“It’s events like these that allowed a kid from Louisiana, like me, to see what I loved, and gave me a chance to experience motorsport. That’s how I ended up getting to the World Championships, and that’s how I eventually started winning them. I see all the incredible equipment, but I see what it really gives to the community, and that’s why I love coming to Goodwood.”
That Louisiana kid that Freddie so fondly reminisces about, began his love affair with motorcycles by riding dirt bikes for fun near his hometown at the age of four. Today, in 2017 the motorcycling community is reeling from the news that 2017 championship hopeful Valentino Rossi has broken his leg riding a similar dirt bike for his own kicks.
During one of the most exciting seasons in recent history, Rossi was a serious contender to build on his staggering nine World Championships. Freddie feels sympathy for the Italian rider and shares some interesting insights into the accident.
“He knows riding the dirt bike, and going out there just having fun, is one of the reasons why he’s still out there doing this at 38 years old. It’s unfortunate, and no-one feels worse than him. I think his performance at Silverstone, even though he didn’t win, he was there to the last lap and I think that really re-invigorated him. He was looking forward to the last few races and his home race.”