Bartosz Bańbor: That Was My Mistake

Bartosz Bańbor is a two-time Youth Individual Runner-Up Polish Champion. The 17-year-old also took part in this year’s edition of the SGP2 series, to which he was nominated as a Wild Card. In the first of the three rounds held in Malilla, Sweden, he stood on the second step of the podium. However, the remaining two didn’t go as planned for him. He spoke about his condition, and about the overall performance and the fall in the Toruń round in a short interview for ekstraliga.pl.

Klaudia Waltoś (ekstraliga.pl): Your first race looked really promising. The machine wanted to go, but unfortunately it ended as it did. Did this track situation with Jakub Krawczyk have a big impact on the remaining races? How are you feeling?

Bartosz Bańbor (ORLEN OIL MOTOR Lublin): Nothing major happened to me after the accident. Unfortunately, I wrecked my best motorcycle on the Toruń track, and it wasn’t easy after that. That was my mistake. I tried to compete with Jakub and didn’t expect that the rider in front would want to counter so strongly towards the edge. I hope he recovers as soon as possible and that everything will be fine.

 Which round do you remember the best and why?

Malilla. The best result and the most enjoyable track to ride. That’s the only round I’m really satisfied with.

On which tracks do you ride best? Was the one in Toruń the kind you like? Tell us a bit about your feelings regarding the surface.

Toruń is really a good track for riding and racing, but unfortunately, the organizers did not make it easy for us. Too much water was poured. The track was dangerous and not very pleasant to ride. A much better spectacle could have been made. Of course, this does not excuse my result, as everyone was riding on the same surface. Personally, I like tracks that are more adhesive, where one can have a good fight.

Can you consider this season successful? You won so many medals that you probably can’t complain. Additionally, you debuted in the SGP2 series.

Yes, the season was very successful. I wouldn’t have predicted such results before it started, but the appetite grows with eating. I will therefore fight to make the next ones better, as I still have a lot to improve.

How would you summarize your ride in the Individual Junior World Championship in a few words?

It was definitely a cool experience. Participating in events of such a rank, as well as getting used to new tracks and everything new around – that will certainly bear fruit in the future.

Klaudia Waltoś