From STN Racing
Photo courtesy GEPA pictures/ Gold and Goose/ David Goldman - Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
HAMILTON, ON - Canadian amateur road racer Steven Nickerson participated in two days of intense on-track action at the Monteblanco circuit in southern Spain as part of the 2011 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup tryouts, Sept. 13-15.
The Hamilton ON-based rider was the sole Canadian to be invited for this prestigious opportunity.
Riders from all across the globe congregated at the seldom used Monteblanco track to show the series’ selection panel what they had to offer. Their efforts were judged by some of the most experienced people in motorcycle racing, including August 'Gustl' Auinger (Austrian motorcycle legend and Rookies Cup Rider Coach), Harald Bartol (Engineer and ex Grand Prix rider) and Peter Clifford (MotoGP expert and former Red Bull Yamaha team owner) and Raul Jara.
The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup runs as a support class to the MotoGP World Championship at selected European venues, giving competitors the opportunity to compete in front of the heavy hitters in international motorcycle road racing.
The 15-year-old Nickerson flew into Spain a few days prior to the event to allow enough time to recover from jetlag, adjust to the time change and to acclimatize to the heat.
Despite the heat and slick track conditions Nickerson thoroughly enjoyed Tuesday’s on-track activities, meeting the selection panel and many of the other riders. Later that day Nickerson learned that he had made it through the first cut and would be riding in the final selection event on Wednesday. The best 47 of the original 100 invitees were chosen.
“It was very hot, 38 degrees, and it made the track quite slippery,” enthused the young rider. “Just being invited to be here was great, but making it through the first cut and being asked to ride on the final day was amazing.”
On Wednesday, Nickerson once again took to the track aboard a series supplied Metrakit Pre GP 125 race bike and began to get more comfortable with the longer track layout. Five laps in Nickerson was pushing hard, with both the front and rear tires sliding. In turn 13 he tucked the front end resulting in a low-side that prematurely ended his tryout.
Although he was aware his low-side wouldn’t bode well with the selection panel, Nickerson was uninjured and had no regrets about leaving it all on the track.
"I tried to keep the bike up with my elbow and knee but I couldn't hold it,” said Nickerson. “I’m grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The whole experience for me was amazing. I gave it everything I had.”
A total of 14 riders were invited along with five reserves. These riders will join the 11 retained from this year's Rookies Cup field to make a 25-rider provisional grid for 2011.
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