Simon Crafar will play a key role in MotoGP as chairman of the stewards’ panel – We present an in-depth portrait of Freddie Spencer’s successor
Simon Crafar will take on a new and prestigious role within MotoGP from 2025: he will become Chairman of the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel. The New Zealander succeeds MotoGP legend Freddie Spencer, who stepped down from the role at the end of the 2024 season.
With the support of two other stewards, Andres Somolinos and Tamara Matko, Crafar will serve as chairman from 2025. The New Zealander brings to the position not only his experience as a Grand Prix winner and technician.
His many years of experience as a pit reporter, during which he was able to analyze the sport up close, will also be an advantage. As an expert, he has made a name for himself with his technical understanding and ability to make complex details understandable for a wide audience.
Successes in the Superbike World Championship
Crafar was born on January 15, 1969 in Waiouri, New Zealand. He began his career in motorcycle racing in the 1980s, inspired by the flourishing racing scene in New Zealand, and showed remarkable talent early on, leading him to enter the international racing circuit.
In the early 1990s, Crafar established himself in the Superbike World Championship. He was particularly successful in the 1994 season, when he competed for the Rumi Ducati team. Crafar proved to be a competitive driver who attracted attention with his technically superior understanding and aggressive driving style.
Grand Prix career
Crafar reached the pinnacle of his career in 1998 when he moved up to the prestigious 500cc World Championship – the predecessor class to MotoGP. He was signed by the Red Bull Yamaha team, which provided him with a competitive bike, the Yamaha YZR500.
His greatest triumph came at the 1998 British Grand Prix at Donington Park. In a race characterized by changing weather conditions, Crafar put in an immaculate performance to win his first and only Grand Prix.
He beat the likes of Mick Doohan, the dominant world champion of the time. This victory earned Crafar a permanent place in the history of the sport.
End of active career
After the 1999 season, Crafar retired from the 500cc class, as he struggled to stay at the front with the teams and technology available. He later returned to superbike and endurance racing before retiring from active racing for good.
Technical expert and TV commentator
After his active career, Crafar remained loyal to motorsport and developed into a respected commentator and expert, particularly in MotoGP. From 2018, he was part of the commentary team and also worked as a pit lane reporter.
Thanks to his many years of experience as a driver and his in-depth technical understanding, Crafar analyzed the performance of the machines and drivers in a way that was understandable for both experts and occasional viewers. He brought the complexity of modern racing to a wider audience.
Popular with fans and colleagues
His calm and professional manner, even in hectic moments, has earned him the respect of fans, drivers and colleagues.
Accordingly, his move to the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel was well received, and it is hoped that penalty decisions will be more understandable and coherent in the future. In the past, there has been repeated criticism of the sometimes inconsistent and arbitrary imposition of penalties.
