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In a thrilling conclusion to the FIM Superbike World Championship, Bobby Fong, representing Attack Performance Strack Racing Yamaha, showcased his evolving skills during his wildcard debut in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. This event signified the end of the season, providing Fong with essential experience on an international stage.
Throughout the weekend at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, Fong exhibited notable improvement. After a challenging qualifying round that placed him 24th, he finished 21st in the first race on Saturday. His determination led to two 19th-place finishes in both the Superpole Race and Race 2 on Sunday, reflecting a positive trend in his racing performance.
Positive progress and valuable experience
The wildcard entry, facilitated by Attack Performance and supported by the Strack Racing team, provided significant insights and data. This experience is crucial as the team prepares for upcoming winter testing, aimed at the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike season.
Team manager’s perspective
Richard Stanboli, team manager at Attack Performance Strack Racing Yamaha, expressed enthusiasm about the event. He noted, “Jerez was a fun track, and the camaraderie within the World Superbike paddock was remarkable. I want to extend my gratitude to Massimo Neri and the Pata team for their incredible technical assistance.”
Stanboli emphasized that the results do not fully capture the continuous progress made by Fong and the Yamaha R1. He stated, “We leave Jerez feeling confident that with additional time spent on Pirelli tires and further laps on European circuits, Bobby will continue to enhance his performance. This experience undoubtedly equips him to be a stronger competitor in MotoAmerica.”
Insights from Bobby Fong
Reflecting on his experiences, Bobby Fong, who rides with the number 50, shared his thoughts about the weekend. “My performance here was significantly better than at Estoril. In Race 1, I was encouraged to see competitors within reach,” he remarked. This sentiment was pivotal as it fueled his motivation for the subsequent races.
Race day reflections
During the Superpole Race, Fong was particularly pleased with his performance, noting, “I consistently matched my qualifying times, which was exhilarating. We tried some new strategies today, and they definitely improved my riding.” However, he faced challenges in Race 2, struggling with the front tire from the start. “I managed to stay in the 1:41s, which was competitive with the larger group ahead of me,” he added, reflecting on the overall competitiveness of the race.
While he aspires to close in on the leading riders, Fong acknowledged the improvements made since Estoril. “It’s tough not being closer to the front, but I’m satisfied with our progress. The differences between racing in Europe and the U.S. are immense, but I see this as a positive experience. Every outing allowed the team and me to learn and grow,” he concluded.
Looking ahead
The results from the Jerez WorldSBK event not only provide a foundation for future performances but also underscore the significance of international racing experience. As Fong and his team prepare for winter testing, the insights gained from this weekend will be instrumental in shaping their strategies moving forward.
Bobby Fong’s wildcard appearance at Jerez has established a promising future in superbike racing. With the support of Attack Performance and Strack Racing, he is poised to tackle upcoming challenges, equipped with valuable lessons and a determination to improve.