An NRT image of team riders for 2018 debut in Phillip Island
The two riders, Thomas Gradinger & Jules Cluzel, of the new Indian outfit, Nerd Racing Team are excited and after reaching Australia they expressed goodwill about the Mumbai launch saying: “Our adventure is underway! We would like to thank India & all the people who supported us by their presence at the event (in India).”
Ahead of the first Official test at Phillip Island, Jules and Thomas did a quick Q&A. Excerpts…⠀
⠀ How do you feel going into the 2018 season without testing?⠀
JC – Initially, I felt apprehensive but now I am very excited, I know the bike and team are completely new but I am sure we can work well together.⠀
TG – Sure I would prefer to test, but I feel well prepared and I know the potential of the bike and my crew. We can stay focused and work well on the two test days, we will be well prepared for the race weekend.⠀
⠀ What were your reasons for signing with NRT this year?⠀
JC – The package was really exciting for me, having Marcus as our engine builder was very appealing. Also, I have known Gary for many years and I know he can lead a good team.⠀
TG – It was always my dream to ride in WorldSSP and the team has faith in me. I worked well with Frank and Thomas last year, and the engines are built by Markus and Thomas, so this was also a big factor in my decision.⠀
⠀ As this is a new team, what are your feelings about them as a package?⠀
JC – I know that the whole team is very motivated and ready to show how well we can work together. I like the motivation that the team has, it is a very big thing for me. As a new team, we have a lot to prove, and we will prove it. ⠀
TG – My feelings are very good, I have no doubt in the team and they are very motivated and experienced in what they do.⠀
⠀ Do you feel any pressure for 2018?⠀
JC – I don’t really feel any pressure, we have a test before the first race in Phillip Island, let’s see what that brings.⠀
TG – No way. It’s my first year on the big stage and I will learn a lot from the team, and Jules as my teammate. I´m very motivated and can’t wait to race at Phillip Island.
2017 IDM Supersport Championship winner, Thomas Gradinger, will step onto the world stage next season with NRT, it can now be announced.
It was in November 2017, that Ride Scotland confirmed the arrival of Thomas Gradinger to the Indian team.
Since his wildcard entry at Lausitzring WorldSSP round back in August, where he made a firm impression with Team Manager Gary Reynders, he has been in talks with the team boss and can now confirm the rumours that he has signed with the Indian backed team.
Gradinger commented: “I am very happy and thankful to get the chance from NRT to race in WorldSSP, it was my dream since I began racing. My goal for this season is to learn as much as I can and improve every race. I can’t wait until the first race to work with my crew.”
Gary Reynders: “I am very happy I have the opportunity to give a young Austrian rider the chance to compete in an FIM Supersport World Championship. His performance in Lausitzring was impressive and we hope he can continue to develop his skills with our team.”
Jules Cluzel – Rider #16 ⠀⠀
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To many, Jules needs no introduction, to the few, he is already a World Class rider with many Victories, Podiums and Pole Positions to his name.⠀⠀
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Riding MX from the age of 4, training in gymnastics & winning the local Go-kart Championship at age 12, his parents then bought a local motorcycle dealership and tempted Jules back onto 2 wheels again. He then realised his passion was to be on the tarmac. His first 125cc took him on to a very respectable 2nd place in the French Junior Cup back in 2004 and he’s moved and risen through the ranks ever since. His target for 2018 is to build on his strengths and he’s confident he can be stronger than ever. “I believe consistency is the key to good results. I’m sure that when we combine this with the package of an experienced team and competitive Yamaha R6, that we can produce some excellent results. I’m really looking forward to being part of NRT’s debut season, come along with us for the ride!”⠀⠀UAE based, Nerds Racing Team have secured the services of French World Supersport rider Jules Cluzel, for their debut into the World Supersport Championship for the 2018 season.
Way back in October 2017, Cluzel was recruited by the Indian outfit NRT.
Teaming up with another young star, Thomas Gradinger, who was recently confirmed, Cluzel is hungry for a Championship win. After many World supersport race wins and with total confidence in his future package and his highly-experienced team around him, Cluzel is aiming for the top spot on the podium.
NRT Team Owner, Vafi Khan commented- “Nothing is impossible with vivid dreams and the right team.We are excited and also thankful that Jules has the confidence to join our new team. He has discussed at length the team’s aims and goals and is ready to give 100% in return.
Jules Cluzel added: “I’m really excited to join this promising project. I know few people inside the Team and I’m pretty sure we will be ready to fight for the victory from Phillip Island 2018 opening round.
Andrea Ballerini⠀ Crew Chief – Jules Cluzel⠀
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The only Italian in the Nerd Racing Team!
(They say they couldn’t cope with more than 1..!)
Andrea has himself also competed on a professional level. ⠀
In addition to the World Championship, he participated in the European Speed Championship in 1997, finishing in third place and in 2001, finishing second in the 125cc class behind Andrea Dovizioso.
His first season in the World Championship dates back to 1995 on an Aprilia in the 125cc class. He continued to compete in this class until 2004 before moving on to the 250cc class and running another two years in this category.
He took his first and only success in a Grand Prix in 2003 at the Australian GP, retiring from competitive action at the end of the 2006 season.
He has then worked as a mechanic in both Moto2 and World Supersport for many years, and lately, he has been working as Crew Chief for some very successful riders such as Sam Lowes and Gino Rea.
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As with most of our other team members, Andrea’s out of work passion is also Motocross! ⠀
The Nerd Racing Team, backed by Indian owner Vafi Khan, are set to compete in this year’s FIM Supersport World Championship, a support race at WSBK. The team is set for entering a big world of racing. Jules Cluzels and Thomas Gradinger will be the team’s riders for 2018.
INDIAinF1.com will profile the exploits of the Nerd Racing Team from today.
On Saturday, February 3rd, the Team was launched
Jules Cluzel joined NRT in Oct 2017. World SBK image
at the Sofitel Hotel in Mumbai. The owner, along with Yasmeen Khan (CFO), riders and Team Manager, had a packed afternoon as the media fired over many questions, and the audience showed great interest.
When asked his vision for the team, Vafi explained: “We hope to bring motorsport back into the hearts of the Indian fans”.
‘Befikre’ star Vaani Kapoor, present at the event, encouraged and supported the team, hoping for the best result for their debut season.
The team of 15 are hopeful and confident of what is set to be a challenging and exciting year at WorldSSP. The 2018 season kicks off in Phillip Island, Australia, on 23-25 February, where they’ll be gunning for a victory on the world stage.
