American talent, Sawyer Gieck is the latest young prospect to test himself in Europe. The highly-rated teenager made the trip across the Atlantic to line up in the ultra-competitive EMX125 class, linking up with the 737 Performance KTM squad for a short stint that included the deep sands of Sardinia and a taste of European racing at its highest level.
Already boasting an impressive amateur résumé in the United States, Gieck’s decision to step into the unknown and race against Europe’s best underlines both his ambition and willingness to learn. From adapting to new tracks and formats to working with experienced figures like Valentin Teillet, the opportunity represents a valuable chapter in his development as he looks to broaden his horizons and gain experience that could prove crucial for his future career.
GateDrop: Sawyer, firstly how did the opportunity come around for you to come and do a few races in Europe with 737 Performance KTM?
Gieck: We first got permission from my team manager Darian (Sanayei) to take the time off from racing in the United States to train for longer motos and then come race for a few weeks. It was very difficult to make the connection with a European team that was willing to allow me to race for them for only a few races. Coen Van Haut the motor builder ended up putting my Dad in contact with Pierre Mourey and Team 737. Pierre, Valentin and the whole team have been incredibly supportive and welcoming.
GateDrop: For people that don’t know you, can you tell me a bit about what you’ve done in USA up until this point?
Gieck: Most notably I’m a 4-time Loretta Lynn National Champion and last year the American Motorcycle Association awarded me Youth Rider of the Year.
GateDrop: Valentin Teillet is a former GP rider – what’s he been like to work with so far?
Gieck: Valentin has been really helpful and encouraging. He understands that it is difficult to come to a different country to race since he spent time racing in the U.S. It’s an honour to get to work with him and comforting having someone with his experience to help guide me.
GateDrop: Your first race was actually the last round of the French Elite at Saint Jean d’Angely – an iconic track! How did you feel that went for you?
Gieck: Honestly it was tough. I had a difficult time in practice and qualifying which meant I had to go to the LCQ. I was struggling with finding my flow on the track and also having some mechanical problems with my bikes. But I was able to pull it together, find a better flow and was more where I wanted to be on Sunday. The track is really cool and I’m glad I got the opportunity to race on it.
GateDrop: You are then racing the EMX125 class. How did you find the level of the class and being in the same paddock as some of the best riders in the world?
Gieck: It’s definitely cool to see the best GP riders in the world that I don’t get to see in the U.S. in person. Watching them and being in this environment is inspiring and makes me want to push myself to be better and grow. The level of racing in the EMX125 series is very elite. Everyone is fast, technical and has a lot of grit. I found the racing format challenging – timed qualifying isn’t something amateur racers do in the U.S. so I’m trying to get better at that quickly.
GateDrop: Riola was rough, how did you find the track? Have you ever rode anything that bumpy before?
Gieck: I found Riola very challenging. I have ridden sand that rough in Florida but never raced anything like that before. It was absolutely an incredible race experience, and I feel like I learned a lot each time I was on it.
GateDrop: You had a strong first moto, you must have been happy with that?
Gieck: My first moto I was able to work my way through the pack and ride in the top ten until the last lap and a half when I had a mechanical and lost a couple places. Overall, I’m happy with my performance and I think with a better start I’m right in the mix.
GateDrop: Do you watch the GP’s/EMX racing – do you know much about the series prior to your race at Riola?
Gieck: I’ve known about the GP’s and how difficult they are for years, but I’ve definitely started paying closer attention to the riders and races this year. I even started learning the track layouts on MX Sim.
GateDrop: I believe the plan is to also race Arco but that’ll be your last race before heading back to America?
Gieck: Arco will be my last EMX125 race this year and then we head back to the States to start qualifying for Loretta’s.
GateDrop: If the opportunity presented itself, would you like to do more races in Europe?
Gieck: I get to come back in July to race the FIM Junior World Championship in the Czech Republic, which I’m super excited about. But if an opportunity was presented to me to come race the EMX125 series I would definitely give it serious consideration. I think I would learn a lot, grow as a racer and rider – I think I could be competitive.
GateDrop: You’ve only raced two events so far, but very different conditions – how did you find going to the hard pack to the deep sand? Arco will be different conditions again!
Gieck: It’s both great and challenging to race such different conditions. I personally like, and feel I’m better at rough, deep, rutted tracks but I know that to be the best racer you have to adapt and ride all conditions well.
GateDrop: What’s your plans when you go back to America?
Gieck: I go right into the final stages of qualifying for Loretta’s as soon as I get back. Then I keep training on and off the bike with my trainer Jake Weimer. He’s been a crucial part of my program and my life and I’m so grateful he was able to be here in Europe with me. I’ll also finish my school year and definitely get some rounds of golf in as well.
