A second life! This is like Leon Camier’s new adventure at Honda in the role of team manager could end. The Briton has certainly never lacked talent, but injuries thwart his plans. Still, he never wanted to give up to get back on his bike and compete in the Superbike World Championship.
He tried every possible way, especially after the serious injury he sustained two years ago in race two with a Honda in Thailand. It’s a shame that this accident affected his way so badly that he had to hang up his helmet when he was only 34 years old.
However, the world of superbikes is his second home and so he’s back in the paddock here, but in a new role.
“Leaving the world of racing was the hardest decision of my life – said Leon – the last few months have actually been very complicated because of the injuries I had to contend with. I did everything to overcome my health problems with visits to the doctor, but unfortunately it didn’t go as I had hoped “.
It was that cursed shoulder that kept Leon out of the game …
“The shoulder was the biggest problem in my life and every doctor had a different opinion than the other. The most complicated part was having so many different versions of my health, but not all. As I said, the shoulder was an obstacle for me ”.
The team manager then went into further details on the matter …
“In my daily life, the shoulder isn’t such a big problem, for example when I ride a bike or ride motocross. The situation becomes more complicated when you are racing because you are always tense and therefore start to fight ”.
Surely it is very strange to see him hang up his helmet when he is only 34 years old …
“I have lost a lot of opportunities for my health in recent years because I was forced to quit. I don’t deny that I had a chance in the BSB, but after the last accident I lost the motivation to give everything on the bike. In fact, I found myself in the position of having to choose and took advantage of this opportunity. I will therefore try to use my knowledge and my competence in the racing world at the service of the team ”.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, a new adventure began today in Jerez …
“It seems to be more in Scotland than in Spain – he joked – I think in the end mine is a natural progression in the world of racing, where I still have a lot to learn. For a company like Honda, this position is a great surprise and an opportunity for me, in which I will give my all.
At HRC, the desire for redemption after a difficult debut is certainly great …
“It’s difficult to set a target for 2021 at the moment. Honda’s goal is to win and we know we have to work to be at the top of the podium. Unfortunately, 2020 was a complicated year, especially due to the spread of COVID, which made our plans difficult, especially with regards to developments in Japan. However, we have a strong team, as do our two drivers. I’ve ridden with Leon in the past and we have a great relationship. I don’t know Alvaro, but he has great potential ”.
Last season we saw Camier alongside Davies for the Aragon weekend.
“It was interesting to work with Chaz. This experience made it possible for me to understand a lot of things and to give him various pointers on what he can improve and also develop his strengths. Among other things, it was interesting to get in contact with him and to know what the indications of the mechanics and engineers were “.
It was left to Alberto Puig to welcome Leon Camier on board …
“Alberto called me to offer me this opportunity and to explain everything about this new job. He gave me several pointers on how to be strong, especially as a team manager always has to be strong. Alberto has made my way and now it’s my turn to start in the superbike.