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In the thrilling world of motorcycle racing, there’s nothing quite like the emergence of fresh talent to ignite excitement. Enter Ryota Ogiwara, a 16-year-old prodigy making waves in the MotoAmerica Supersport series. With his impressive skills on display at The Ridge Motorsports Park, Ogiwara is not just racing against the clock but also seasoned riders, including the five-time MotoAmerica Supersport champion, Tyler Scott. His story is one of remarkable tenacity and ambition—definitely one to watch.
A Promising Start in Competitive Racing
Ogiwara’s journey began in the IDEMITSU Asia Talent Cup, where he quickly established himself as a fierce competitor. In 2023, he turned heads with podium finishes in his last three races, culminating in a respectable third place in the championship standings. But it was 2024 where he truly shone, bouncing back from a less-than-ideal start in Qatar to dominate the season. With seven podiums, including two victories, he finished second in the championship. Now, in 2025, he’s leading the pack, a testament to his unyielding drive and raw talent.
The connection Ogiwara has with the racing community is also noteworthy. His relationship with Vesrah, a respected name in motorcycle braking components and road racing, has been crucial. Thanks to family ties, he was able to race in the United States, paving the way for his MotoAmerica debut. Team Principal Mark Junge saw potential in Ogiwara and arranged for him to train and practice stateside, leading to his much-anticipated debut at The Ridge.
Overcoming Challenges on the Track
Ogiwara faced significant challenges during his debut weekend at The Ridge. Not only was he adapting to a new racing environment, but he was also learning to ride a Suzuki, a shift from the Honda NSF250R Moto3 bikes he was used to. Despite these hurdles, he quickly acclimated to the larger and more powerful Suzuki, demonstrating impressive adaptability and resilience. While his first race ended with a 14th-place finish, his performance in Race Two was a revelation, climbing to sixth place before settling into eighth, just seconds behind some of the series’ top competitors.
Mark Junge emphasized the importance of the Suzuki bike Ogiwara was on, which had a history of impressive results and earnings in prior competitions. However, competing under a Honda team while riding a Suzuki raised some eyebrows, leading to strategic decisions about Ogiwara’s positioning in the paddock. Despite this, the experience he gained over the race weekend is invaluable for a young rider like him.
The Road Ahead for Ogiwara
As Ogiwara reflects on his debut in MotoAmerica, his sights are set on the future. His ambitions stretch beyond the current season, with dreams of competing in the prestigious Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series. This goal is a clear indication of the competitive spirit that has fueled his success thus far. While the immediate path might be uncertain, one thing is crystal clear: Ryota Ogiwara’s talent and determination mark him as a rider to keep an eye on in the coming years.
In summary, Ryota Ogiwara’s journey in MotoAmerica is a shining example of the rise of young talent in motorcycle racing. As he continues to refine his skills and compete at high levels, the motorsport community is buzzing with anticipation for what’s next in this exhilarating sport.