John Hopkins: America is ready to get riders back into MotoGP™

The official Australian Grand Prix podcast In the Fast Lane has released its latest episode, featuring former MotoGP™ rider John Hopkins.

Hopkins competed in seven MotoGP™ seasons, he also raced in World Superbikes and is currently team director for American Racing in Moto2™. During his time in the premier class, Hopkins enjoyed a colourful career, but one memory certainly stands out – his 2007 crash during testing in Qatar.

“I was on a really strong run, I wanted to keep it a consistent run all the way through. I ended up trying to dive up underneath him (Sylvain Guintoli), going into one of the fast right-handers,” said Hopkins.

“There was no real way for him (Sylvain Guintoli), to see me, but he ended up kinda chopping me. He came over my front wheel and it sent me over the high side, and I ended up breaking my wrist and scaphoid,” he continued.

Hopkins was immediately flown back to America and told he had two options: one, sit out a large portion of the season or two, ride with the injury.

“There’s no damn way I’m sitting out for three to four months, this is my opportunity.”

Hopkins is now determined to inspire and support the next generation of American riders. He has since co-created the American Racing Academy, with the aim to get American riders back into the world championship.

“It’s already working to amazing success, we’ve got people coming up to us from all over the US now really interested in the project,” said Hopkins.

“I feel better about it now than I think I ever did with my entire racing career. It’s something I really enjoy doing ... so I’m really lucky and fortunate.”

The podcast is available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts platforms.