Royal Enfield’s Racing in America
Royal Enfield launched the Build. Train. Race. program in America a few years ago, and it has become a vital part of MotoAmerica.
MotoAmerica has been promoting the AMA Superbike Series since 2015, sanctioned by both the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). The series features eight classes of road racing: Superbike, Stock 1000, Supersport, King of the Baggers, Super Hooligan National Championship, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and Mini Cup.
MotoAmerica’s primary mission is to reinvigorate motorcycle road racing in North America and to develop riders capable of competing at the highest levels, including MotoGP and World Superbike. The series is managed by the KRAVE Group, which includes a partnership led by three-time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey. Other partners include energy sector investor and CEO Richard Varner, former vice president of motorsports operations at COTA and ex-managing director of Team Roberts in MotoGP Chuck Aksland, and Terry Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum.
B.T.R championship is dedicated to female riders across the country, providing them with valuable opportunities in the racing community. It’s great to see Royal Enfield taking racing to the next level and fostering talent in various regions. Bikes used in the race is GT 65 which is Royal Enfield’s legendary parallel twin-cylinder engine, backed with an air/oil-cooled parallel twin configuration. The 648cc engine offers 47 horsepower at 7150 RPM and a maximum of 52 Nm of torque at 5250 RPM.
The BTR program guides aspiring racers through the entire process of building a race bike from a stock Royal Enfield motorcycle—the INT650 for BTR Flat Track and the Continental GT 650 for BTR Road Racing. Participants will learn racing techniques and skills on the track, culminating in the opportunity to compete in a national championship.
After initially focusing on Flat Track, Royal Enfield North America launched the BUILD.TRAIN.RACE Road Race program, maintaining the same core idea for both disciplines. Applications are opened for interested riders, and a panel of judges selects the lucky participants each season. Six new riders join the program, replacing those who have graduated.
The new intake spends an intense week at the race shop modifying their brand new 650cc Royal Enfield Twin. Following this, they receive training from expert instructors before the season kicks off and the real excitement begins.
Riders remain in the program for two years, during which they develop their skills and prepare to compete. Upon graduation, they leave with a battle-hardened race bike and the continued support of Royal Enfield as they advance their racing careers.
It’s a significant achievement for an Indian brand like Royal Enfield to participate in prestigious racing series in America. Their involvement highlights the brand’s commitment to expanding its global presence in motorsports. Additionally, the GT Cup in India is a fantastic event for local motorcycle enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant racing culture and providing riders with an exciting platform to showcase their skills. This combination of international participation and local events truly strengthens Royal Enfield’s connection to the global motorcycle community.