A natter with Nate

Motorcycle racer Nate Kern is well known in the BMW community but not only for his racing exploits. During the past several years the 30-year-old has achieved considerable success on a variety of sports BMWs, including the R 1100 S and R 1200 S, as well as the four-cylinder K 1200 R – defeating some of the best riders in the country on virtually stock motorcycles.

However, it is Nate’s work as an ‘unofficial’ BMW ambassador that has endeared him to his army of fans, who follow him around the country and cheer him on whenever he is racing. Whether at the dealership, at a track day, or even in pit-lane and race paddock, Nate always finds time to communicate the positive benefits of being part of the BMW family. As he gears up for a busy week of activity at Daytona, Nate tells us about his preparations for not only Bike Week, but for the year ahead.

What’s unique and special about Daytona 200?
It’s the only racetrack in the world that has such high banks for motorcycles (it was designed for cars) and due to the high speeds, on the banking – accompanied with the more technical infield and throwing in a 69-lap race – it is one of the biggest challenges in motorsports, not to mention the most highly viewed motorcycle race in the US

What other races will you be competing in at Daytona?
The Regional Pro Series (CCS – Championship Cup Series). I’m competing in this series and looking to reclaim my #1 plate for 2008 (after having it in 05 and 06). I want to re-claim it for the BMW brand and for all of the loyal riders. So tackling that endeavour means that I am entering our already-proven R 1200 S, prepared by BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta, in much more competitive classes this year (600, 750 and unlimited classes). On top of that I would like to claim the ASRA National Pro Thunderbike Class title because it has never been done by any bike other than a Buell.

Have you been able to spend much time testing the HP2 Sport?
I would like to say that the time I have been able to get on the machine has been very enlightening and has helped me to appreciate the characteristics of it, but I am looking forward to having more time. I’ve only ridden the bike twice – at LeMans last April and at the Daytona tyre test in December.

Can this bike be truly competitive at Daytona?
Yes, due to the endurance format and my very accomplished team-mates and I having endurance experience. On the infield we’ve proven that the bike is well within the top ten, but the high banks of Daytona demand aerodynamics and horsepower. Other American circuits such as Infineon and Barber are tracks that will allow the HP2 Sport to truly shine as a ‘riders’ bike.

Will the bike run in the Formula Extreme Class and what other bikes will it be up against?
Yes, that is the only class legal for this bike. But I feel it should be legal for AMA Supersport, also. It will be up against the finest that Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Ducati have to offer.
 

How is the support relationship with the Motorsport Department in Germany?
Excellent. BMW values my selflessness and devotion to the brand. Through opportunities given by BMW Motorrad, my riding and articulation of the product excels and only helps our exposure in the American motorcycle scene.

Did you enjoy being part of the factory set-up of 2007?
Of course. It gives me a chance to grow and share information with the loyal BMW riders and consumers, and it’s an honour for me to be in that position.

Just how many races and national championships are you planning to participate in this year?
The ASRA is its own national championship and the CCS-Pro Series has multiple class championships that add up to national championships. So, I’ll be potentially entering multiple class championships to end up with the overall #1 plate for 2009 on our BMW!

Is all your hard ‘ambassador’ work paying dividends among the sport bike riding community in the States?
Absolutely, because of the phenomenal feedback and first-person experiences that I’ve had that I would not have seen even three years ago. It’s easier to educate sport bike riders on the performance benefits of a BMW, which hopefully opens up their wallets.
Will you get a chance to ride at Le Mans or any other endurance race this year?
The potential is there, but the priority of the North American championships is what I have my sights set on.

Will you be following the progress of the G 450 X in the Grand National Cross Country series?
Yes, it carries the roundel badge, and whether it’s an RT or a G 450 X, it’s of high interest to me.

What are your hopes and objectives for this year?
My hopes and objectives for this year are naturally to expose the BMW motorcycles’ potential even further as a sports bike, and to also reinforce to the exponentially growing loyal fans and riders. Through first hand experience riders will see the BMW community and lifestyle on and off the track. Additionally, I hope to attract more riders from other brands over to our BMW family.

Thanks for your time Nate. Good luck in Daytona.
Thanks!