Born in Los Angeles, California, Joe Roberts began riding at the age of three before beginning racing in flat track and then switching over to road racing, competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for three seasons in 2011, 2012 and 2013. In 2014, Roberts moved back to his homeland and one year later wrapped up the MotoAmerica Superstock 600 title with two rounds to spare. After continuing to compete in the US the following season, 2017 saw Roberts move back to Europe and take on a new challenge: the Moto2™ European Championship. Instantly Roberts was quick, taking three podiums in his debut year as well as several Top 5 finishes. The Californian’s consistency was rewarded with a replacement ride in the Moto2™ World Championship for the AGR Team, claiming a best result of 10th on his debut in Brno. Roberts’ superb season saw him sign with RW Racing GP on-board the new NTS chassis for 2018, where he claimed a best finish of P13. A move to the American Team on board an underperforming KTM chassis didn’t go to plan for Roberts, but 2020 proved a more joyous year, as he earned his first podium on the Grand Prix circuit in the Czech GP. He turned down the chance to ride for Aprilia in MotoGP™ in 2021, instead opting to ride for reigning Moto2™ Champions Italtrans. Roberts started the year well, narrowly missing out on a podium in Portimao and then Mugello. But a hugely disappointing end to the year meant the American needed a big 2022, and that he had. Roberts survived an attritional race in Portugal to take a breakthrough victory on the World Championship stage, while he followed it up shortly after with a podium in Mugello. Retained for a third campaign, he aimed to recapture his 2020 form but had to settle for a third-place finish in India as his best result. Finishing only 13th overall, the Californian will ride for the Onlyfans American Racing team in 2024.
Rider Stats
Rider Bio
Bike
Kalex
Date of birth
16/06/1997
Place of birth
Malibu
Height
180 cm
Weight
69 kg
Rider Story
News
-
Joe Roberts returns to American Racing for 2024 Moto2™ season
The American rider will link up with his former team next year
By American Racing -
"I don't know what came over me" - Roberts on historic win
Speaking on the MotoGP™ Podcast, the American details his incredible victory in Portimao to make history for America
By motogp.com -
Coming up today: Joe Roberts on the MotoGP™ Podcast!
America’s first Grand Prix winner since 2011 joins Fran and Elliott on the latest Last on the Brakes episode at 4:30pm CET live on Twitch
By motogp.com -
Three: a welcome crowd for America in 2022
Roberts and Beaubier are joined by 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Dylan Kelly in 2022, as the USA continue their Grand Prix revival
By motogp.com -
COMING SOON: Behind The Stars & Stripes
A four-part series surrounding Americans Joe Roberts and Cameron Beaubier is coming to your screens soon!
By motogp.com -
Born in the USA: time for the American takeover
In 2021, Joe Roberts and Cameron Beaubier aim to continue the winning tradition of American riders who have made racing history
By motogp.com -
Why did Roberts turn down a 2021 MotoGP™ move?
The American rider was offered an Aprilia ride for next season but chose to stay in Moto2™ with Champions Italtrans Racing Team
By motogp.com -
Joe Roberts "on the list" for Aprilia in 2021
Aprilia Racing's CEO Massimo Rivola has admitted the Californian is under consideration for a MotoGP™ move as the rumours gather momentum
By motogp.com
Videos
-
Joe Roberts is your Liqui Moly top qualifier in Qatar
The Italtrans Racing Team rider was the best of the best in Moto2™ qualifying at Lusail
Sponsored by -
Moto2™ highlights: Roberts sets new lap record yet again
The American will line up first on the grid on Sunday in Qatar after having taken his first pole since the 2020 French GP
-
WATCH: Roberts blows Moto2™ victory in heartbreaking crash
The Californian was the runaway race leader before losing the front at Turn 5 in Barcelona to see his chances go up in smoke
-
Hometown heroes: Moto2™'s US stars react to Friday's action
It was a mixed bag for Cameron Beaubier, Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly, but all three are determined to put on a COTA show for fans
-
"It's crucial we race in America" - Roberts
The Moto2™ star and hometown hero is delighted by the chance to perform in front of his home fans at COTA this weekend
-
Red Bull's Race Week: Joe Roberts at the Spanish GP
Splitting his time between surfing in Portugal and the dirt tracks, follow the American rider as he gets into race mode ahead of Jerez
-
Joe Roberts explains why he's leaving American Racing
The American details why he's switching teams, possible destinations and his thoughts on the rumoured arrival of Cameron Beaubier
-
All-American Hero Joe Roberts' thoughts on MotoGP™ eSport
The Qatar GP poleman and the USA’s sole representative in the paddock talks Amy Dargan through Challenge #3, which starts today!