There are legends in motorsport, and then there is Freddie Spencer, the American prodigy who reshaped the very grammar of motorcycle racing. A three-time world champion, the youngest premier-class title-winner of his era, and the only man to win the 250cc and 500cc World Championships in the same year, Spencer’s name sits in a rarefied league of its own. Now, standing trackside in India, a country he says is “brimming with potential”, Spencer reflects on his journey, on today’s MotoGP, and for the first time, breaks down the thought process behind the revolutionary cornering technique that defined his legacy.&nbsp;“I turned the bike before the tyres were ready, that was the breakthrough," he revealed while exclusively speaking to WION. Ask Spencer, who was in India for the 28th JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship, about what made him different, and he answers with the calm clarity of someone who knows exactly what he changed in the sport. “One of the things that I brought to Grand Prix racing was on corner entry, actually initiating the direction change over the traction level, over the grip level,” he explains.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-excited-to-make-my-debut-in-india-says-elena-rybakina-as-world-tennis-league-set-to-enthrall-fans-in-india-1763472410507">'Excited to make my debut here', says Elena Rybakina as World Tennis League set to enthrall fans in India</a>&nbsp;What sounds almost counterintuitive was, in the early 1980s, groundbreaking. Riders typically waited for maximum grip before committing to direction change. Spencer chose the opposite. “When I got to maximum lean angle, the speed was still too high and the rear tyre would break traction, then re-grip and push it back to the front. That allowed me to turn the bike as I was applying lean angle — and pick up the throttle three or four feet sooner than the other guys.”Those few feet were enough to beat world champions. Enough to define an era.&nbsp;Today, he says, only a handful of riders have mastered the same instinctive feel. “Marc Marquez is same way. Marc’s ability on corner entry — to feel the drift of the rear, to rotate the bike around the front, that’s what I was known for.”<h2>India has talent, but needs opportunity</h2>In India as part of Royal Enfield’s racing development program, Spencer is effusive about what he sees. “Royal Enfield’s involvement is very important,” he says. “They’re providing a great platform for riders of all levels. Some of the riders today, I can tell by their style and approach, have the potential to race championships outside India.” But the caveat is clear, exposure is scarce, opportunity even scarcer. “You have to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given. It may not give you exposure immediately, but it gives you experience, and that’s what improves your riding capability.”He points to a rider he spoke with earlier in the day, someone racing a 600cc machine in the US. “He wants to run more events there. But it’s the opportunity here that’s giving him the chance.”<h2>The MotoGP that was and the MotoGP that must return</h2>Spencer was chairman of the stewards panel during MotoGP’s debut in India, an event that impressed him immensely. “To me, the racetrack is incredible. I loved the layout. Loris Capirossi and I were talking about how we would’ve loved to race on that circuit.” But he’s equally candid about wanting MotoGP back. “We provided some incredible racing. Hopefully it will come back. It’s important — that visibility brings interest to racing locally.” “Electronics help everyone — but they take away the great rider’s advantage.” Having raced in the era of vicious 500cc two-strokes, Spencer has a unique vantage point on MotoGP’s technological explosion.&nbsp;“With electronics and aerodynamics, it makes it easier for riders with less ability to perform at a higher level,” he says. “But it takes away your strengths as a top rider.” His example is unambiguous: Marc Marquez. “With the Honda, he made that bike what it was. His natural talent defined the machine. Put him on the Ducati — the best bike — and he wins the championship.” That, Spencer says, is exactly why MotoGP is rewriting its rulebook for 2027. “No start device, no ride-height device, lower displacement. It will leave it up to the rider again.”<h2>The man behind the machines: Precision, crew, and an unforgettable double title</h2>Spencer’s 1985 season, the historic “double”, remains one of motorsport’s greatest achievements. But the behind-the-scenes story reveals the brutal complexity of switching between two radically different machines. “The 250 was 90 kilos and 70 horsepower — all corner speed and art. The 500 was heavier, faster, more of a V-shaped line on entry.”But the real difficulty? “I had to adapt from one bike to the other on the warm-up lap. I couldn’t afford to take five or six laps to adjust.”&nbsp;With back-to-back practice sessions, his crew barely had time to debrief. “I’d keep the information in my head and debrief after both practices. We fine-tuned the bike down to 50 RPM. One kilometre here, one kilometre there — that’s the level we worked at.”<h2>The lap that defined a champion</h2>For all the talk of technique and titles, Spencer is open about the moments that nearly broke him, particularly the injury after his 1985 triumph. “I lost feeling in my hand. I couldn’t feel the front brake. That was when I felt most vulnerable. Riding was my comfort zone — and suddenly I couldn’t rely on it.” Still, he fought back. And he remembers the greatest lap of his life with the fondness of an artist recalling the moment of a masterpiece.&nbsp;“The last lap of the Spanish GP in 1983. No grip, brakes faded, the bike slowing down. And I ran my fastest lap — the only lap I led. I won by two bike lengths. It doesn’t get any better.”<h2>Advice to the Indian dreamers</h2>For young Indian riders hoping to break through, Spencer’s advice is equal parts practical and philosophical. “You have to take the risk to try. You have to be willing to risk losing. And you have to make effort beyond what you think you're capable of.” He pauses, then adds: “That mindset — that’s what creates the opportunity.”&nbsp;Why Freddie Spencer Keeps Coming Back to India? His answer is disarmingly simple. “My relationship with Royal Enfield. And I’ve always liked big adventures.” Four years into his India journey, Spencer is no longer just a visiting legend, he is part of India’s motorsport story, helping shape the next generation of riders who may one day challenge the world just as he once did.

Racing icon Freddie Spencer shares insights on Indian motorsport, training gaps, MotoGP growth, and how India can shape its racing future and become a global force

There are legends in motorsport, and then there is Freddie Spencer, the American prodigy who reshaped the very grammar of motorcycle racing. A three-time world champion, the youngest premier-class title-winner of his era, and the only man to win the 250cc and 500cc World Championships in the same year, Spencer’s name sits in a rarefied league of its own. Now, standing trackside in India, a country he says is “brimming with potential”, Spencer reflects on his journey, on today’s MotoGP, and for the first time, breaks down the thought process behind the revolutionary cornering technique that defined his legacy. “I turned the bike before the tyres were ready, that was the breakthrough," he revealed while exclusively speaking to WION. Ask Spencer, who was in India for the 28th JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship, about what made him different, and he answers with the calm clarity of someone who knows exactly what he changed in the sport. “One of the things that I brought to Grand Prix racing was on corner entry, actually initiating the direction change over the traction level, over the grip level,” he explains. Also Read: 'Excited to make my debut here', says Elena Rybakina as World Tennis League set to enthrall fans in India What sounds almost counterintuitive was, in the early 1980s, groundbreaking. Riders typically waited for maximum grip before committing to direction change. Spencer chose the opposite. “When I got to maximum lean angle, the speed was still too high and the rear tyre would break traction, then re-grip and push it back to the front. That allowed me to turn the bike as I was applying lean angle — and pick up the throttle three or four feet sooner than the other guys.” Those few feet were enough to beat world champions. Enough to define an era. Today, he says, only a handful of riders have mastered the same instinctive feel. “Marc Marquez is same way. Marc’s ability on corner entry — to feel the drift of the rear, to rotate the bike around the front, that’s what I was known for.” India has talent, but needs opportunity In India as part of Royal Enfield’s racing development program, Spencer is effusive about what he sees. “Royal Enfield’s involvement is very important,” he says. “They’re providing a great platform for riders of all levels. Some of the riders today, I can tell by their style and approach, have the potential to race championships outside India.” But the caveat is clear, exposure is scarce, opportunity even scarcer. “You have to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given. It may not give you exposure immediately, but it gives you experience, and that’s what improves your riding capability.” He points to a rider he spoke with earlier in the day, someone racing a 600cc machine in the US. “He wants to run more events there. But it’s the opportunity here that’s giving him the chance.” The MotoGP that was and the MotoGP that must return Spencer was chairman of the stewards panel during MotoGP’s debut in India, an event that impressed him immensely. “To me, the racetrack is incredible. I loved the layout. Loris Capirossi and I were talking about how we would’ve loved to race on that circuit.” But he’s equally candid about wanting MotoGP back. “We provided some incredible racing. Hopefully it will come back. It’s important — that visibility brings interest to racing locally.” “Electronics help everyone — but they take away the great rider’s advantage.” Having raced in the era of vicious 500cc two-strokes, Spencer has a unique vantage point on MotoGP’s technological explosion. “With electronics and aerodynamics, it makes it easier for riders with less ability to perform at a higher level,” he says. “But it takes away your strengths as a top rider.” His example is unambiguous: Marc Marquez. “With the Honda, he made that bike what it was. His natural talent defined the machine. Put him on the Ducati — the best bike — and he wins the championship.” That, Spencer says, is exactly why MotoGP is rewriting its rulebook for 2027. “No start device, no ride-height device, lower displacement. It will leave it up to the rider again.” The man behind the machines: Precision, crew, and an unforgettable double title Spencer’s 1985 season, the historic “double”, remains one of motorsport’s greatest achievements. But the behind-the-scenes story reveals the brutal complexity of switching between two radically different machines. “The 250 was 90 kilos and 70 horsepower — all corner speed and art. The 500 was heavier, faster, more of a V-shaped line on entry.” But the real difficulty? “I had to adapt from one bike to the other on the warm-up lap. I couldn’t afford to take five or six laps to adjust.” With back-to-back practice sessions, his crew barely had time to debrief. “I’d keep the information in my head and debrief after both practices. We fine-tuned the bike down to 50 RPM. One kilometre here, one kilometre there — that’s the level we worked at.” The lap that defined a champion For all the talk of technique and titles, Spencer is open about the moments that nearly broke him, particularly the injury after his 1985 triumph. “I lost feeling in my hand. I couldn’t feel the front brake. That was when I felt most vulnerable. Riding was my comfort zone — and suddenly I couldn’t rely on it.” Still, he fought back. And he remembers the greatest lap of his life with the fondness of an artist recalling the moment of a masterpiece. “The last lap of the Spanish GP in 1983. No grip, brakes faded, the bike slowing down. And I ran my fastest lap — the only lap I led. I won by two bike lengths. It doesn’t get any better.” Advice to the Indian dreamers For young Indian riders hoping to break through, Spencer’s advice is equal parts practical and philosophical. “You have to take the risk to try. You have to be willing to risk losing. And you have to make effort beyond what you think you're capable of.” He pauses, then adds: “That mindset — that’s what creates the opportunity.” Why Freddie Spencer Keeps Coming Back to India? His answer is disarmingly simple. “My relationship with Royal Enfield. And I’ve always liked big adventures.” Four years into his India journey, Spencer is no longer just a visiting legend, he is part of India’s motorsport story, helping shape the next generation of riders who may one day challenge the world just as he once did.

Racing icon Freddie Spencer shares insights on Indian motorsport, training gaps, MotoGP growth, and how India can shape its racing future and become a global force

WION Exclusive: Three-time MotoGP champion Freddie Spencer reveals the 'SECRET' behind the cornering technique that changed motorcycle racing

After months of fierce competition and nail-biting finishes, the JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship is set to crown its champions at the highly anticipated finale, to be held at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore on November 15-16. Now in its 28th edition, the championship is India's oldest and most prestigious motorsport event. Adding to the excitement, American racing legend Freddie Spencer, a three-time MotoGP World Champion and MotoGP Hall of Famer, will be in attendance.&nbsp;The grand finale will see rookies chasing their first podiums and seasoned professionals battling for the coveted championship titles. Competitions will span across all categories, including the LGB Formula 4, JK Tyre Novice Cup, Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, and the newly introduced JK Tyre Levitas Cup. Additionally, the penultimate round of the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship will take place as part of the Indian Racing Festival 2025.&nbsp;Among these, the LGB Formula 4 holds a special place as the longest-running and most prestigious class in the championship, bridging the gap between karting and professional formula racing. The series is known for testing drivers' skill, precision, and racecraft to the limit. Heading into the final round, Diljith TS from Dark Don Racing leads the LGB Formula 4 standings with 53 points, followed closely by Dhruvh Goswami of MSport Racing (45 points), and Mehul Agarwal of Dark Don Racing (28 points). The championship is fiercely competitive, with strong performances from experienced drivers setting the stage for a thrilling finale at Kari Motor Speedway.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fide-world-cup-2025-arjun-harikrishna-advance-to-pre-quarters-r-praggnanandhaa-crashes-out-1763049531427">FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun, Harikrishna advance to pre-quarters; R Praggnanandhaa crashes out</a>&nbsp;The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, featuring a competitive mix of local and international talent, will also showcase the skills of drivers like Kenyan Shane Chandaria (Chennai Turbo Riders), Frenchman Sachel Rotge (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), South African Luviwe Sambudla (Goa Aces JA Racing), India’s Ishaan Madesh (Kolkata Royal Tigers), and Saishiva Sankaran (Speed Demons Delhi). All competitors will race identical Ligier JS F422 cars, making driver skill the deciding factor in each race.The Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, powered by [sponsor], is another key highlight of the weekend. The powerful GT-R650 bikes have delivered high-speed duels throughout the season, and the final round promises more intense racing. Bengaluru's Anish Shetty leads the Professional category with 57 points, followed by defending champion Navaneeth Kumar from Puducherry (36 points), and Kayan Patel from Mumbai (34 points).&nbsp;In the Amateur division, Bryan Nicholas from Puducherry holds the lead with 69 points, ahead of Johring Warisa from Umrangso (45 points) and Kabir Sahoch from Vadodara (33 points). Meanwhile, the Levitas Cup, India's newest single-make series, launched this season with identical Maruti Suzuki Ignis cars, is already thrilling fans with its close, skill-based racing. Ashwin Pugalagiri from Madurai and Balaji Raju from Chennai are tied at the top of the Rookie standings, each with 32 points, while Nihal Singh from Gurgaon trails closely with 27 points. In the Gentlemen category, Jai Prashanth Venkat from Coimbatore leads with 38 points, followed by Ram Charan (28 points) and Yokeshwaran Krishnavelu (21 points).&nbsp;The Novice Cup, a popular entry-level series, will also conclude with an exciting finish. The top three drivers—Abhijit Vadavalli (Momentum Motorsports) with 34 points, Lokithlingeash Ravi (DTS Racing) with 32 points, and Prathik Ashok (DTS Racing) with 28 points—are all in contention for the title, with only a small gap separating them.

Racers set for final lap: FMSCI National Racing Championship gears up for a thrilling final

After months of fierce competition and nail-biting finishes, the JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship is set to crown its champions at the highly anticipated finale, to be held at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore on November 15-16. Now in its 28th edition, the championship is India's oldest and most prestigious motorsport event. Adding to the excitement, American racing legend Freddie Spencer, a three-time MotoGP World Champion and MotoGP Hall of Famer, will be in attendance. The grand finale will see rookies chasing their first podiums and seasoned professionals battling for the coveted championship titles. Competitions will span across all categories, including the LGB Formula 4, JK Tyre Novice Cup, Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, and the newly introduced JK Tyre Levitas Cup. Additionally, the penultimate round of the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship will take place as part of the Indian Racing Festival 2025. Among these, the LGB Formula 4 holds a special place as the longest-running and most prestigious class in the championship, bridging the gap between karting and professional formula racing. The series is known for testing drivers' skill, precision, and racecraft to the limit. Heading into the final round, Diljith TS from Dark Don Racing leads the LGB Formula 4 standings with 53 points, followed closely by Dhruvh Goswami of MSport Racing (45 points), and Mehul Agarwal of Dark Don Racing (28 points). The championship is fiercely competitive, with strong performances from experienced drivers setting the stage for a thrilling finale at Kari Motor Speedway. Also Read: FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun, Harikrishna advance to pre-quarters; R Praggnanandhaa crashes out The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, featuring a competitive mix of local and international talent, will also showcase the skills of drivers like Kenyan Shane Chandaria (Chennai Turbo Riders), Frenchman Sachel Rotge (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), South African Luviwe Sambudla (Goa Aces JA Racing), India’s Ishaan Madesh (Kolkata Royal Tigers), and Saishiva Sankaran (Speed Demons Delhi). All competitors will race identical Ligier JS F422 cars, making driver skill the deciding factor in each race. The Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, powered by [sponsor], is another key highlight of the weekend. The powerful GT-R650 bikes have delivered high-speed duels throughout the season, and the final round promises more intense racing. Bengaluru's Anish Shetty leads the Professional category with 57 points, followed by defending champion Navaneeth Kumar from Puducherry (36 points), and Kayan Patel from Mumbai (34 points). In the Amateur division, Bryan Nicholas from Puducherry holds the lead with 69 points, ahead of Johring Warisa from Umrangso (45 points) and Kabir Sahoch from Vadodara (33 points). Meanwhile, the Levitas Cup, India's newest single-make series, launched this season with identical Maruti Suzuki Ignis cars, is already thrilling fans with its close, skill-based racing. Ashwin Pugalagiri from Madurai and Balaji Raju from Chennai are tied at the top of the Rookie standings, each with 32 points, while Nihal Singh from Gurgaon trails closely with 27 points. In the Gentlemen category, Jai Prashanth Venkat from Coimbatore leads with 38 points, followed by Ram Charan (28 points) and Yokeshwaran Krishnavelu (21 points). The Novice Cup, a popular entry-level series, will also conclude with an exciting finish. The top three drivers—Abhijit Vadavalli (Momentum Motorsports) with 34 points, Lokithlingeash Ravi (DTS Racing) with 32 points, and Prathik Ashok (DTS Racing) with 28 points—are all in contention for the title, with only a small gap separating them.

The FMSCI National Racing Championship is set to finish its 2025 season with thrilling races at Kari Motor Speedway. Champions will be crowned in multiple categories, including Formula 4, Royal Enfield GT Cup, and Levitas Cup

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WION Exclusive: Three-time MotoGP champion Freddie Spencer reveals the 'SECRET' behind the cornering technique that changed motorcycle racing

FMSCI National Racing Championship gears up for a thrilling final