Kevin Schwantz’s response to the Circuit of the Americas (CotA) regarding MotoGP in Texas is a strongly worded rebuttal aimed at setting the record straight about his crucial role in bringing the prestigious motorcycle racing event to the state. Schwantz, a former world champion and highly respected figure in the sport, takes issue with CotA’s public statements, which suggest he played no role in the process. He categorically rejects these claims, outlining his direct involvement from the outset.
Schwantz provides several pieces of evidence that affirm his involvement in the project. The first is a letter from Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, dated February 2, 2011, which confirms that Schwantz’s company, 3FourTexasMGP, held the exclusive rights to MotoGP in Texas from 2013 to 2022. This document alone underscores Schwantz’s foundational role in ensuring the event’s arrival in Austin. Furthermore, on February 3, 2011, Texas State Comptroller Susan Combs affirmed that MotoGP would be part of the state’s Event Trust Fund beginning in 2013, with funding specifically allocated to Schwantz’s company. These official communications clearly reflect the high-level efforts that Schwantz undertook to secure MotoGP’s presence in Texas.
Moreover, Schwantz recalls that on April 12, 2011, a press conference was held at the request of the Comptroller to announce MotoGP’s future in Texas. This was followed by a letter from Ezpeleta on July 22, 2011, to Comptroller Combs, further solidifying Schwantz’s role. The letter expressed confidence in the success of MotoGP events in Texas, mentioning both Schwantz and Ezpeleta’s positive outlook on the collaboration.
In his statement, Schwantz also criticizes CotA’s efforts to downplay his contributions. He describes these actions as “silly” and suggests that CotA’s attempts to rewrite the history of how MotoGP came to Texas could be linked to the financial incentives associated with the Texas Event Trust Fund. He draws a parallel to Formula 1, hinting that CotA may be trying to qualify for these funds by altering the narrative.
Schwantz’s response highlights the personal and financial investments he made over the years to bring MotoGP to Texas. From helping with legislation to assisting CotA in raising funds, he underscores the fact that his contributions were integral to the project’s success. In this statement, Schwantz stands firm against CotA’s claims, making it clear that his role in the inception and development of MotoGP in Texas was irrefutable and essential.
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