BMW's sporting policy seems to have evolved in the right direction, both in the Superbike World Championship and in endurance. In this second discipline for example, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team occupies an excellent second position in the provisional standings before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with 64 points compared to 79 for the SERT leader, and 48 points for third, the Wojcik Racing Team Polish with his Yamaha.
In Superbike, Tom Sykes, born 34 years ago in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, had a good 2019 season, considering it was the BMW team's first season Motorrad WorldSBK Team. The German manufacturer entrusted its S 1000 RR to the SMR team (Shaun Muir Racing) and Sykes finished eighth in the Championship, after finishing second at Misano, second at home at Donington Park, and third at home at Magny-Cours.
World Superbike Champion in 2013, Tom is the most experienced rider on the current field with 295 starts, ahead of his ex-teammate Jonathan Rhea with 279. He achieved 34 victories, stood on the podium 112 times and achieved 49 pole positions.
On a more personal level, he has a second-degree sense of humor that is sometimes quite surprising, and is never caught off guard by sometimes surprising questions, like those asked to him by Ivo Schützbach for Speedweek.com.
Tom, since 2012, you have had a lot of success in the World Championship. Is this how you were able to live your dreams?
“Earning a lot of money gives you the freedom to choose. If you need something, you can afford it. »
“But I’ve always been good with money. When I was 14, I had £5,50 a week of pocket money that I had to get by with. »
Are your ancestors English, not Scottish?
" That's right. But I'm a Yorkshireman – we're also known for being stingy. »
“There is a difference between being miserly and spending money wisely. It's true, I think about the future. »
Can't afford expensive cars, houses, boats?
“I have a nice house, a car and a van and I drive a kart as a hobby. Nothing crazy, I'm just a normal guy. I like to go into town to have coffee and enjoy life. »
After your racing career, will you be a farmer?
" I do not know yet. Maybe I'll stay in the race, because I need the adrenaline. »
Aside from all the travel, how does your job affect your personal life?
“As a racing driver you have to be a bit selfish. »
“I missed many magical moments, like the birth of my second daughter. But something like this happens to every racing driver. On the other hand, we see wonderful parts of the world. »
And when you are at home, are you at home?
" That's right. I'm probably at home more than someone who has a 9-17 job. »
Do you still live in England?
“Yes, in Leamington Spa near Birmingham. It's not quite as rural as Yorkshire. »
Why did you leave Yorkshire?
“To be closer to the airports. My life is flying. »
Have you never thought about emigrating to Monaco, Andorra or the Isle of Man?
“Yes, but I’m a family man. I love the fact that after a two hour drive I can see my whole family. »
Photos © BMW
Source: Speedweek. com
