Fourteen-year-old Nathan Bettencourt, who competed in both MotoAmerica’s Mini Cup and Junior Cup Championships over the past few years, is ready to add another “Cup” to his road racing resume.
Bettencourt, from Medford, Massachusetts, will make his debut in MotoAmerica’s Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul next weekend at Circuit of The Americas as the inaugural series kicks off on the world stage at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas.
Fueled by a passion for speed and competition, Bettencourt began his racing journey when he started riding motorcycles at just three-and-a-half years old. He developed his riding skills and competed in his first race at age six and a half.
In 2023, as a newly minted teenager, he won the Moto 3 Championship in the NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) series, becoming the youngest Expert champion in NEMRR history. As a result, Bettencourt was named Vanson Rookie of the Year in NEMRR.
He also raced in MotoAmerica Mini Cup in 2023, completing an undefeated season in the Stock 125 class on his way to winning the Championship. In addition, Bettencourt finished third in Mini Cup’s GP 190 class, which earned him a trip to the FIM MiniGP World Series final in Spain.
Last year, after turning 14 in June, Bettencourt raced in the final two rounds of the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Next weekend, Bettencourt will be aboard the #99 Bettencourt Racing Krämer APX-350 MA in MotoAmerica’s brand-new Talent Cup, which is a direct stepping stone in Dorna’s Road to MotoGP™ program.
Eric Wood, President of Woodcraft Technologies Inc., commented, “I’ve been supporting and working with Nathan through Woodcraft and the Penguin Racing School for several years now. He’s the youngest Expert champion we’ve ever had at NEMRR, and I couldn’t be more excited to see him compete on a national level with MotoAmerica. Nathan is perfectly suited for the new Talent Cup bikes and is ready to make this big step up in his racing program in 2025.”
Bettencourt has also worked closely with MotoAmerica Motovation Supersport star and member of the Rahal Ducati Moto team PJ Jacobsen.
Adam Kells, owner of AK Race Fab, said, “I’ve been working with Nathan since last year, and I’ll be his crew chief this season,” said. “Beyond chasing the (Talent Cup) Championship, I want to help Nathan become a consummate pro and prepare him for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. It’s a huge stepping stone for both of us, and I’m excited to be on board.”
Bettencourt’s sponsors for the 2025 Talent Cup Championship include Genesis Utilities Corporation, AK Race Fab, Apex Enterprises LLC, Innovative Contract Services LLC, Woodcraft CFM, Penguin Roadracing School, Arai Helmets, Motul, 64 Degrees, and Scott Powersports.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available for companies looking to align with an elite young talent on the national stage. Contact Bettencourt Racing at “[email protected]”
Fans and supporters of Nathan Bettencourt can follow his Talent Cup season on his “@nathanbettencourtracing” social media channels for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, race reports, and live updates.
