Photo credits: Red Bull Rookies Cup
The World Superbike championship is definitely getting a lot of updates and changes for the 2018 season. The recent news being the new rules and regulations regarding the allowed usage of aerodynamic components such as winglet. Joining the bandwagon of updates is American roadracer Jacob ‘Jake’ Gagne.
Gagne has signed on as a full-time rider for Honda’s Red Bull Superbike team for next season, replacing Stefan Bradl. The 25 year-old hops on the new season with an impressive resume, with credible titles from the 2014 AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike championship and the 2015 MotoAmerica Superstrock 1000cc.
Photo credits: gpone.com
“It’s really a dream come true to have the chance to contest a full World Superbike season with the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team,” said Gagne as quoted from roadracingworld.com
“I cannot thank Red Bull, Honda and Ten Kate enough for the opportunity to race the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 over three rounds this year. I have learned so much from them and I got to know them quite well, so I’m looking forward to getting going again. 2018 will be an exciting year for me, with a lot of traveling and racing on some of the best racetracks in the world. I want to thank again everyone involved for this incredible opportunity, and I feel I’m ready for the challenge ahead!”
Photo credits: Red Bull Rookies Cup
Gagne made his team debut at Laguna Seca in July. The team has noted that Gagne has been constantly improving his performance and his skills are undeniable. Gagne will be parterning with team mate Leon Camier.
“He picked up the challenge this year and jumped on our Fireblade without prior testing and did well at Laguna Seca, and later showed his talent at tracks he had never raced before,” said Marco Chini, Honda’s WorldSBK Operations Manager.
Photo credits: Ultimate Motorcycling
“He is young, gifted and a great guy, so he’s the right choice for the team to ride alongside Leon. We look forward to seeing him on track very soon and we’re sure American fans will be happy to cheer him on.”
We cannot wait to see what Gagne has to offer for the championship next season!
Photo credits: Ultimate Motorcycling