Organization Poised to Deliver Excitement to Fans at the Intersection of Bicycle Racing and Motorsports
Indianapolis, IN – June 25, 2025 – StadioBike, transforming bicycle racing into a non-stop action-packed stadium sport at iconic motorsports tracks across America, announces the addition of two influential leaders to their ownership team – motorsports marketing executive and retired professional cyclist Kristin Labonte and globally respected cycling event architect James Pope. Labonte and Pope add global expertise and unique experience, amplifying StadioBike's position as a fan-centric stadium-style sporting event at the intersection of bicycle racing and motorsports.
"I am thrilled to join StadioBike because it allows me to merge two worlds I love and know very well—bike racing and motorsports," said Labonte. "To help build a racing property that delivers the opportunity for all those super-fast local riders to finally have a shot against elite bike racers, and in a format that is specifically designed for all race fans, is really exciting!"
StadioBike defines a new discipline of bicycle racing. Contested on banked oval motorsport tracks, where its unique format requires teams to complete a series of relay-style rider substitutions, adding drama and strategy that play out right in front of the fan's eyes on pit road. Looking ahead, StadioBike will officially hold its inaugural race in 2026 and a nation-wide race series in 2027 that culminates in a series championship.
Labonte, a former Masters National Champion in the individual time trial, criterium and road racing disciplines, is Managing Partner of Breaking Limits, a premier strategic sports marketing agency based in North Carolina. Her insider perspective—shaped by her experience as a former professional cyclist, her business experience at the highest levels of motorsports, and as the wife of 2000 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte—brings an unmatched blend of authenticity, strategy, and access to the motorsport's world. She will lead efforts in strategic marketing and partner marketing, and function as the organization's Chief Marketing Officer.
"Throughout my career, I've been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what cycling events can be—creating experiences that excite fans and elevate the sport," said Pope. "The vision and ambition behind StadioBike immediately stood out to me. Transforming bike racing into a stadium sport with high-stakes action and dynamic storytelling is exactly the kind of innovation our industry needs. I'm excited to join the team and help shape this bold new chapter in competitive cycling."
James Pope is a globally respected event architect with over two decades of experience creating and scaling marquee cycling events. His portfolio includes work with the UCI Track Champions League, GCN Events, Revolution Series, and the award-winning Nocturne Series. Pope brings a deep understanding of fan engagement, venue production, and international scalability. He will guide StadioBike's event operations and global expansion strategy.
"We believe American racing fans will love StadioBike," said Courtney Bishop, CEO of StadioBike and famed 3-time winning coach of Indiana University's iconic Little 500. "We're building a highly entertaining can't-look-away kind of racing event where all the action happens right before your eyes and brings fans to their feet – and we're giving local cycling heroes a shot to show what they're made of against the pros. To have James and Kristin believe in us, come on board as investors and help us build this, is really validating and exciting."
In October 2024, StadioBike held a test event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway featuring six Continental Pro teams and confirmed the viability and the appeal of its unique racing format. The race's relay-style rider substitutions created real-time strategy decisions for coaches, a physically taxing racing environment for riders and a compelling visual for fans. The format's success drew praise from across the cycling world, including from Chris Aronholt of Medalist Sports, a leading figure in U.S. cycling event production.
"The test event at Las Vegas was strong," said Aronholt. "The StadioBike team proved the concept worked from a competitive standpoint, and it was really exciting to watch as a spectator."
Several high-profile cyclists also attended the test event including Rahsaan Bahati, a highly respected American professional cyclist, 10-time USPRO National Champion and a co-owner of StadioBike.
"I have been involved in the sport of cycling for over three decades, witnessing numerous changes while also recognizing the enduring aspects of the sport," said Bahati. "When I was presented with the concept of a bike race for sports enthusiasts at motor speedways, I immediately recognized its potential to be transformative, not just for the racers but for the sport as a whole. Having raced on professional teams and managed my own, I understand the importance of supporting athletes. I am thrilled to lead Athlete Strategy for StadioBike in our mission to make the greatest bike racing spectacle."
With momentum growing and a foundation built on early and robust investment, StadioBike is now opening the door to new partners—brands, investors, venues, and content platforms alike—who want to shape a new form of American bicycle racing.
About StadioBike
StadioBike is reimagining bicycle racing as a bold, stadium-based sport, driven by a unique racing format that delivers nonstop action through relay-style rider substitutions. Creating fandom rooted in an "us-versus-them" rivalry, StadioBike fuels community engagement by allowing local teams to race against top professionals in pursuit of victory. Held at some of America's most iconic oval motorsports tracks, it is short and simple – with a winner crowned in about two hours when the first rider crosses the finish line!
Rooted in equal opportunity, StadioBike offers identical prize money for men's and women's races. Chosen racetracks make the action 100% viewable from the comfort of a box seat. Blending competition with immersive entertainment, real-time metrics, and eSports-style interactivity, it's built for today's fan.
StadioBike delivers a stadium game-like spectacle tuned for modern sports culture, launching a new American discipline and league that is designed to captivate fans, sponsors, and riders alike.
Find out more at StadioBike.com.
