Remy Gardner out to rev up career on Phillip Island circuit his dad dominated down the years
HE is the son of an Australian motorcycle legend, but he’s been inspired by the likes of Casey Stoner and current world champion Marc Marquez.
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HE is the son of an Australian motorcycle legend, but growing up he looked at the likes of Casey Stoner and current world champion Marc Marquez for inspiration.
Remy Gardner, the teenage son of 1987 world champion Wayne Gardner, continued his Phillip Island career yesterday with two practice rounds at the Australian GP event.
It’s Remy’s second appearance at the track his dad owned in 1989-90 having won the Australian Nippers Championship (under-13s) in 2010 on a Moriwaki 80cc.
This weekend the 16-year-old will race in the Moto3 (250cc), the junior category of the GP. The category is considered a genuine pathway for the next batch of talented young racers.
Remy is among them, vying with the likes of Jack Miller, Romano Fenati and Alex Marquez for a podium finish.
The race will take them along both Doohan and Stoner Corners, but it’s Gardner Straight where the action will be when the riders chase the chequered flag.
“He looks good and he looks comfortable,’’ Wayne Gardner said after watching his son’s second practice round yesterday.
“I’m staying out of his face and just letting him get on with the job and not interfering.
“He’s got his own team here from Spain and they are doing a good job.”
It’s only early days, but it’s clear Wayne Gardner has also done a pretty decent job raising his son to follow in his footsteps.
Twenty-five years ago Gardner won the first of his two Australian GPs at Phillip Island, nine years before his son was born.
“He’s seen races of me, but I’m just dad to him, not the racer,’’ Gardner said.
“He’s only 16 and grew up watching Stoner and Marquez.
“He’s seen videos of me. I have spoken to him and talked to him (about the track), but I raced here in 500s, he’s on the 250, there’s a big difference. However, he’s a very, very fast learner and he’s just taken to the track like a duck to water.
“I’m very proud of him. I don’t push him or drive him. I’m pleased he’s doing well.”
Remy, who has been based in Spain with his family for the past three years, said he is not feeling any added heat carrying the Gardner name.
“I don’t think the name really has an affect on me,’’ he said.
“I am not Wayne Gardner, I am Remy Gardner, I am different person and I want to be known by my name. So I don’t put any pressure on myself or get any from the people immediately around me.”
Originally published as Remy Gardner out to rev up career on Phillip Island circuit his dad dominated down the years
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