Ryan Villopoto Partners with Vurbmoto as World Mini Rebrands to RV2 World Mini Grand Prix

Vurbmoto and Grassroots MX, owners of Mesquite MX and promoters of the RMX series, today announced that four-time 450SX AMA Supercross Champion and five-time Pro Motocross Champion Ryan Villopoto has joined the organization as an official partner for its premier amateur motocross event, which will now be known as the RV2 World Mini Grand Prix presented by GoPro. The 2026 event will take place April 23-26 at Mesquite MX. Pre-reg is now open. 

The partnership marks the next evolution of one of amateur motocross’s most historic events, combining the legacy of the World Mini with a renewed focus on grassroots racing, rider experience, and modern event innovation. With Villopoto joining as a partner, the RV2 World Mini Grand Prix aims to strengthen its position as a racer-first event built around meaningful competition and accessible opportunities for riders at every level of the sport.

Originally founded in 1971 by the late Ron Henricksen, the World Mini Grand Prix became one of the largest and most recognizable amateur motocross events in the world, serving as an early proving ground for future professional champions and thousands of amateur racers alike. After a period of absence, with the blessing of the Henricksen family, Vurbmoto and Grassroots MX revived the event in 2023 at Mesquite MX with the goal of preserving its legacy while returning it to its grassroots foundation and emphasizing quality racing, strong track conditions, and an environment centered around riders and families.

The RV2 World Mini Grand Prix continues to build on that vision through a race format inspired by international competition, featuring timed practice, qualifying races for gate selection, and two motos per class. The structure increases total track time and rewards consistency across the week, creating a race experience designed to benefit both developing riders and experienced competitors.

“World Mini has always been about racing at its core,” said Brent Stallo, co-founder of Vurbmoto. “Ryan represents everything we love about this sport and his involvement helps us continue growing the event while staying true to what made World Mini special in the first place.”

Villopoto’s role will include collaboration on event development, rider experience initiatives, and long-term growth of the RV2 World Mini Grand Prix as a destination event on the amateur calendar. A standout amateur before becoming one of the most dominant riders of his generation, Villopoto brings perspective shaped by every level of competition, reinforcing the event’s commitment to supporting the next generation of racers.

The RV2 World Mini Grand Prix will continue to emphasize a condensed class structure, predictable scheduling, and a competition-focused environment designed to maximize track quality while maintaining the inclusive, grassroots atmosphere that has defined the event for decades.

The 2026 RV World Mini Grand Prix will be held at Mesquite MX just outside Las Vegas, NV April 23-26, 2026. Registration is now open.

Visit www.vurbmoto.com/worldmini for more information.