Joerg Teuchert
Related Articles
After a better fifth place in his rookie season in Moto2, the American secured a first pole position in front of his local supporters at COTA, then a second place next time in Portimao.
But both races ended in disappointment, with the five-time US Superbike champion falling from fourth place on the final lap in Texas, then joining most of the race leaders in collapsing (from second place) due of a sudden downpour in Portugal.
After another DNF at Jerez, Beaubier rebounded with a career-best fourth at Le Mans, starting just 17th on the grid.
Fast forward to Assen and Beaubier rode a similar recovery in reverse, climbing ten places in the opening laps before hitting a peak of fourth, deep in the lead group, with just six laps to go.
“Stu [Shenton, crew chief] I found something that really helped us and I felt really good during the warm-up,” said the 29-year-old. “Honestly, it was a fun race to be able to get through the pack, pick some guys and chase the lead group.
“Once I caught them I was able to breathe a bit but as soon as I caught my breath I was pushed back by a few guys!”
Podium glory seemed well within reach for Beaubier, but an attempt to fend off reigning leader Celestino Vietti ended in disaster.
“I felt pretty good but I got a little hot in the final chicane and cut Ogura a little bit and it created just enough room for Vietti to try and get me into Turn 1,” said explained Beaubier.
“I saw his front wheel and tried to hold my position but just lost the front which was a disappointment with only four laps to go because once I caught up with the group of head, I was really trying to bid my time for the last five laps to see what I could do to fight for a podium because I felt really good.
“It’s like that. I take the positives from that one because I rode really well and felt great on the bike.
Beaubier: “We have shown that we can be as fast as the best”
Beaubier’s fifth non-score of the season left him just 15th in the world championship standings, although he showed that in his day he had the speed to battle with the best in Moto2.
“This year, when everything works; the bike works, I work, I feel like we can compete with the fastest guys in the class,” said Beaubier.
“I really feel like we made some mistakes when we could have had good results and we didn’t really have the luck on our side like with Portugal and even COTA.
“It’s been a pretty frustrating start to the season, I expected a bit more results from me, but we definitely showed the speed, we showed we can be as fast as the top guys when it’s all in. clicking.
“I’m definitely ready for the summer break now. I’ve only been home a week in the last five months and I’m ready to recharge the batteries.”
John Hopkins: “Completely disappointing and devastating”
While Beaubier showed courage in the Assen outing, American Racing Team principal and four-time MotoGP podium finisher John Hopkins described the Dutch weekend as “totally disappointing and devastating, simply because I really think Cam should have been 100% on the podium.” .
“It wasn’t the best of weekends in terms of training, but he always turns around for the race. He rode an amazing race, kept his head down and rode like we always have. known to be able to roll.
“We saw the Cameron from the end of last season/beginning of the season and he had every intention of finishing on the podium, of ending this half of the season in style.
“Unfortunately the mistake, it was nobody’s fault, it was just a racing mistake, but it was just disappointing because he had the pace to be on the podium or even better.”
Beaubier’s rookie teammate Sean Dylan Kelly couldn’t add to his three world championship points in Portimao, heading into the summer break with a 19th-place finish in Assen.
“With Sean, we’re still making tremendous and steady progress,” Hopkins said.
“It took him a little longer than expected to get here, but he’s on the right track. [now] and I think he’s in a good position mentally and physically. He gets the job done and keeps going, and more importantly, he’s confident he can do it now, which is good.
“It will be good for the boys to rest a bit now and come back recharged and get some further improvements for the second half of the season.”
American Racing will use a third Kalex machine to Rory Skinner at the next round of Silverstone and Red Bull Rings.
