James Rispoli

James Rispoli, born on December 28, 1991 in New York City (USA), is an American motorcycle racer with the number 43, known as a versatile “multi-discipline champion.” Born into a motorcycle-loving family, Rispoli began his career in motocross at the age of six and quickly transitioned to dirt tracking, where he showed early talent. At 14, he won his first regional title and established himself as “Rocket” – a nickname that reflects his explosive speed. Rispoli, who lives in Florida, is a trained mechanic and balances the sport with his job, intensive training (e.g., gym and simulator), and family (married, father). His motto: “Dream Big: Unlocking Your Full Potential” – a principle he lives by in documentaries and podcasts. He debuted in the WERA Road Racing Series as a Novice in 2006 and quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the Expert ranks in 2007 and AMA Pro Supersport in 2013. His breakthrough came in 2014 with a switch to British Supersport (Yamaha), where he achieved podium finishes, followed by international starts in MotoAmerica (2019/2020 Supersport Champion) and American Flat Track (2020 AFT Production Twins Champion). Particularly noteworthy is his international debut in the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC): in 2013, he was reserve rider for the Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the team defended its Superstock Cup title. Rispoli excels in versatility: from dirt to road racing, he has been a Harley-Davidson Factory Rider since 2013 (King of the Baggers). He primarily rode Yamaha YZF-R6s, Suzuki GSX-R600s, and Harley-Davidson Pan America/Road Glides for teams like Team Traction Control, GP Tech, and KWR Racing. Known for his tenacity—he often raced injured—he shared lineups with riders like Kyle Wyman. With over 150 races, including 20+ wins, Rispoli is a US icon: the 2025 Super Hooligan National Champion and a factory test rider. He is committed to safety and youth development, for example, through camps and the podcast “Off Track with Carruthers and Bice.” His philosophy: “Racing is the American Dream—work hard, party hard.”

Important racing successes

Rispoli’s career spans dirt track, road racing, and Harley series, with a focus on MotoAmerica and AFT. He has won two Supersport titles and one Production Twins title. Here’s a look at the highlights (not exhaustive; based on MotoAmerica, AFT, and AMA results):

Notes on success: Rispoli’s 2020 AFT title (7 wins) and Supersport double (2019/2020) are highlights; 2025 Super Hooligan Champion, his first in a Harley series. Baggers debut in 2023 with a Daytona win; EWC reserve in 2013, an early international highlight. 2024, 6th place in Baggers despite switching factories.

Contract with Penz13 and races during this time

In 2013, James Rispoli signed a project-based contract with the German BMW team Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing (managed by Rico Penzkofer), specializing in EWC Superstock. The deal included the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a reserve rider on the BMW S 1000 RR (#13), with a focus on defending the FIM World Endurance Superstock Cup title. Penz13, supported by BMW Motorrad HP RaceSupport, selected the 21-year-old Rispoli for his US endurance experience, joining Jason Pridmore (USA), Pedro Vallcaneras (ESP), and Steve Mercer (GBR). The contract marked Rispoli’s EWC debut and followed his Oschersleben victory (Superstock class win); as a reserve, he was available for stints if needed. The cooperation ended after 2013, as Rispoli prioritized US series. Penz13’s preparation (perfect bike setup by Gordon Unger) led to the title win. The team led the championship with 68 points (11 points ahead).

Racing with Penz13 (2013): Rispoli was a reserve and did not participate actively; the team dominated Superstock.

• FIM EWC – 24 Hours of Le Mans (September 21–22, 2013): Superstock Cup winner (#13 BMW S 1000 RR). Line-up: Pridmore, Vallcaneras, Mercer (Rispoli reserve). The team successfully defended the title; Rispoli’s presence as backup was crucial for the strategy; “24 hours is a long distance” (Penzkofer quote).

The partnership was a milestone – Penz13’s title defense benefited from Rispoli’s readiness; his debut cemented his reputation as an endurance talent.

Social Media

James Rispoli is highly active on social media, where he shares race updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal life. Profiles (as of September 28, 2025; follower count approximate):

• Instagram: @jamesrispoli – Ca. 55.000 Follower; 3.063 Posts; Bio: „2x Supersport Champ 1x Production Twins Champ  HOG Ridah @harleydavidson Factory Pilot | Coffee Snob  | Wannabe Cyclist“; Posts zu Super Hooligan-Titel (Sep. 2025, 1k Likes).
• Facebook: James Rispoli – Approx. 70,700 likes; Official page with videos and news; focus on Harley racing (e.g., Mid-Ohio Clinch August 2025).
• X (Twitter): @JamesRispoli – Approx. 5,000 followers; Bio: “Multi-Discipline Champion – Factory Harley-Davison Rider – Coffee Snob – Wannabe Cyclist”; race tweets and interactions (e.g., Daytona post March 2025).
• YouTube: @jamesrispoli43 – Approx. 10,000 subscribers; channel with racing videos and vlogs (e.g., “The American Dream – The James Rispoli Documentary,” 2023, 50,000 views; “Behind the scenes video from Mid-Ohio 2025,” 15,000 views).
• Homepage: No dedicated personal website; info about Harley-Davidson (harley-davidson.com) or MotoAmerica (motoamerica.com/riders/james-rispoli); Instagram bio link to sponsors.

Current and future plans

As of September 28, 2025 (age 33), James Rispoli is fully enrolled in the 2025 MotoAmerica season: He recently won the Super Hooligan National Championship title (clinch at Mid-Ohio, Aug. 17, 2025) with four consecutive victories on the KWR Harley-Davidson Pan America—his first in the series after a less-than-stellar factory year in 2023. As a factory test rider and rider for Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle (with Kyle Wyman and a third), he rides King of the Baggers (top-3 at Mid-Ohio, Aug. 20, 2025; 22 points behind). Rispoli appeared on the “Off Track with Carruthers and Bice” podcast (Sep. 25, 2025, #334) and posts on Instagram about “Big Vibes” (e.g., Mid-Ohio clinch). He tests for Harley (e.g., Peoria TT Prep) and participates in camps. He uploads vlogs to YouTube (e.g., “James Rispoli’s Rollercoaster Return,” September 2025). In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family in Florida, including his coffee-snob hobbies: “Wannabe Cyclist” on Instagram.

Future plans: Rispoli plans a sequel to King of the Baggers in 2026 (goal: title, with the Wyman team). Possible return to the AFT (Production Twins) and the Daytona 200. Long-term: Expansion as a test rider (Harley until 2028) and podcast series (Off Track expansion starting in 2026). “More titles – the American Dream continues” – quote from Instagram (September 2025). No retirement: “Racing until 40!”