. Pier Francesco Chili Team psg-1 Corse Ducati - 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

Pier Francesco Chili - W-SBK / MotoGP

Pier Francesco Chili Team psg-1 Corse Ducati
I met Pier Francesco Chili 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.

Pier Francesco is a veteran of over 200 World Superbike races and a bonafide legend in motorsport. Of course it was a privelige to have a short time to talk to him about my area of interest. The man can't help but be charming, with his heavy Italian accent, his movie star looks, and the confidence that only comes from mastering your art.

After so many races at the top level and so much travel over the years, where did Mr. Chili like to visit?

"Places where I win!" he joked. "Here (Phillip Island) is beautiful. Very nice to see the site, but also challenging, like Assen, it is a great track to ride. I like the Italian tracks the most however. The fans like the bikes and it is close to my home so not far to travel."

And do you enjoy to travel and visit so many places?

Not so much any more. I have too much travel in my life. I'm tired of traveling, but I must to ride. I can never be tired of riding!

And does he vacation during the year between races?

"No, when I travel I come to work, when I'm finished working, I like to go home."

Forza Frankie!
I asked him about his early experiences at races as a specator.

"My first race as a fan was in 1972 in Modena. My uncle took me."

I asked if this was the track now known as Fiorano, the Ferrari test track?

"No, This was at the airport at Modena, that's where they used to race. Near to Bologna, not far from Imola."

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.

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.

Gianluca Nannelli - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Italian racer Gianluca Nannelli who in 2003 was riding the #69 Team Pedercini Ducati, says he gets up to surf at 7am on the perfect March waters off Phillip Island, Australia. "Extra Cool!"

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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