British rider Scott Redding, competing in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK), has publicly accused Dorna, the commercial rights holder, of prioritizing MotoGP at the expense of WorldSBK’s growth. His comments, made in early 2024, highlight concerns about how the series is promoted and managed, raising questions about the MotoGP impact on WorldSBK growth.
Redding expressed disbelief and frustration over WorldSBK’s minimal promotion, stating that the series receives negligible TV coverage and almost no advertising. He suggested that Dorna deliberately sidelines WorldSBK despite the championship often delivering wilder and more exciting racing than MotoGP, potentially threatening MotoGP’s dominance by attracting fans away.
Lack of Promotion and Poor Marketing Undermining WorldSBK Visibility
According to Redding, WorldSBK’s underexposure is glaring. Aside from occasional trackside banners, he claims there is no noticeable advertising or fan engagement in local communities. This lack of visibility, he argues, stunts interest and fan growth.
“I hardly see it on TV, no fresh ads pop up,”
Redding said, highlighting the absence of a marketing push to elevate the series’ profile. This raises concerns for fans and insiders who believe the sport deserves better recognition.
Redding Highlights Calendar Issues and High Ticket Costs as Barriers
Beyond marketing, Redding criticized the WorldSBK calendar for its overemphasis on European venues, which limits the championship’s global fan base expansion. He pointed out the contradiction in branding WorldSBK a “world” championship while rarely racing outside Europe, labeling this as disrespectful and damaging to the sport’s reputation.
He also mentioned ticket prices as an obstacle for many fans, sharing an example from Indonesia, where a local admirer struggled financially to afford event entry despite working two jobs for months. Redding argues that lowering ticket prices could increase attendance and improve the atmosphere at races.
Ducati’s Call for Greater Exposure Supports Redding’s Claims
Ducati, the championship’s most successful team, has recently aligned with calls for enhanced media coverage and visibility for WorldSBK. The factory believes that increased attention benefits everyone involved, including sponsors, teams, and media representatives. This careful but firm stance underscores shared frustrations within the paddock about the current promotional approach.
WorldSBK’s Thrilling Racing Overshadowed by MotoGP’s Dominance
Despite WorldSBK offering highly competitive and thrilling races, it remains perpetually overshadowed by MotoGP. Redding’s straight-talking critique challenges this imbalance rather than accepting the status quo. His outspoken remarks have sparked debate in the motorcycling community about whether WorldSBK’s potential is being stifled to maintain MotoGP’s supremacy.
Analysts are now watching closely to see if Dorna will address these criticisms and inject new energy into WorldSBK, or if the series will continue to struggle for recognition amid MotoGP’s commanding presence.
Scott Redding’s Remarkable Career Adds Weight to His Perspective
Scott Christopher Redding, born on January 4, 1993, brings significant experience and credibility to his statements. Starting as the youngest winner in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history, he has competed at the highest levels for over a decade. Currently racing for the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team, Redding has achieved 25 career wins, 12 fastest lap awards, and has been a standout performer across 180 starts.
In the ongoing season, he ranks second in the championship standings with eight podium finishes, three race victories, and two pole positions, demonstrating both his skill and commitment to the series. His familiarity with MotoGP and WorldSBK strengthens his critique of the disparities between the two championships.
The Future of WorldSBK Hinges on Addressing Promotional and Structural Challenges
The tension highlighted by Redding exposes long-standing concerns about the MotoGP impact on WorldSBK growth. If changes are not made to improve marketing, accessibility, and international outreach, WorldSBK may continue to struggle for relevance in a sport dominated by MotoGP’s brand and resources.
Redding’s comments serve as a rallying call, pushing stakeholders and fans to demand a fairer balance that allows WorldSBK to flourish independently. How Dorna and the wider motorcycling community respond over the next seasons could shape the future landscape of global motorcycle racing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. It’s unfortunate, but entertainment is more popular than sports, so MotoGP is trying to benefit from this trend. However, the current MotoGP doesn’t have personalities that make it exciting enough for entertainment.
Q. Why isn’t MotoGP popular?
A. Motorcycle racing isn’t as popular as football. Most people, about 90%, don’t feel connected to it, even with heavy advertising by Liberty Media. This might work if entertainment choices were limited, but that’s not the case.
Q. Which is the fastest? MotoGP is faster. To give you an example. At the 2023 Misano MotoGP, the fastest lap time was 1:31.791 by Francesco Bagnaia with a top speed of 303.3 Km/h (188.46 mph) by Dani Pedrosa.
A. Are MotoGP bikes quicker than Superbikes?
MotoGP motorcycles usually surpass Superbikes in speed due to their advanced design and cutting-edge technology. MotoGP bikes are specifically built for racing, incorporating lightweight materials and the latest innovations in engine and aerodynamics, allowing them to reach higher top speeds and achieve faster lap times. In contrast, Superbikes are based on commercially available models and are restricted by production regulations, which can limit their maximum performance on the track.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the sole world champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1 driving, showcasing remarkable skill and courage in each sport.
