They say the 'apple doesn't fall far from the tree' and the never give up fighting spirit underdog attitude that took Wayne Gardner from the steelworks of Wollongong, NSW, to International stardom as a World 500cc Grand Prix Champion has been inherited by 16-year-old Remy Gardner
Remy racing determination and drive took a major step forward on Saturday when he signed a contract to compete in the World Grand Prix Championship riding for CIP Mahindra in the Moto3 class.
At only 16-years of age and after just three years road racing experience, Remy will be in the World Championship in his fourth year - coincidentally, his father Wayne raced in his first World Championship races in his fourth year also.
It has been an incredibly tough few years for Team Gardner Racing with both brothers Remy and Luca suffering various mechanical problems and injuries, however, the incredible commitment by the family to move from their home in Manly Beach, NSW, Australia, to Barcelona, Spain, to help the careers of Remy and Luca, both determined to follow in their father's footsteps racing motorcycles.
"I'm so happy that this has happened." Remy enthused. "We were all set to do the Spanish CEV again as we did not look like we were going to get into the World Championship next year, so to get the opportunity to join CIV Mahindra was a real surprise and very exciting.
"It all happened quickly and I signed last weekend. It was a great feeling.
"The Mahindra is a really nice machine, I had a really good look over it and sat on it. It feels smaller than my other bike and looks very well made. I can't wait to ride it on Monday and the team seem really nice.
"I'm sure I will do well on this bike for the team in 2015. They have made the right choice, I will be putting in 110 per cent hard work for them, starting tomorrow when I start training"!
Team owner Alain Bronec, a celebrated ex World Championship rider himself, has been extremely impressed with Remy's wildcard results and contacted Wayne to arrange to meet Remy.
Mahindra Racing CEO Mufaddal Choonia was also present to meet Remy and he too has been watching the rising Aussie star recently, also very impressed with Remy's maturity and speed on the Moto3 machines he has been riding.
"CIP Mahindra is going to be a fantastic team for Remy and I congratulate him and the team." Remy's father Wayne Gardner added. "We are extremely proud of Remy's achievements and he will do very well next year.
"I've been following the progress of Mahindra over the past few years and they are certainly heading in the right direction and have the right people involved to be a huge success in Grand Prix Racing over the long term. The bike is fantastic and Remy will have direct factory support, which is great.
"I'd like to thank Alain and Mufaddal for choosing Remy and it's great for Australian fans to have the next generation Gardner in the World Championship"!
Remy heads to Valencia on Monday and Tuesday for two days of testing on the 2014 bike. An update will follow.
Top Image: Remy Gardner Signs With CIP Mahindra Team For World Moto3 Championship 2015
