Two L.A. Area Boys Invited to Spain to Try Out for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
Ruben Casarez and Gabriel “G3” Hernandez III have been invited to try out for the highest level in youth motorcycle road racing in the world – The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. With hundreds of kids from all over the world vying for the same few spots it is incredible that these two friends and competitors have both been given the opportunity.
G3, age 14, started racing at only six years old in 2007. Ruben, now 15, started a year later in 2008. The boys began their careers on Southern California kart tracks racing pocket bikes. They raced against each other a few times early on but it wasn’t until they both moved up to Honda NSR50s that they became good friends with a common goal: to be fast.
With that goal in mind they worked with each other to build their skills. They practiced together, switching off who would lead in order learn from the other rider’s strength. The goal on race day would be to beat one another but the long-term goal was to become as fast as possible. From 2010 to 2013, Ruben and Gabe shared a great friendship while trading race wins, class championships and overall #1 places. Now they have a chance to travel to Europe together and compete to join the elite class of youth road racers.
“Gabe and Ruben have worked very hard and pushed each other over the years. It’s amazing that they have both been invited by Red Bull and that they can share this experience,” said G3’s father, Gabriel Hernandez II. “It will be very tough. In Europe, road racing is extremely popular and the skill level is incredibly high. The guys have their work cut out for them.”
When asked what the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup means to him, G3 responded: “It’s an awesome experience that not many people get. It will be an honor to ride with people from around the world.”
“I am nervous and excited. I have wanted this chance for a long time. This is our best chance to get into Moto3 which can lead to MotoGP” added Ruben Casarez.
The selection event happens October 14-16 in Granada, Spain. Gabe and Ruben are both eager for their chance but also looking forward to traveling to Europe for the first time.
If one or both boys are selected, they will get to race some of the greatest race tracks in the world against some of the best competition in the world. Because the Rookies Cup races are held in conjunction with MotoGP events, the young racers also get to see, and perhaps meet, many of their heroes.