Lone Star On The Rise: For The Double-G, "Les" Is More

The stars are aligning for the Lone Star Texan Garrett Gerloff with better results aboard his Kawasaki WorldSBK Team Ninja ZX-10RR. *Photo courtesy of the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team*.

It’s been a litle while since we’ve posted a story about former MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Garrett Gerloff, but it’s high time we did.

Not only is GG31 the “Lone Star” because he hails from Texas, but also because he is Kawasaki’s only official factory rider in the FIM Superbike World Championship as well as being the only American rider competing in WorldSBK. And, of late, he’s having an impressive go of it aboard his #31 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.

Mr. & Mrs. Garrett Gerloff celebrate their special day. *Photo courtesy of Garrett Gerloff.*

Things have aligned in many ways for the Double-G this season. He married his soulmate Elizabeth, and as so many other road racers know, when “your person” is your person for life, it brings tranquility, balance, and comfort to your entire existence.

It also brings focus.

Along with his new bride, Gerloff also brought in another person. A person named “Pearson,” in fact.

There’s a reason Gerloff and his crew chief Les Pearson are smiling. It’s called “synergy.” *Photo courtesy of the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team*.

GG31 worked with crew chief Les Pearson when he raced for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. He brought Pearson into the Bonovo Action BMW team, as well. Both times, having Pearson in his corner helped him go faster and achieve better results.

“Third time’s a charm” as they say, and Gerloff once again called in Pearson to be his crew chief on the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team.

The transformation was palpable. At the Autodrom Most in Czechia, Gerloff showed strong form throughout the weekend,, including a fourth-place finish in Race 1, sixth in the Superpole Race, and fifth in Race 2. In addition, he was the highest-finishing non-Ducati rider in both Race 1 and Race 2.

They like bullfighting in Spain, and Texas longhorn Gerloff is ready to charge. *Photo courtesy of the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team*.

The WorldSBK Championship reaches its halfway point with round six this weekend at Motorland Aragon in Spain. “I really like the Motorland Aragon track, and I’ve podiumed there in the past,” Gerloff said. “It’s a track that suits some bikes and others less so. I hope our updated Ninja ZX-10RR is competitive. After the recent tests at the Misano World Circuit, I’m confident I can do well in this round, in Spain. I’ll give it my all, along with my team, to confirm my position near the top of the standings.”

The Lone Star is rising. Check out this video interview with Gerloff, courtesy of WorldSBK.