JOE ROBERTS FLYING THE FLAG
“ My dad was a big fan of racing ,” says Joe Roberts of his entry into the sport . “ He did some club racing and decided , ‘ I want to get my kids into it .’” Growing up and competing in local junior races in California , the American state famed for giving us namesake Kenny , Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey , it was Europe where Joe got his big break . An entry to the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2011 opened his eyes and a win in his twelfth race proved he was capable of fighting among Europe ’ s quickest names . After three years in the class , Roberts returned to the USA to compete in the junior categories in Moto America . A runaway success in the Superstock 600 series ( 9 wins from 11 starts ) in 2015 confirmed his status as one of the country ’ s brightest talents , and a move to race in the European Moto2 class in 2017 soon resulted in bigger things . Deputising for the sacked Yonny Hernandez from mid-season , Roberts claimed a top ten start in his first race at Brno . He secured a slot in the RW Racing NTS for a first full campaign in Moto2™ in 2018 . The following year was a slog as a move to the American Racing squad aboard an uncompetitive KTM chassis failed to bring the expected results . But Joe was reborn in 2020 as a switch to a Kalex frame , and a burgeoning relationship with the team ’ s new rider coach John Hopkins led to a surprise pole position at the first race in Qatar , before finishing fourth . From there , the Californian put together his best season to date , taking another pole at Brno before his first podium . He had race winning pace at the French and European GPs only for other factors to get in the way . And he finished a highly impressive seventh in the World Championship . Late into his breakthrough season in 2020 , Roberts caused a stir by leaving the American Racing Team and signing for Italtrans , home of MotoGP™-bound Enea Bastianini , who went on to win last year ’ s championship . The Italian setup welcomed him onboard , believing Roberts ’ smooth riding style and upward trajectory would fit perfectly with their bike set-up . “ They ’ ve got an amazing track record ,” Roberts said . “ Most riders that have come through here have gone to MotoGP™ or done great things . Like Enea last year winning the title . You come to a new team and it takes a bit of adjustment . And adjustment at this level can mean a little less in results . But overall , the future can be really strong . The way they work is really nice . It ’ s just very low pressure . I feel like I have the least amount of pressure from a team that I ’ ve ever had in my career . In the past it was like , Am I doing enough to keep my ride for next year ? It ’ s not the case this year .” This was meant to be the next step as Roberts stepped up to fight for the title . There were promising early signs , with the 24-year old in podium contention at the Doha , Portuguese and Italian GPs , while he was also looking strong at Le Mans before an early fall . Still , the American has been amazed by the team spirit on more than occasion this year . “ They ’ re just amazing people , man . I crashed out of Le Mans and my crew chief came and give me a hug and said , ‘ Don ’ t worry , it ’ ll come .’ That ’ s the type of mentality these guys have . I ’ m thankful for them . It would be nice to learn Italian . That would help some areas . But it ’ s not like determining anything . We
Moto2™ Joe Roberts - Flying the Flag | 59