It’s the first race of the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. 2023 Championship with MotoAmerica. Our team is less than two minutes from being on-track. As per Freddie’s guidance, I’ve given myself a pep talk and now sit on my bike, visor cracked, focused amidst the chaos. Hundreds of people swarm around our paddock, pointing, cheering, taking photos and video. Our mechanics and team facilitators keep them at bay and, in the centre of the clearing, stands our team lead, Scott Rybarik, walkie-talkie against his left ear and right hand raised with two fingers displayed. Peace. Two minutes to lift-off.
As we rev our engines and make final adjustments to our gloves, Scott’s hand displays one finger. “Focus,” I repeat to myself. “It’s just like any race.” Except, really, it’s not. This is the biggest track I’ve ever been to, with the biggest crowds, and I have an intense desire to perform planted heavily on my shoulders.
One finger pointed up, then lowers to direct us out of the paddock. Butterflies and the real world are blown away as our engines ignite the Road America grounds. We head to the track. Getting up to speed and reminding myself of all the points to perfect, we’re soon through our sighting lap and positioned on the grid, waiting for the lights to signal the start of the race. Mid-pack amongst my teammates, I’m over the tank, revs high and steady, ready to launch. My eyes are fixed on the lights and, as they
