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Remy Gardner is a very fast young man going nowhere in a hurry.
The 16-year-old son of MotoGP world champion Wayne Gardner has a wildcard entry into the Australian Moto3 grand prix this weekend and knows it could be the start of something big.
A potential step up to a full-time Moto3 ride.
Interest. Sponsors.
Public adoration.
But on the final day before practice for his big ride, Gardner is happy chasing waves in the surf near the coastal circuit, but a world away from the track.
After impressing in European racing, Gardner has a number in line to be “the next big thing” in Australian motorcycling, a mantle currently held by Jack Miller.
After a breakout season in Moto3 last season, Miller will ride with the big boys next year, but it’s a pathway Gardner isn’t keen on emulating.
“He’s taken a big jump to MotoGP. I would rather go Moto3 to Moto2 to MotoGP but that’s his decision,” he told AAP.
“I respect those reasons, I have my reasons for slowly building up.”
There’s no doubt in his mind, or in his father’s, that MotoGP awaits – eventually.
But Remy’s progress this year has relied on Wayne taking a step back.
The 1987 500cc world champ said he had accidentally been overloading his son with too much information.
“I had to (step back) to help his career,” he said.
“It is really hard, because basically I’ve taught him everything he knows now, but I knew a point was coming.
“But since I’ve stood back, he’s a bit more relaxed, I’m a bit more relaxed, and he’s matured.”
Gardner’s Australian grand prix ride comes just a month after a serious crash in Spain.
After losing control of his bike, he was run over by another rider and left sprawled on the circuit.
“I hit the ground and after that I don’t remember,” he said.
“There was a big smack and that was it. Everything was fuzzy and I crawled off the track in a bit of pain.”
Remarkably Gardner was just left with bruises and a sprained ankle but made his Moto3 debut a week later in Italy.
Now on Phillip Island he’ll have his second Moto3 ride with dad adamant “more than one team” is watching Remy’s progress.
“He’s got enormous talent, a big heart and commitment,” Gardner senior said.
“We don’t know what we’re doing next year but I hope he gets into GPs because he’s ready for it.”
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