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MotoGP
MOTO2: Gagne’s Way
American Jake Gagne is making a rare appearance in the States as he builds his roadracing career in the European way.
GP Tech/Fogi Racing/FTR's Jake Gagne (Photo: Evan Williams)
Reigning Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion Jake Gagne has been on the radar for some time now, previously identified as one of the most promising American 'kids' to watch for the future. Well, in some ways, the future is now for the Californian, as he turns 18 on Saturday and takes his first steps into racing adulthood as well, contesting his first Moto2 World Championship round in front of the home crowd at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix.
This weekend actually marks Gagne's first race in the States since the '10 season opener at Daytona in which he battled his way to the SuperSport podium aboard an LTD Yamaha. Since that time Gagne has continued to build his career in Europe in a case of 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.' With an uncertain route from AMA Pro racing to world championship competition in the modern era, Jake has chosen to instead follow the path paved by the likes of Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, and Casey Stoner, contesting the Spanish CEV Buckler series in order to gain experience and win the attention of the GP paddock's decision makers.
"It's been fun," Gagne said of his European racing adventure. "Obviously the racing is quite a lot bigger in Europe and the fans are pretty crazy. I did the one year in America and then did the two years in the European Rookies Cup and now CEV. The tracks are awesome and the people are good. It's a little different but it's been a good experience. I think it's probably the best way to build a career and work towards MotoGP.
"The next goal is to get in the Moto2 World Championship. That would be the next step. This weekend will be important just to see where we are at and gain some experience. I think that's the right path."
While not unfamiliar with Moto2 machinery, Gagne is trading in his Harris-framed CEV racer for an FTR machine to make his Moto2 World Championship debut this weekend.
"The FTR is working really well so far and there are some different characteristics," Gagne said after previously testing the bike at Gingerman Raceway and here at Indy to prepare for this weekend. "It turns really good; we're not really having any problems with the chassis or anything so far yet. We have a good set-up to start the weekend so it should be good.
"I had ridden this track previously in Rookies Cup in '08, so it's been a while, and they have the new surface. It's really smooth now -- there used to be some bumps but it's really smooth. But it was a really dirty -- brand-new track, so it was green. The grip wasn't too good but it will be once we get some bikes out there and lay down some rubber."
This weekend actually marks Gagne's first race in the States since the '10 season opener at Daytona in which he battled his way to the SuperSport podium aboard an LTD Yamaha. Since that time Gagne has continued to build his career in Europe in a case of 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.' With an uncertain route from AMA Pro racing to world championship competition in the modern era, Jake has chosen to instead follow the path paved by the likes of Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, and Casey Stoner, contesting the Spanish CEV Buckler series in order to gain experience and win the attention of the GP paddock's decision makers.
"It's been fun," Gagne said of his European racing adventure. "Obviously the racing is quite a lot bigger in Europe and the fans are pretty crazy. I did the one year in America and then did the two years in the European Rookies Cup and now CEV. The tracks are awesome and the people are good. It's a little different but it's been a good experience. I think it's probably the best way to build a career and work towards MotoGP.
"The next goal is to get in the Moto2 World Championship. That would be the next step. This weekend will be important just to see where we are at and gain some experience. I think that's the right path."
While not unfamiliar with Moto2 machinery, Gagne is trading in his Harris-framed CEV racer for an FTR machine to make his Moto2 World Championship debut this weekend.
"The FTR is working really well so far and there are some different characteristics," Gagne said after previously testing the bike at Gingerman Raceway and here at Indy to prepare for this weekend. "It turns really good; we're not really having any problems with the chassis or anything so far yet. We have a good set-up to start the weekend so it should be good.
"I had ridden this track previously in Rookies Cup in '08, so it's been a while, and they have the new surface. It's really smooth now -- there used to be some bumps but it's really smooth. But it was a really dirty -- brand-new track, so it was green. The grip wasn't too good but it will be once we get some bikes out there and lay down some rubber."
Grand Prix of The Americas
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