2/29/2008 11:53:00 AM 'The Animal' left speechless over new bike Toriano Wilson enjoys his first day as a pro for the Red Bull Rookies Cup
Toriano Wilson on his brand new KTM RC 125 racing bike at the Mazda Raceway in Leguna Seca on Tuesday. Wilson is enjoying his first year as a pro on the Red Bull Rookies Cup. *Photos courtesy of Michael Trotman/Red Bull sports
The first day on his new bike as a pro racer left teenager Toriano Wilson "speechless".
The Bermudian was selected to take part in the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup and on Tuesday of this week he got his first look at his new bike and his competitors. Wilson was one of the first riders to test out his bike at the Mazda Raceway in Laguna Seca this past Tuesday.
It was a special day for the young Bermudian - whose nickname is The Animal - and the 22 other young racers participating in the programme as they received their gear from Alpinestars, got the first look at their brand new KTM RC125 race bikes, and then rode the circuit with 1993 500cc World Champion and official series Rider Coach Kevin Schwantz.
For Wilson and many of the competitors, the anticipation was much like Christmas morning. Tuesday was the first time the racers were on track for an official Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup event since the selection event at Barber Motorsports Park last fall.
Wilson said: "I was very, very, very excited. When we finally saw my bike, I was speechless. I was thinking about how fast it looked and how the season was going to go for me," he said.
After taking some solo reconnaissance laps to get a feel for the circuit and help KTM engineers set the proper jetting for the bikes, Schwantz and the competitors met at pit wall and held a briefing.
The racers were able to ask the Grand Prix racing legend questions and Schwantz shared advice about riding technique on the circuit that is the home of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix.
After two on-track stints in the morning, Wilson and the rest of the racers broke for lunch before another learning session with Schwantz.
That was followed by another two sessions in the afternoon as the young racers became acclimated with their brand new bikes and the Laguna Seca course.
The emphasis was on learning rather than outright speed as Schwantz rode with the Rookies Cup competitors and worked with them on improving their line and technique.
