VOLUME 57 ISSUE 42 OCTOBER 20, 2020 P29
Beaubier In Line For Moto2
C
urrent MotoAmerica Superbike
Champion Cameron Beaubier is in
line to sensationally replace Joe Rob-
erts in the American Racing Team in the
Moto2 World Championship for 2021.
Beaubier clinched his fifth national
Superbike title at Indianapolis two weeks
ago and it appears he is the rider most
likely to fill the vacant seat in the Ameri-
can Racing squad across to the interme-
diate category on the world stage.
In a statement confirming the depar-
ture of Roberts from American Racing
that was released on Thursday, team
boss Eitan Bitbul mentioned, "a great
opportunity to bring over a very strong
American talent for the 2021 season has
recently come into play."
That American talent is Beaubier, a
rider with experience on the world stage,
namely as a Red Bull Rookie in 2007 and
in the 125cc World Championship for
Red Bull KTM in 2009.
Beaubier has long been linked with a
move to the World Superbike Champion-
ship, and has made his desire to step
up from the national scene known. As
recently as September he said, "If I got
that Pata (Yamaha) opportunity (in World
Superbike), I would jump all over it."
That particular avenue was closed,
however, as Pata Yamaha selected An-
drea Locatelli to partner Toprak Razgatlio-
glu. That desire to compete abroad came
at just the right time, as the American
Racing Team were spun into action to
replace the outgoing Roberts.
As reported earlier this week, Rob-
erts confirmed on Thursday he will join
Italtrans in 2021. Asked about the situa-
tion regarding the American Racing Team,
the Californian said, "I think it's a great
opportunity for American Racing. Now
they have a chance to bring over another
American, which is the whole goal of their
program."
Quizzed on the possibility of Beaubier
replacing him, Roberts said, "I have heard
the rumors about Cameron going there,
which would be awesome because he is
a good friend of mine. He is a nice guy
and I think next year it would be interest-
ing to see him on a Moto2 bike because
he has been on Superbikes for a long
time. If he needs a tow next year, then I
am happy to help!"
Neil Morrison
Cameron
Beaubier to
Moto2? Could
happen. PHOTO:
BRIAN J. NELSON
