In the exciting sport of Supermoto, there has long been a great separation between North America and Europe. Apart from the obvious physical distance, differences such as riding style, machinery setup, and racing circuits have seemingly kept the two worlds from meshing.
Over the years, a handful of American riders would venture over for the annual FIM Supermoto of Nations, an international racing event in which riders from various countries compete on national teams, where the European riders have maintained dominance. And at least two American riders have attempted to compete in the FIM World Supermoto Championship series, or S1GP, in the earlier 2000s, but with a lack of support during continued recession years, the interest and opportunities waned.
Now there has been a revitalization in the Americas, and multiple regional Supermoto series have blossomed, as well as the redevelopment of the AMA National series. This growth has spawned a new generation of Supermoto competitors eager to grow the most enjoyable sport on two wheels.
In 2022, the highly-decorated Lukas Hollbacher and fellow European, Alberto Moseriti, traveled to America to compete in the AMA Supermoto series, where Hollbacher claimed the overall championship victory. This venture sparked excitement across the Supermoto world, with European and American interest now intermingling, and helped develop the effort of a California-based racer, Nicky Reimer, to pursue a dream opportunity of racing the S1GP World Championship.
Nicky competed in a few rounds of the World Championship during 2022, and has come into 2023 with a full-blown effort to compete in the full season, with a serious training regime and developmental goals. Joining him in this adventure is AMA Supermoto and American Flat Track competitor, Bronson Pearce.
While the pair of Americans are living and training in Italy, we reached out to catch up on their progress and learn more about their journey. Check out the interview below!
You’re both coming off of a great year: Nicky, you finished 3rd in the 2022 AMA Supermoto Championship and swept the first two rounds of the 2023 AMA Supermoto season, and Bronson, you finished 7th in last year’s AMA Supermoto Championship and managed a top 15 in the American Flat Track series round of the Arizona Supper TT. How are you guys feeling about venturing into the S1GP series, and what’s the overall plan?
Reimer: 2022 was a really pivotal year for me. I secured my best results in the AMA Championship, made my debut into the World Championship, and learned so much about bettering my race craft. A sweep in round one of AMA definitely has me on a high right now. We’ve worked so hard for this for a long time now and I’m stoked to deliver a first win to Team Magnum Motorsports, my dad, and all my supporters and sponsors. Going into the GP’s, I’m with Team PMA aboard a factory TM-450. PMA is a rider training school ran by my friend and competitor Alberto Moseriti (Mos). Mos and PMA are very gentle with their expectations for me this year. They want me to do my best and learn how to be competitive in the GP’s. We hope to be in the top ten by the end of the year, but it’s going to be a fight to get there. The TM that I’m on is unreal. It has custom frame geometry, factory suspension, and more traction than imaginable. It also features a factory engine that has literally no weak areas and pulls like nothing I’ve ridden before. The bike development is on another level over here. Bronson is with me too! We’re living with each other in the north of Italy and pushing each other daily with riding, cycling, gym workouts, etc.
Pearce: I’m feeling very excited about this venture into S1GP World Championship. I’m here to learn as much as I can to become a smarter and faster rider. These guys are no joke over here and I’m looking forward to learning from them. My overall plan coming into this season is to race the entire S1GP World Championship (Italy, Sardenga, Germany, Bulgaria, Spain, and Belgium). I will be on the PMA Race Team aboard their TM-450. I will predominantly be in Salsomaggiore, Italy training for the World Championship. I plan to come back to America twice, once in May to race Ventura Short Track and once in July and August to race Peoria TT, Buffalo Chip TT, and Castle Rock TT. This will be my second season in American Flat Track and I’m looking forward to racing a local race at Ventura and the TT’s. I made the main at Castle Rock TT last year and I was in qualifying position at my debut in Peoria TT until my bike died on me due to a faulty wiring harness. I will also be racing the last two rounds of AMA Supermoto in Arizona.
Nicky, you’ve been working closely with Dunlop testing/developing tires. Apart from the extra seat time, how has this experience been? Do you feel you’ve gained a better understanding of the physics involved and tire technology overall?
Reimer: I’ve been working with Dunlop doing tire testing and development since 2020. The knowledge I’ve gained from the whole experience is unreal. I never thought so much went into creating a new tire until I became a part of it. My favorite days are when we get a new tire with no baseline for pressures or bike setups. After lots of trial and error, we get the weight distribution and pressures figured out and finally get to feel the new tire come to life. Dunlop is great about letting me request changes to the tire profile, compounds, and carcass stiffness (and even a 16″ platform) to make the best setup possible. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with Dunlop and help build the next generation of Supermoto tires with them.
What do you feel is the biggest difference between racing Supermoto in the U.S. versus in the World Championship?
Reimer: The biggest difference between the U.S. and World Supermoto scene is the depth of the field and the types of tracks we’re racing on. The GP tracks are really fast pace and technical and require a lot of thinking. The tracks here have more grip than the tracks in the US, requiring us to ride way harder than we’re used to at home. Even in the wet races there’s grip, and that’s something huge that I have to get used to. We’re using a lot less rear brake and almost no backing it in because the tracks are so fast pace. On some practice days I’ve actually taken the rear brake off my bike to shake the habit of dragging it on entries. Last year I did a couple races with the L30 TM Factory team. When I asked Ivan Lazzarini (Team Owner, multi time GP winner, and 2009 X Games winner) something he’s noticed that’s creating a gap between Marc Schmidt and I, he said “Nick, you’re using sooo much rear brake and slowing down way too much in the corners” He said that all with positivity to educate me, but It was a humbling response that seriously opened my eyes to how the riding style is different over here.
Pearce: The biggest difference between European Supermoto and American Supermoto is the tracks and the style in which you ride these tracks. It has more of a road racing feeling to it where everyone is leaning way off the bike to provide as much tire patch on the ground as possible which allows them to carry more speed through the corners and accelerate earlier providing a better drive into the next section. Everyone I’ve met so far has been very accommodating and helpful. It’s a dream come true of being able to line up next to these guys and be able to hang out and get advice from them is the cherry on top. The TM I am riding is very different then my Honda back home. I’m slowly getting used to it as I can push this bike much harder than the Honda coming into, through and coming out of the corners. I’m just trying to find where the limit is on this bike so I can ride it to its full potential.
What do you feel is your biggest advantage/disadvantage heading into this series?
Reimer: It’s really hard to learn tracks that riders have been racing on their whole lives. My biggest disadvantage would be that I have less seat time on the GP bikes and less time to learn the tracks. Both of those things will get easier with time and I’m thankful to be in a position where I can live here and continue to learn these techniques every day. My biggest advantage is going into these races with the knowledge of my trainer Alberto with PMA. He had been racing this series for years and always has great race strategies, line advice, and body positioning advice to get me through the pack safely and consistently.
Pearce: My biggest disadvantage would be all of these guys have ridden these tracks before and some have even grown up on these tracks where I’m only seeing them for the first time while getting used to a new bike. I don’t feel that my dirt track experience will help as much as I wish it could. Over here, due to the riding style and minimal rear brake usage, it makes it somewhat tough since Flat Track is the opposite with heavy rear brake and no front brake.
Nicky, since you were able to get some seat time in Europe last year, were you able to ride any of the circuits that you’ll be competing on this year? If so, do you feel confident with the track knowledge and think you’ll be at a much faster pace this time around, and maybe help give Bronson some insight?
Reimer: My “home” track here is Castelletto. The SMoN race will be held there in October and it will be a huge advantage for us to have already figured out the bike setups, passing areas, and “secret lines” to this place and help my fellow Americans figure them out too. Going into these GP’s having raced them before will definitely allow me to hit the ground running and start further up the field.
Pearce: Reimer has been able to give me a few pointers on how everything works and be able to prepare for it since he did a few races last year. Our plan is to push each other every day on and off the track to better ourselves. My goal for us would be to put two Americans in the top ten. The biggest challenge is trying to play catch up getting comfortable on the bike and the tracks that these guys have not only ridden at, but tested at to determine the best lines, gearing, and tire pressures.
Apart from Mark Burkhart back around 2008, I believe you’re the first U.S. riders to attempt the world championship series (correct me if I’m wrong). Do you feel as if you’re drawing up the blueprints for other U.S. riders to step over into S1 GP? And do you think there’s opportunity here to build a foundational network of support in and around the paddock to bring riders over (both directions even) to grow the global interest?
Reimer: Actually when I looked into this I found out my friend Jake Thompson had raced for an Aprilia team in S1GP in 2010. It’s definitely been too long since we’ve had Americans racing this series. We have so much talent in the U.S. and I hope this will bridge the gap and bring more riders both ways, and help grow the sport all around. It’s been a huge personal goal of mine to race the World Championship and I’m thankful for the support of the other AMA racers hyping me up on my attempts. I would love to see more Americans race in Europe. I know PMA would like to bring more riders into the GP ranks, and with some planning we could definitely have more AMA racers here training against the best in the world and bettering the competitiveness of our guys back home too. I have talked with Team Magnum about having some bikes and mechanics available for overseas riders to rent, but that would be something we could have available going into 2024. I’ve made a lot of friends in the GP’s and it looks like we might even have some Wildcard riders come over for the final rounds in Tucson, AZ this November after the S1GP series concludes. The more international interest we have going both ways, the more I see our sport progressing to where it needs to be.
Pearce: I think with the relationships Reimer and I are creating could help connect the USA Supermoto scene to the European one. We would love to see Supermoto grow in America and create global interest. Now with our connections, International riders will have a few people to reach out to if they want to come to the states.
Can you provide detail on FortyOne Moto?
Reimer: When arriving in Europe, I needed a set of leathers to race in. I was unimpressed with anything I saw on the market and I took that as an opportunity to make a suit for myself. I started playing with designs and fitment, trying to create leathers that look unique and have a Supermoto Specific cut so I wouldn’t have to trade slide protection for comfort in the off-road/ dirt sections. I’m actually really surprised by how much I love racing in leathers now. After a couple crashes on the asphalt, I realize there’s no bloodshed like there is in MX gear. Knowing crashing doesn’t hurt really helps my confidence to push harder on the asphalt. I’ve been happy to see the positive response from the other AMA racers on my suits and I hope to have suppliers and distributors figured out by the end of this year so I can get these in production! Leathers in the US have never really been looked at as “cool” and I’m hoping to change that mindset with my designs and see more of my friends and competitors bounce back from crashes quicker.
Is there anyone you would like to mention or thank for helping you get into this opportunity?
Reimer: I really couldn’t be over here without my Dad, Paul Pecoraro from Magnum Motorsports, and Alberto Moseriti from Team PMA. Most of the expenses of traveling and racing here in Europe are coming out of my savings until I can find a sponsor to help financially support my endeavors. My dad holds everything down for me at home and helps me out as much as he can while I’m over here! Paul Pecoraro has really stepped up the support for this year with our new team (Magnum). Saving us money in the U.S. allows for a bigger budget for tires, training, etc. in Italy. Alberto Moseriti from PMA has done literally everything in his power to make this possible for me to be over here. He’s provided housing, a van, bikes, mechanics, and trained me. He is truly a godsend and the biggest reason I can be here. Thank you Mos, I’m eternally thankful for every opportunity you’ve given me. Also a special thanks to everyone who’s helped me over here: Paul & Austin – Magnum Motorsports, Michele and Pietro – PMA, All the boys at MotoCutz MX, Philippe – Beringer Brakes USA, Darwyn – Motul USA, Chad – Dunlop USA, Kyle & Benny – Bell Helmets, Asterisk Knee Braces, Race Tech, 100% Goggles, Hinson Clutch Components, WP USA, Butterman Machine Co., Dubya USA, Tosi Pasticceria, CB Meccanica, Tre Colli, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, and Alseno Motocross.
Pearce: I would like to thank the PMA Race Team for giving me the opportunity to come over here and race against the best in the world. My mom, dad, and girlfriend for supporting me in this venture. Mikey Helm for helping organize my fundraiser and help with getting my equipment to the American Flat Track series. Glenn Fuller for getting me the equipment I needed for American Flat Track. Scott Cason at Loan Depot for being my top sponsor. Steve Holloway for putting up an amazing raffle to help me raise money. Everyone else who helps me out and all the friends and family that supported my fundraiser to make this happen! If anyone is interested in being a part of my program feel free to reach out! I appreciate any and all support!
Be sure to follow these guys on social media (@nickyreimer & @bronsonpearce32) to keep up with their adventures and do what you can to help support their efforts while growing the great sport of Supermoto!
Ryan Yearwood is the motorsports correspondent for SoBros Network as well as the pioneer and visionary behind SoBros Outdoors. Follow on Twitter: @OutdoorSoBro.
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