American Wins British Race on Spanish Soil
After a long but very successful Winter and Preseason, it’s back on the plane headed for Europe. Round 1 this year was a little different; this time we were headed for Navarra, Los Arcos, Spain. I was so happy that we weren’t at a freezing cold and most likely wet Silverstone National like in the previous years...lol!.
Brand new track for most so I put a lot of preparation time to get as much knowledge about that track as possible before even getting there. Had a couple calls with Coach Torres in preparation for the weekend and I was feeling really strong, prepared, and confident going in. Arrived to the circuit Wednesday for the BTC Track walk and briefing. Got to see the team and say hello to people in the paddock. After the track walk, I could tell that this track was gonna be tons of fun, and the repave looked super good. After all the preparation and seeing the team, I was super excited to start the weekend.
Thursday was the first of two test days and I couldn’t have started the weekend any better. Topped the first session by a substantial amount to the rest of the field and I had the track figured out really quickly. This gave me a bit of confidence going into the rest of the weekend but I didn’t want to get too self-assured as I knew the other riders were working through their setups as well. Of course having my pops there helps because he is constantly making sure my head isn’t getting too big and bringing me down to earth when needed lol.
The first session was more or less mixed conditions so that’s why I didn’t look too much into the results but the second session was full dry. The second session was the first time I really enjoyed the track, super fast and flowy first sector, and then progressively gets more technical with some hard braking areas. I absolutely fell in love with the track after the second session and finished it P2 on the day. The feelings with the bike and the team were unreal, everything was working in tandem and flowing really well. A P1 and P2 to start off the weekend is not too shabby, went back to the airbnb with my amazing teammate and family the Bowes's, had an amazing dinner and was ready to do it all over again the next day.
Friday morning was absolutely freezing which means there wasn’t much feedback or meaning of being on track. Still went out to get back into it, but the grip and feelings out on track were very poor. I think the worst part about the session was the way my hands were feeling. We were quite the ways away from Florida weather so my hands weren’t liking the cold whatsoever. Heading into session 2 and 3, I wanted to try and get some race sims in so I could understand fully the feeling with my body, bike, and tires. I felt unbelievable with my body, not tired at all after the sim, the lap times were super consistent and the pace overall was very strong. Ended the day P3 but I knew I had tons left in the tank for qualifying the next day, I hadn’t put on a new set of tires thus far in the weekend and the pace was very good.
The preparation I had put in prior to the weekend, I was noticing more and more each session how big of a jump I had made in the winter. I was super focused on the job I needed to do, didn’t get distracted by things that would have distracted me in years prior, and my body felt so good on the bike. Coach Torres and I have made a breakthrough this winter and finally noticing it felt really nice. I had a quick chat with him Friday evening about the plan for the next day and I was super excited and ready to start the day.
On Saturday we had 4 total sessions so I didn’t want to waste too much energy on the FP’s, went out and got the feeling back and prepared to do that one lap in qualifying. Ended up doing my fastest time of the weekend so far in FP2 on some beat up scrubs so I was so ready to get into qualifying. Going into qualifying I had a quick gameplay chat with coach Torres and I executed the plan to perfection. POLE!!!
Almost the perfect lap, 8 tenths quicker than anything I had done all weekend. The feeling with the new tires was amazing and I got the lap done early so the rest of the session was relaxed. This is my first ever pole in a qualifying session and it felt so good. Now it was time for full focus on the races.
Race 1 was FLAWLESS! There’s actually no other way to describe it, I was dominant at the front and stayed out of all the carnage. I was aggressive from lights out and gave my everything the entire time. WIN!!!! Coming across the line after a tight finish was an unbelievable feeling. All the times that I have suffered, all the times that I succeeded, all the blood, sweat and tears that I’ve put into this dream flashed before my eyes. I had this very strange feeling where I knew that I wanted to cry but I couldn’t because I was expecting this result.
I was super happy but didn’t cry because I’ve been working so hard for the result and knew it was coming. In Parc ferme, I gave team owner John Cresswell the biggest hug and it was such a relief. He’s been with me through all the tough times that I’ve had in Europe and it felt so good to repay him with the victory.
Having my dad there was super special as well because he has quite literally been there for me since day 1, we saw this coming and it felt amazing to execute with him there. We enjoyed the spoils of the day but it was time to get ready for the 2 races on Sunday.
Race 2 was another dominant performance at the front. I led more than anyone else and by a substantial amount of laps. Coming into the last sector I was overtaken but in the final corner I made a move for the lead. We came onto the front straight side by side, hitting each other multiple times on the run to the line and unfortunately the rider who exited the final corner in third got us both to the line but I finished P2.
This year is all about consistency and podium finishes so I was pleased with the result, building my championship lead to 12 points. I again showed that I could lead and be consistent, calm, and controlled.
Heading into Race 3 I just wanted to finish the weekend off with another podium but unfortunately God had other plans. On lap 9, going into the final sector I could feel something was wrong with the bike. Right when I went to grab the clutch to downshift, the bike just died and had no power. I pulled off the track resulting in a technical DNF. Normally I’d be super angry, but I felt this sense of calmness which really showed how much I’ve matured. I certainly wasn’t happy but I made sure to not act up at all so I could show my appreciation to the team. This is one of those uncontrollable situations that you just need to take in stride and reset for the next challenge.
John and I were both disappointed, but we have a long season ahead and we’re not going to let this little DNF get in our way. Dropped from P1 in the championship to P2 but like I said it’s still very early. Turns out the stator went bad which caused the bike to die when I grabbed the clutch. The team was never going to see this problem, so this calmed me down even more.
Overall the weekend was dreamlike! My first pole position and my first victory. We made history this weekend as well. Becoming the First American to win a British Talent Cup race and being the latest American to win a Road to MotoGP Race since Joe Roberts did it in 2011...I would say that puts me in really good company especially since he rewrote history the following weekend in Moto2 at Jerez. I can not take full responsibility for this accomplishment at all. First and foremost, my parents and their never-ending sacrifices to make sure I have everything I need to be successful. My Coach and trainer Michael Torres for always pushing me and never giving up on me even when I was giving up on myself. My DBPsquad Tim and Buch and their tireless physical, mental and financial backing of all my moves and needs back home; always learning and being as prepared as possible so I can train as hard as I need to be prepared. SDK and his wisdom teaching me the in and outs of tracks and riding so I can be as prepared as possible as well. The latest addition to my training regimen being Dani Valle and his massive impact on my riding this year. My UK families the Dexters and the Bowes for their love and support as I stay in their homes and they provide me the opportunity to race abroad. My Microlise Team for always having an amazing machine under me and always believing we would be experiencing these results. Last but not least in any means are my sponsors, partners, fans and my 40 Fan Club. Thank you all for the amazing messages and support from around the globe. It means the world to me!
Leaving Navarra P2 in the championship is perfectly ok with me but now I’m really hungry to get back out and get my P1 spot back. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support. This is my year and I'm hungrier than ever to show that. Bring on Donington Round 2!