Xavi Forés says he is happy to be able to compete in the MotoAmerica Superbike category with a team he already knows:
“I’m really happy to be joining the team again, this time in Superbike. I think the team is the benchmark. I’ve watched them throughout my career and I was looking forward to racing with them. It’s always a shame to replace a rider like Jake because he’s injured. So first and foremost I want him to recover as soon as possible.”
Although Gagne has dealt with arm and hand issues that have kept him from being at 100%, he has made a remarkable effort to defend his streak of three consecutive Superbike titles. Throughout the season, he has scored a win in the opening round at Road Atlanta and has claimed a total of five podium finishes, sitting third in the standings, tied in points with teammate Bobby Fong.
Considering the overall situation and with the support of the team, Gagne decided to miss the final two rounds of the season to focus on fully recovering for next season.
Jake Gagne, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but we needed to look at the bigger picture and get back to 100%. Despite my best efforts to sort it out between races, I continued to deal with arm and hand issues. We’ll sort it out and come back stronger next season.”
Xavi Forés made his debut with the team earlier this year, when he replaced Cameron Petersen on the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Yamaha R6 during the Daytona 200. The Spanish rider has extensive experience in World and National Superbike Championships, as well as the World Endurance Championship.
Forés will make his Superbike debut with the team at the penultimate round, which runs from September 13-15 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, where he secured his Supersport title last year during his first season in MotoAmerica.
Richard Stanboli, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“We are all very supportive of Jake for taking the time he needs to get back into shape. Racing at anything less than 100% and just clinging to points is not good for him or the team. We wish Jake all the best and look forward to having him fit and ready for winter testing.”
“We welcome Xavi Forés to replace Jake for the final two rounds. We are confident that he will do a great job representing the team on and off the track.”
