Damian "Damo" Cudlin is a professional motorcycle racer from Australia. He competes in the Endurance FIM World Championship and the IDM German Superbike championship. He was the 2010 IDM German Supersport champion.This year he was wildcard rider for Desguaces La Torre SAG team in Assen and Sachsenring He's also coach for Australian Moto3 rookie racer Jack Miller.
He kindly agreed for little chat with me.
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BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent on the top step of the podium at the 8 Hours of Doha 2012 |
BB: Your favorite race track, and why?
Damian: Phillip Island because of it's fast and flowing corners. Riding a MotoGP bike there in 2011 was a fantastic experience.
BB: This season you moved to the Endurance, are you happy with your results there?
Damian:It wasn’t a bad year. I’m satisfied with the job I did as a rider, but I’d be lying if I told you I was satisfied with the outcome of the season. I was vetoed by two teams before the season began; first from Van Zon BMW in the IDM, and then from QMMF in Moto2. Both teams dumped me last minute in favor of well-funded riders, which left me with only Endurance to race in. Although I rode well in EWC, we suffered from so much bad luck and we wound up 2nd again.
Damian:It wasn’t a bad year. I’m satisfied with the job I did as a rider, but I’d be lying if I told you I was satisfied with the outcome of the season. I was vetoed by two teams before the season began; first from Van Zon BMW in the IDM, and then from QMMF in Moto2. Both teams dumped me last minute in favor of well-funded riders, which left me with only Endurance to race in. Although I rode well in EWC, we suffered from so much bad luck and we wound up 2nd again.
Securing pole position and winning the last round of the IDM as a wild card rider for the RAC Racing Team was probably the highlight of my year, although it only proved that I could’ve won the championship had I not been screwed in the off-season…
I am motivated for 2013 though. I believe I’m finally in a position to win both titles; EWC and IDM, and if I can do that it will make all the shit before it worthwhile!
BB: Do you already have plans for the 2013 season?
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Podium for BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent in 2011 |
Damian: In 2013 I’m planning to compete in both the Endurance World Championship and the IDM Superbike Championship, while going to as many GP’s as I can to help Jack Miller as a coach in Moto3. Personally, I think I’m in a position to win both championships in 2013 and that’s my goal. As for Jack, I’d like to see him grow as a rider with a good crew of people around him and build up bit by bit as the year progresses. I’m certain that we’ll see him on the podium next year and I’m excited to see what he can do. Hopefully we can both kick some ass next year!
BB: Are you superstitious? Do you have any special rituals before the race?
Damian: A little. I always wear a chain around my neck, and I always put my gloves and boots on left side first.
BB: Do you watch any racing championships, if yes do you have any favorite riders there?
Damian: Of course I watch MotoGP and WSBK for example, but I enjoy to watch all types of racing... My favorite riders are the ones that are the most down to earth and "normal" people. I don't like the Superstar attitude. Troy Bayliss was my favorite rider, and he's also a great guy.
BB: Do you listen music before the race?If yes, what kind of music do you prefer?
Damian: I don't listen to music before the race, but I am a big fan of Rock Music like Metallica, AC/DC, etc.
BB: What is your favorite occupation outside the race track?What you do to relax?
Damian: I enjoy playing my guitars. It's great way to relax and forget about racing.
BB: What do you think is the most important thing for young racer?
Damian: The best advice I give to kids who plan on making a career out of racing is to work on the things OFF the bike as much as those ON the bike. Learn about motorcycle engines, study data recording, take a suspension course, learn a language, etc. These are things that I’ve learned later in my career, but they’ve made the biggest difference.
BB: And few words for those who will read this interview...
Thanks for the support and don't forget to join the Convict Club! Hope to see you at a racetrack soon!
Thanks for the support and don't forget to join the Convict Club! Hope to see you at a racetrack soon!
Rider bio:
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Damian as replacement for Loris Capirossi in Motegi 2011 |
Full Name- Damian Shane Cudlin
Nationality- Australian
Age- 28
Height- 5’10
Weight- 70kg
Nickname- Damo
Injuries- Broken Left foot, Broken Left heel, Broken right ankle, Broken left wrist, Broken right wrist,Broken right arm, Broken right collarbone, Broken Back.
First Bike- PW50
First Race- 7 years of age
Achievements:
1995 Australian Junior Sidecar Champion
1996 Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion
1997 Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion
1998 Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion
Australian Junior Long Track Champion
1999 6th Australian 125 GP Championship
2000 Formula Xtreme Privateer Champion
7th Formula Xtreme Championship
2001 5th Australian Superbike Championship
2002 4th Final Race World Endurance Championship
2003 9th World Endurance Championship
2004 6th Australian Superbike Championship
2005 4th World Endurance Championship
2006 3rd World Endurance Championship
2007 3rd World Endurance Championship
2008 8th World Endurance Championship
3rd IDM German Supersport Championship
2009 7th World Endurance Championship
2010 IDM German Supersport Champion
7th Sachsenring Moto 2 Grand Prix
2011 4th IDM German Superbike Championship
MOTOGP debut in Japanese Grand Prix- Pramac Racing
2nd World Endurance Championship
Bio info: damian-cudlin.com
Photos:motor-racing.tv/bmw/; damian-cudlin.com
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