Yeah, MotoGP did get rid of grid girls—officially. It was phased out from 2018 onward, part of this bigger shift happening across motorsports where they moved away from using promo models on the starting grid. Dorna Sports, the folks who hold the commercial rights, pushed this as part of modernizing the whole vibe, focusing on inclusivity and making it more family-friendly. Honestly, it felt like a long time coming. They stopped at the start of the 2018 season. The announcement dropped late in 2017, right around when Formula 1 was doing the same thing in early 2018. Dorna said it was about keeping the sport relevant and respectful to everyone—like, the grid should be about the riders and the race, not models standing around. Kinda makes sense when you think about it. There were a few reasons, honestly. Society just changed—people started seeing it as outdated and kinda objectifying. Dorna wanted to make MotoGP more appealing to a broader audience, women and families included. Plus, fans, sponsors, and advocacy groups were pushing for a more professional, inclusive scene. The whole point was to shift focus back to the bikes, the riders, the tech—not using models as a marketing gimmick. It's not like it was a huge surprise. They brought in "grid kids" in 2018. So now you've got young fans—often from local motorcycle clubs or racing academies—hanging out on the grid before the race. They accompany the riders and stand by the bikes during pre-race ceremonies. People liked it, said it inspired the next generation of racers and fans, made the whole thing feel more wholesome. And beyond that, MotoGP started focusing on other entertainment—live music, fan interactions, digital content—to spice up race day. It's a different energy now. Mixed reactions, honestly. A lot of fans were all for it—thought it was progressive and kept the focus on the racing. But others? They were disappointed. Called it a harmless tradition that added some glamour. Some even said it was unnecessary and took away from the spectacle. Most media and advocacy groups saw it as a positive step, but it definitely sparked some debate about tradition versus modernization in motorsports. People get attached to stuff, y'know? Yeah, a bunch of them did. Formula 1 got rid of grid girls in early 2018 and switched to grid kids too. The World Endurance Championship and some national series followed suit. But it's not universal—like, the World Rally Championship still uses them in some contexts, though with updated guidelines for respect and professionalism. MotoGP's move was part of this bigger industry trend toward inclusivity. It's not like they were alone in this. "The decision to remove grid girls was about respecting all fans and participants. We want MotoGP to be a sport for everyone." — Dorna Sports spokesperson, 2018. Yeah, it's permanent. Dorna hasn't shown any sign of bringing them back, and grid kids are now a staple of the pre-race ceremony. That's not changing anytime soon. Nope, it's the same policy for all MotoGP races worldwide. Some local events might have their own traditions, but the official series? No grid girls. Most of them moved into other roles—marketing, events, modeling. Some actually spoke positively about it, saying it opened up more diverse opportunities. So it wasn't all bad. There's a small crowd that wants them back, but the majority of the racing community has moved on. The focus is on the sport and the riders now.Did MotoGP get rid of grid girls
When did MotoGP stop using grid girls?
Why did MotoGP remove grid girls?
What replaced grid girls in MotoGP?
Data Table: Key changes in MotoGP grid practices
Year
Change
Reason
2017
Grid girls still used
Traditional promotional practice
2018
Grid girls removed
Modernization and inclusivity
2018
Grid kids introduced
Youth engagement and family focus
How did fans react to the removal of grid girls?
Did other motorsports also remove grid girls?
Checklist: What to expect at a MotoGP weekend now
FAQ: Common questions about MotoGP grid girls
Did MotoGP get rid of grid girls permanently?
Are there any exceptions for certain races?
What happened to the models who were grid girls?
Do fans still want grid girls back?
Resumen breve
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