D'Abril Gómez Casares / Motosan
María Horrach looked back on her son's career and character on the fourth anniversary of his death.
On the afternoon of June 3, journalist Mela Chércoles and María Horrach organized a live at the latter's initiative to pay tribute to her son, Luis Salom, who died exactly four years ago. On June 3, 2016, in fact, “el Mexicano” was the victim of an accident in one of the last turns of the Barcelona Circuit and lost his life. However, he is still very present for motorcycling fans, and every month, every year, many people pay tribute to him. A testimony of affection which greatly touches the Salom-Horrach family.
This Wednesday, June 3, 2020 marked four years since the disappearance of the Moto2 rider. A difficult day for his family, who are somewhat comforted by all the messages of support received via social networks. " We are well. We received signs of affection throughout the day”, said María Horrach. “It’s a day during which we continually fight not to relive this famous day. Social media hasn't stopped, when people like your son, they like you. I lack words to thank the fans. After four years they continue to remember, it's wonderful. I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart on behalf of his family and friends. It's wonderful to see this on such a sad day like today. »
Four years later, she is still as moved as she remembers all the affection she received on the day of Luis's funeral, in Majorca. “The response from people [to the invitation] was impressive. I have no words to thank those who were present to pay tribute to him. We felt a lot of respect. The parade of motorcycles that surrounded the silent march was spectacular. »
María has not returned to the MotoGP paddock since the accident. Coming back without her son doesn't make sense for her, as she explained during the live: “For me it’s very complicated to return to the paddock without my son. It's practically impossible. Going without him makes no sense. People who wanted to see me saw me, like Cortese who came to the house with a bouquet of flowers. I have always had a lot of respect for all drivers. My son was one of them and I know how hard it is, but we always have more affinities with certain people and these came. For example, Álex Rins' father was the first to message me this morning. A lot of drivers came to my house, a lot of people from the paddock. But returning to a paddock without holding my son's hand is very complicated. »
If returning to the circuits allowed her to find her son, she would do it “selfishly”. To comfort herself, she still has the beautiful memories with Luis that she can remember. “Selfishly, I would change everything for Luis to be there. People tell me that if he hadn't dedicated his life to this, he wouldn't have been happy. And why not ? Who can prove it to me? However, if I could have changed it, who tells me that the result would not have been the same, but in another way? If by changing things I could get him back, I would, but I don't have that option. Life doesn't give it to me. So I am left with all the moments I shared with my son and what I learned from him. I am convinced that today he would be in MotoGP. I think it would have been installed in 2017.”
Luis Salom's figure as a sportsman is characterized by perseverance, and according to his mother he was the same off the track. “Luis was the same as a driver and as a person. He was very perseverant, very perfectionist in everything. We respected each other a lot, we had a good relationship”, explained Maria. “Few mothers accompany their children to the World Championship, he is always the father figure. Maybe I was attracting attention because of that. Luis bragged about it, he was very charismatic. It made him very close [to people] and human. I think I got along well with everyone, but thanks to him. No matter where he went, he had a smile for everyone. »
One of the characteristics of Luis Salom, physical this time, was his numerous tattoos. “He got his first tattoo at 14, and it was of his name, “Luis Salom”.”, remembers his mother. “It was really heavy. I thought about it and said to myself “it’s his body and you only live once”. As a joke, as it was heavy, I told him that at least if we lost him we would find him with his name tattooed on his arm. That was the first one, and then it continued, up to 15 tattoos with a lot of religious symbols. I told him he had more images than a church. »
María Horrach and her family gave everything to motorcycling, a sport that took away the one they loved most. She therefore does not see herself advising families who are starting out in this environment: “I don’t really like giving advice. I believe that each case is unique. A family that is willing to go into debt is respectable. There are parents who pay a lot of money for education and ultimately it doesn't work. These are bets. In our case, the consequences were tragic, so I see myself unable to advise anyone. Our results were always good, we had wonderful years with triumphs, victories, it was a crazy energy that ended in tragedy. I can't advise a mother, but I also can't cause disillusionment because a tragedy happened to me, that wouldn't be fair. »
Among the good times shared by mother and son, Indianapolis 2012 remains perhaps one of the most special, a moment which illustrates even more than the others the smiling face that Luis Salom always displayed: “Remembering Luis’ career fills us with emotion. I remember that day with great affection. He was so happy. His manager, Marco, was crying like a Madeleine. It's such an intense emotion to see your son's emotion, to see how strong he feels. Him making a podium didn't change my life, but it brought me immense emotion. We didn't make a living from it but we took advantage of it. This is truly his most notable victory. »
His smile was present, even in less happy moments, like when he joined the Sito Pons team in Moto2. “There are wonderful people on the Sito team, but there was a very weird atmosphere”, said his mother. This is why in 2016 Luis decided to change to Edu Perales' Stop and Go team. “When he left Pons for Edu Perales’ team, it was clear that people work better with affection. He took second place. It was the last hug we gave each other before a podium, in the middle of the pitlane. I have the photo. »
