GET TO KNOW WorldSSP
GET TO KNOW WorldSSP
STEFANO MANZI
TEN KATE RACING YAMAHA
Racing Number Of Any Significance ? In the past I used the number 29 as it was my birthday ( 29 March ) but when I went to race in Spain another rider had it . My friend looked at my ’ 29 ’ T-shirt and said , ‘ turn it around ’ and it became 62 . No rider used that number , in many categories , so since 2016 I have not changed it .
First Race ? 2006 in San Marino , with a pocket bike . I won that race - not a big race - but I said to my Dad , “ OK , we can continue …?”
When Did You Know You Could Become A Pro ? At a young age I won everything in Italy and then again in Europe . I went to the Red Bull Rookies Cup at 13 , in the big paddock . It was like a dream , so I was like , “ OK , I think I can turn pro .”
What Were You Best At In School ? I can ’ t say because I did not like to go to school . Everything was boring because I wanted to go outside . I cannot sit still for a long time . School was like a bad part of my life . Now , I would say to the young Stefano to study English , because it is going to helpful for you travelling the world .
What Do You Like To Do Aside From Racing ? A lot of things - but all to do with engines or wheels .
Where Is Your Favourite Place To Be The Netherlands . When I went first time with my Dad for the Rookies Cup in 2012 , at Assen , we spent three or four days looking around , I liked it . I dunno why but I liked it very much and I enjoy being there .
Do You Have Any Pets ? Yes , I have two little dogs . One is a Chihuahua and one is a Maltese . They are terrible … because they think they can do anything !
What Is Your Favourite Cuisine ? Italian ! And I can eat it every day . But when I go around the world now I try something different each time .
TARRAN MACKENZIE
PETRONAS MIE - MS RACING HONDA
First Race ? Knockhill in Scotland , at the end of 2007 , on an Aprilia 125 . I got lapped by John McPhee …! And he knows it too !
When Was Your First Race Win ? It took ages . It must have been 2013 , in the 125cc BSB Class . You have made me feel a bit bad there …! But in 2013 I finished second in the British championship .
What Has Been Your Greatest Racing Achievement ? I think winning BSB in 2021 . And it was a big thing for BSB , in its 25th year , and my dad had won it . Also because of the way I won it , doing a triple at the Brands Hatch finale .
What Were You Best At In School ? My brother Taylor was more academic than me , but other than PE , I really enjoyed engineering when I went to high school . My engineering teacher was the brother of the Burchill brothers , the successful sidecar racers .
Most Treasured Possession ? I would say my BSB championship trophy because it took a lot of hard work , blood sweat and tears to get - and it is not something you can buy .
Does Your Father Still Make You Practice Your Scottish Accent ? No , he ’ s stopped that now … We used to have to say ‘ I Could Murder A Burger !’ in a Scottish accent every Friday night ! We moved to England when I was about three or four , and Taylor and I both had Scottish accents , but my mum said we soon lost them .
Who Is Your Racing Hero ? Probably Valentino Rossi . I know it is a cliche but anything to do with motorsport , racing , at his ranch , his personality , he is the person I would get excited to watch when I was a kid .
Who Is Your Non-Racing Hero ? Someone I think is really cool is Gerry Cinnamon , a Scottish singer / songwriter .
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