. w-sbk/moto gp motorcycle racing rider interviews

> DRIVER / RIDER INTERVIEWS:

I've been fortunate enough in the last almost 30 years to visit circuits and speedways around the world and in my travel I've bumped into motorcycle racers and racing car drivers from all the major world series. Here's the interviews for...
NASCAR Nextel Cup . WSBK . F1 . Champ Car / IRL Stars

Gianluca Nannelli - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Gianluca Nannelli - Team Pedercini Ducati
I met Gianluca Nannelli - Team Pedercini Ducati - in the pits during Friday's Practice at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during practice day ahead of round 2 of the World Superbike 2004 World Championship.

Fortunately Gianluca's English was better than my Italian but between the two we managed to have a nice chat about race travel. I asked him where he liked to visit whilst traveling with World Superbikes?

"Phillip Island, I love, also Spain and Monza, near my home, is beautiful. I like the place around Misano also, but the track I don't like so much. For riding I like Assen. Assen is the 'university' for race riders. And here in Phillip Isalnd, I like too much. We go out at 7am in the morning for surfing! (In Bass Strait, which the circuit overlooks) It is fantastic to come here! But Laguna Seca also near the sea, is very pretty to visit too. Everywhere is nice, but near the sea, for me is nicest."

I wondered where Gianluca kept his surf board. "I have it here, in the pits.". He pointed to the board in the corner, confirming this wasn't just "story telling".

And who were Gianluca's heroes on the track?

"Haga, very much!"

Do you talk with him on the tour?

"No, but I meet him on the track!" There was a sense that it was an honor to race beside such talent.

And what other delights does the road hold for a playboy surfer race rider?

"I am Italian so I like very much good good. I like to eat the great food you find in the Emiliga Romana region near Imola."

We got to chatting a little about the craziest race fans in the world. "In Assen Holland, for sure they are crazy for bikes. Maybe because the weather is so bad when we race there, but still they come, many many fans. But Italians are crazy for racing too, and for me, an Italian rider, it is great to see so many countrymen at the races supporting me and other Italian riders. I love to see the world, I am very lucky to do so, but I love to be in Italy most.

Piergiorgio Bontempi - W-SBK

Representing Suzuki on a #5 Zongshen Team - Suzuki GSX 1000R, this affable Italian says the Phillip Island Circuit is a favorite for the challenges AND the views. Read the exclusive grandprixcities Bontempi interview.

Pier Francesco Chili - W-SBK / MotoGP

What can I say? Yes, I met the legend himself. Fearless Pier Francesco Chilli says he is getting a little tired of traveling, but still looks forward to some great competition on world class circuits! I've been blessed to meet Famous Fast Folks (interviews) in my life but spending 30 minutes with Frankie was a thrill I'll never forget.

Troy Corser - W-SBK / MotoGP

Aussie motorcycle legend Troy Corser says he doesn't have time to be a tourist. He's too busy doing what he does - riding bikes!

Garry McCoy - WSBK / MotoGP

After the heartbreak of the 2003 MotoGP season, Australian legend, Gary McCoy talks, took a ride on the #24 Team XEROX Ducati, and spoke to me about the new itinerary that comes with his 2004 WSBK Ducati ride. In 2006 it was a pleasure to see him taking out the new Ilmore for another visit to Moto GP.

Jiri Mrkyvka - SS / SBK

Bike (#23 JM SBK Team - Ducati 988RS) & language problems meant for a short interveiw with the pride of the Czech Republic, Jiri Mrkyvka, but I did get a promise to follow up via an interpreter by email ASAP! INTERVIEW EVENTUALLY.

James Toseland - W-SBK / MotoGP

Factory Ducati whiz James Toseland reflects on his times traveling with his career. James went on to win the 2004 WSBK World Championship on his #52 Ducati Fila 999F04. Amazingly charming (and talented) individual.

Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

The young Flying Dutchman, Van Den Goorbergh is a verteran of many series in his young life. You name it, he's raced it across the many corners of the world, but the hardest to visit is his homeland, Assen, the Netherlands. Jurgen Van Den Goorabergh

Chris Vermeulen - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Young Aussie rider Chris Vermeulen is causing quite a stir, vaulting from SuperSports Champ to the front end of the big league world sbk in 2004 and onto MotoGP in 2006! Nice guy too.

Chris Walker - / W-SBK / MotoGP

When I met Chris "the Stalker" Walker he was riding the #9 Foggy Petronas FP1. He told me that his motorsport travel itinerary will include more and more "stops on the way". Read the interview.

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