee to repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement that supposedly tarnished MotoGP’s public image, comes as a shock. Especially since RNF had a contract in place that was supposed to run until 2026.

Valentino Rossi’s former team and the potential future venture of Justin Marks are navigating troubled waters

RNF Racing, where Valentino Rossi raced his final MotoGP season in 2021 with SRT, starting 18 races without a win, is facing a crisis. At the close of the 2022 season, Razlan Razali sold a 60% stake to CryptoData, shifting from Yamaha to Aprilia for engine support.

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However, the recent decision to exclude the team from next season’s lineup has likely sent ripples of concern through Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks. The team’s two grid spots and factory Aprilia backing are earmarked for NASCAR Cup team Trackhouse Racing, as part of a new satellite operation. But now, following a statement from Dorna, FIM, and IRTA, the Selection Committee is on the hunt for a new independent team to wield Aprilia machinery in the 2024 MotoGP grid. This development might prompt Justin Marks to rethink his acquisition plans.

The reasons cited for the team’s ousting are rumored to be financial woes, with debts speculated to be in the hundreds of thousands of Euros. Former team principal Razlan Razali has even acknowledged some missed payments. Sources close to the Romanian businessmen at The Race suggest they might challenge the MotoGP decision in court. However, despite everything that’s happening, can Justin Marks still find a way to break into the MotoGP scene in 2024?

Justin Marks might still get a shot at joining the MotoGP fray

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With the RNF team off the table for next season, the Trackhouse Racing crew might need to huddle up and rethink their strategy. A potential game plan could be for Justin Marks to forge ties with the RNF Racing sponsors, particularly the Aprilia team, which is already on solid ground for 2024.

The recent press release hinted at scouting for applicants to run an independent Aprilia squad next year, and it’s widely believed that Trackhouse Racing, helmed by ex-NASCAR ace Justin Marks, might be a possible name. The rider lineup is expected to stay put, with Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez having direct contracts with Aprilia, and the team staff is likely to remain unchanged.

Read More: After NASCAR Success, Trackhouse Racing Owner Justin Marks Set to Take Over Valentino Rossi’s Former Moto GP Team

So, what’s your take on this potential move by Justin Marks? If he decides to lead a brand new team, will the governing trio give the green light? Share your thoughts in the comments below.