Garrett Gerloff did the MotoAmerica Series proud today, the Texan riding his GRT Yamaha YZF-R1 to a third-place finish in the Catalunya round of the World Superbike Championship and becoming the first American since the late Nicky Hayden in 2016 to stand on a World Superbike podium.
“It doesn’t even feel real,” Gerloff said in his post-race interview. “I’m just trying to pinch myself. For a while, it didn’t seem like it would be possible this year, but to have it happen… it’s just crazy. I don’t even have words. I’ve always dreamed of being on the podium of a World Championship and to have it happen… it’s not real.”
Gerloff moved past Michael van der Mark on the final lap to take second place but ran wide in turn 10 and gave the position back.
“I am kind of kicking myself a little bit because if I wasn’t so stupid I would have just broke where I normally do in turn 10 and I probably would have made the corner and had second place maybe,” Gerloff said. “That’s something I’m going to be thinking about for the next week and a half, but I’m just so grateful. I’m so grateful that Yamaha gave me the opportunity to race here in the World Championship, I’m so grateful for Felipo and the GRT team for taking me on and for being such an awesome group of guys and girls and supporting me and always being positive. It’s been an amazing environment and I know I wouldn’t have been able to be here without those guys.”
Gerloff also had a message for his friends and family.
“To all my friends and family back home… C’MON WE GOT IT!” Gerloff screamed. “I want to be back home with you guys to celebrate and stuff, but I’ve got some more work to do. I’m on cloud nine and I want to be back more than anything. I just have to give all the glory to my lord savior Jesus Christ.”
Today’s race was won by Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Chaz Davies.
