As the season approaches another crucial phase, Star Racing Yamaha continue to set the standard in the 250 class with a deep roster of talent and strong expectations across both coasts. Team manager Wil Hahn spoke about a number of topics, from introducing young talent like Caden Dudney into the professional environment to the title ambitions of riders such as Pierce Brown, Cole Davies and Nate Thrasher. Hahn also provided an update on Max Anstie and shared insight into how the team manages expectations and supports riders adjusting to life away from home.
On Caden Dudney, Hahn explained that bringing young riders into the setup early is something the team is comfortable doing, especially when there is a strong structure around them:
“I mean mostly just at Star Racing for us we seem to do this quite often and move the trajectory forward and just a learning process. Anytime you can kind of sink your toes in a little bit to get experience without probably a lot of pressure. Luckily we do have a strong coast with Cole, Nate and Pierce. So for him to get out here just get experience early, he was the guy that had had the most consistent track time and we’re also pretty blessed to have a heck of an amateur squad as well to choose from”
He added that the transition from amateur machinery to the pro setup is relatively smooth within the program, allowing riders to integrate quickly:
“Pretty business as usual. Obviously there is a difference between our amateur bikes to the pro bikes but not a whole lot. I mean like I said it was just a fast forward to getting them on the motorcycle and the training didn’t look any different. These guys are all together doing it.”
When asked about Pierce Brown, Hahn believes the rider is ready to finally show what he is capable of after a frustrating period with injuries:
“Just from his offseason and everything I’ve seen since he’s been back on the bike in October – I would say expect exactly the same. I think we’ve expected a lot out of Pierce for it seems like a few years now. I think last year we got robbed short of being able to see him reach his true potential but I think everyone’s going to see it”.
Expectations are also high across the board, particularly with riders like Cole Davies, Brown and Nate Thrasher all seen as serious championship contenders:
“I mean I think I would have to say Nate, Pierce and Cole are probably title or bust. I mean I think they have all got the same mindset. They’ve been riding good and now we’ve got to wait for the gate to drop”
Discussing Thrasher specifically, Hahn pointed to the importance of finally having a full season without major interruptions:
“For me, I think the biggest thing for him was having a full season last year which hasn’t been his strong suit. A lot of injuries and a lot of stuff plaguing the outdoor season. Just getting that whole season this whole offseason being uninterrupted. I think that was the biggest thing but obviously he wants to win”
Hahn also addressed the situation regarding Max Anstie, revealing that recent health struggles may have been building for some time:
“Even when he when called me Monday morning when we got the news I was shocked but also not because of him kind of going away with his kidney belt. I mean I think that does have something to do with it, right? I mean there’s probably pain there and we were laughing about it but it is probably true. I’d say all of his sickness, the ups and downs the inconsistency and just struggling during the week really respiratory wise. I’m sure it all has something to do with it”
Beyond results, Hahn emphasised the mental side of racing and the importance of staying positive when things don’t go to plan:
“You have just got to move on because it’s too easy to dwell. Being negative is the easier path so getting yourself back going whatever that looks like. Whether it’s going for a walk, getting back in the gym or being around the guys just being in a positive atmosphere is the biggest thing”
With a roster that includes riders from different countries and backgrounds, Hahn acknowledged the challenge young athletes face when relocating to chase their careers:
“I mean it’s kind of the same for all of them. I think even being from America, if I put myself back to my rookie season and going into it, moving away from your family is hard no matter where you are at. But then again it’s a whole other situation with food, comfort, time zone and all the way around. It’s just trying to be there for them mean more than anything. Being that person and as a team I think we do a really good job of just being there for the kids. It is normal. I think the hardest thing for a young kid is to feel abnormal to feel homesick and to feel this feeling and maybe not feel like a “man” but it’s very normal”.
Finally, Hahn explained that the groundwork for dealing with expectations is laid long before the season begins, thanks to the team’s depth and preparation:
“Well luckily that prep’s all done in the offseason. We’re really lucky and like you guys have touched on, we do have a big roster but the benefit of that is we’re able to kind of see where we sit. We know where we’re at on west coast being 1-2-3 and we expect to do the same”
With a stacked line up, rising young talent and multiple riders capable of fighting for titles, Star Racing Yamaha once again head into the east coast season with high expectations. As Hahn made clear, the team believes the preparation is done — now it’s simply a matter of delivering when the gate drops.
