Experiencing MotoGP

• May 9, 2013
• Story By
  KOLAB

MotoGP, it’s the epitome of motorcycle road racing. Its vibrant history spans over 60 years, and has taken place in just about every corner of the world. Italy, Great Britain, Spain, the USA and Australia are just a few of the nations that have summated race victories and world titles. Just last year, more than two million people moved through various circuit gates to watch this phenomenal event. In addition to the Moto GP class there also are two additional ultra-competitive categories, the Moto3 (formerly 125cc) and Moto2 (formerly 250cc). Each category has their own races during every Grand Prix - meaning that by the end of season, three World Champions are crowned. Moto GP races are held less frequently in North America vs. European nations, but as luck would have it, I was allowed the privilege of experiencing the debut Red Bull Moto GP at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. In my previous life, I was an avid motorcycle rider in the DC Metro area - riding religiously each day of summer. I was a borderline fanatic, going so far as ditching friends and parties just to get out and ride (Note to my friends if you’re reading…this is awkward, I’m sorry.) So when this opportunity came up, I didn’t take even a second to decide I was going. Thanks to Red Bull for extending me the opportunity to attend this amazing race, and of course to share it with each of  you. Upon arriving, we headed over to the practice races as quickly as we could after checking into our hotel. Even for these practice runs, 26,235 fans showed up to watch. After watching a few passes, we were allowed an inside access tour of the track. This provided us a glimpse, from the paddock to garages, of how Red Bull prepped their racing machines. If motorcycles were sex, this would be the Playboy mansion. Being a rider, it took every ounce of energy to maintain my composure. It was awe inspiring to look at the engineering and art behind these machines. From the tower overlooking the entire course, to the F1 simulators - this place was a dream. As we neared the final stretch of our tour of the entire facility, it was clear that things were already underway outside. The sound of the crowd roared, as the smell of fuel and rubber drifted into the hot air. It was time... As racing progressed throughout the weekend, energy never let up as bikes lit up the track. Speeding past, you could see various bikes of all makes and models, from Ducatis to Yamahas. All in all, a crowd of over 131,000 gathered to watch. Attending my first MotoGP race was a dream come true. This is an incredible event to be a spectator at…if you ever get the chance, I suggest you jump on it! - Love Rapaval