Still awaiting European Union approval to finalize the acquisition of Dorna, Liberty Media is already considering its next moves if the deal goes through. And Carmelo Ezpeleta’s position as CEO of MotoGP’s promoter could be in doubt.
According to GPOne.com, the legendary Spanish executive may choose to step aside – or not. If he does leave, Liberty Media has a frontrunner for the position: Chuck Aksland, former team manager of Team Roberts MotoGP and current Chief Operating Officer of MotoAmerica.
The U.S. company’s plans involve making MotoGP more «American» in its presentation, with a greater focus on fan engagement, storytelling, and expansion in the U.S. – similar to what it has done with Formula 1 since acquiring it in 2017.
Chuck Aksland led Kenny Roberts’ MotoGP team and is currently the COO of MotoAmerica, the entity overseeing the eight main road racing championships in the U.S. (Superbike, Stock 1000, Supersport, King of the Baggers, Super Hooligan, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and Mini Cup). The president? None other than Wayne Rainey.
Aksland seems like an ideal candidate to replace Ezpeleta if he steps down upon Liberty Media’s arrival. He is part of a team that revitalized motorcycling in the U.S., reshaping MotoAmerica and working to export American riders abroad. And this year, the King of the Baggers series expands to Europe with the Bagger Racing European Cup.