Racer Louis Dawson reigns in Spain

The Highley star, who is usually seen racing around the UK tracks in the Ducati TriOption series, which supports the British Superbikes, is now also competing in the F3 Cup, also known as the F3 Coppa in Spanish.

The change came about through the new venture of the 21-year-old’s parents, which has seen them take on another bike business, MV Agusta West Midlands.

Tony and Dawn Dawson already own Ducati Wolverhampton Ltd, in High Street, Pensnett, but have now decided to branch out.

Due to Louis’s racing background, the MV factory was keen to get him on to one of their bikes and suggested he start with a new series that started earlier this year.

The six-round F3 Cup takes place entirely in Spain – all the bikes are the same and all the riders, other than Louis, are Spanish.

“We were a little daunted by entering this series, which had already completed one round at Albacete in May,” said Louis.

“But when the other competitors arrived at the circuit we were made welcome.

“The series uses a Friday for testing, prior to Saturday’s qualifying, so that was helpful for setting up the suspension for my riding style and we knew my lap times were just over a second faster than the next guy, which was also the case in qualifying, resulting in pole position.

“The bike felt so light and agile, different from the Ducatis I’ve been riding for the past few years, and I gelled with it instantly.

“We are aiming to do a few more of the rounds in Spain later this year and MV Agusta is very keen to get the bike out on track in British Superstock and Supersport, so that’s something else for us to consider.”

Dawson said the Spanish series differed from the TriOptions Cup as the bikes were supplied, maintained and brought to each circuit by the organisers of the F3 Cup, Box31, which are an MV Agusta dealer in Madrid.

“In our case, as we want to enter the bike in other classes here in the UK, we were able to bring the bike back,” he said. It will remain in the race prep done by Box31 as no changes are allowed.”

The new bike, surroundings and set-up, however, did not make a jot of difference to Dawson, who returned from Jerez on the podium.

His sponsors, Bridgnorth-based Employers’ Aide, also travelled aboard to support him.

Louis’s mother, Dawn, said: “This was the first time Louis had ever ridden the bike, the first time he had used Michelin tyres and the first time he had been to Jerez. To qualify in pole position and carry that pole through to finish the race in first place was a fantastic achievement.

“The other competitors in the series were all very helpful as neither Louis or his dad, Tony, speak any Spanish.

“Even the interviews after qualifying and the race win were by another rider who could speak English.”

Dawson will be back in action this weekend for round five of the TriOptions Cup at Brands Hatch, in Kent.