By Winning one IRRC (International Road Racing Championship) is hard enough but winning two, your joining a very select group.
Belgian ace Vincent Lonbois joined this group in September, after a drama filled season finale at Frohburg.
The first Yamaha mounted racer to take the IRRC Superbike title, he stands presently fifth in the all time winners list of Europe’s premier real roads series.
Recently Road Racing News caught up with him, to discuss the 2022 IRRC season, battles with the likes of David Datzer and Lukas Maurer, future goals.
Our uncontrived conversation, reads as follows:
Road Racing News:
Before competition commenced, how confident was you of contending again for Championship spoils?
V.Lonbois:
“Before the first race I was not so confident, I know we are fast but we know that Datzer (David) and Maurer (Lukas) are fast too! We know we can fight for the title but it will be not easy!”
Road Racing News:
As a whole, how would you describe your latest IRRC season?
V.Lonbois:
“Difficult but intense year for me, we win races but I made a mistake in Imatra! I broke my thumb and loose lots of points!
After that we must win again to have a small chance to win the Championship! But at the end we did it!”
Road Racing News:
Does this Championship success mean more compared to the one from 2016?
V.Lonbois:
“Yes for me this title means more because this year we fight until the last race! It was so close with Datzer!
We fight really hard together! With s**t weather conditions! (at Frohburg). Lot of stress for Datzii and me.”
Road Racing News:
What has the reaction been like in Belgium, towards you regaining the IRRC Superbike title?
V.Lonbois:
“In Belgium, many people congratulate me after winning the Championship!”
Road Racing News:
Looking towards 2023, targeting a hat-trick of IRRC titles?
V.Lonbois:
“We know from this year what can be improved for me and the team! We learn a lot this year! For sure we want to be on top next year! We work to be stronger!”
Photo credit: Robby Repsol
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
