And Hayden Gillim. It was good experience for all of them. So many rides in Europe require the rider to bring financing. It's just the way it is now, very lopsided. Some successful teams in MA utilize paid rides to support their programs as well, that's been going on for years.
I know Kris was there. Not a dig at him, just with him taking off racing for a bit, kind of got lost in the shuffle. But you’re right, my bad.
Good luck to him. He's a true talent but I fear he'll get treated as every previous American to go. I hope I'm wrong. I'm sure it'll be a great experience nonetheless.
Yep. Great experience. Cam should be in GP or followed a similar path based on performance but didn't have the same backing as 2.0.
Not sure it was that much and it paid for the year if anything. I'm still torn on the Rookie Cup stuff. I trust Stoney to do what is right for Rocco but the contract and the politics involved would have me worried.
Just like Hayden, Spies, Edwards, Herrin-always the same story with their teammates getting the good stuff and the Americans getting shafted because they are Americans. Why do we even want Americans going over there since they won’t get the same backing as the their teammates?
Because it's even more fun to watch them do well overcoming the travel and other issues that other riders don't have.
They resurrected an old gofund me, to get this going quickly. Rocco raced minis in Spain, so the family is familiar with the European life.
I would be interesting to do a cost benefit comparison between the RBRC and CEV premoto3. Almost every team in GP has a junior team in CEV. Plus, young riders can learn how to work with data guys, crew chiefs, and within the protocols of a foreign team and paddock. All without signing away anything to RB (and I suspect for much less money). As for teams hiring then shafting riders simply for being Americans, that just doesn't happen. Full stop. For every incident of "injustice" towards a US rider there are 10 similar stories for riders from every other country. And if you think the US is far away, tell that to the Aussies, Japanese, South Africans, South Americans, etc. They manage. The biggest problem with Americans who come to Europe to race is their belief that they deserve to get paid lots of money while not bringing anything to the table. Simply being fast does not warrant a paycheck. Not when other just as fast guys are bringing 6-figures TO the team. For reference; last year's WSS champion PAID almost 200,000 euros for his WSS ride. As world champion he was offered a WSBK factory ride and is now getting paid (around 20k is what I heard). That is the reality of professional motorcycle racing. Don't like it? Play golf on the weekends instead. (or do a gofundme)
And me, I got a text from Stoney a little while ago. I'm very happy for them, Rocco is a very cool kid.