Ever since he entered the world of road racing in 1998, and I suppose it was inevitable that he would, with his dad Dave being pretty handy on the tarmac, Leon Camier has proven to be a young man in a hurry!
At just 23 years of age, his name is firmly engraved into the British Championships record books.
They show that the ‘Young Lionheart’ is the youngest ever British Champion in both the 125 and Supersport classes, and now following a season long display of breathtaking riding in 2009, he can add the youngest ever British Superbike Champion to his C.V. (As well as being the most ‘winningest’ rider in one season within the history of the British Superbike Series with 19 wins from the 26 race series, together with 9 Pole Positions from the 12 rounds).
It is an amazing record that will stand for a very, very long time. In fact I don’t think it will be ever be bettered – and don’t forget that for Leon it could all have come to a somewhat premature end in August of 2007 following injuries sustained in that horrific looking accident at Cadwell Park.
So what of his 2009 campaign…..
True he was riding probably the best bike in the Paddock, for the best funded team, with the best Team Owner in Daryl Healey, and arguably the best Team Manager in Colin Wright………..but that all counts for nothing unless the rider himself is not that extra special.
And that is exactly what Leon has been this year, “that extra bit special”.
Like any true “master of his Craft”, he made it all look so effortless, (Mind you, I’m not saying he was perfect. He did on more than one occasion make errors, but that surely is to be expected at his age), but taken overall he was without question both physically and rider wise, head and shoulders above the rest.
As one former multi British Champion, now turned TV commentator would say, (and cue here North Country accent)…………. “I’ve got to say Jack, the boy has done a reet good job”
There are many traits I personally like about the boy. Success hasn’t gone to his head. He’s approachable, articulate, always has a smile on his face, totally respects his fellow racers, and when he’s out on the track, has that canny knack of being able to calmly and clinically pass other riders with ease.
There is much about his style, and the way he rides that is so similar to that of a certain Valentino Rossi. He really is a joy to work with and inspiring to watch.
So where too from here?
For fear of stating the obvious, it has got to be the World Superbikes.
Yet with the current economic climate as it is, achieving that ‘Plum Ride’ will not be easy, no matter how exciting a talent for the future he is.
I really do hope that what he has achieved already with Aprilia in both France and Portugal this year, means that he is offered the permanent ride, and that he will be Team Mate alongside Max Biaggi next term.
He would be a good choice, and it’s a mouth watering prospect.
The Kid is still in a hurry, and won’t be content until he reaches his ultimate dream of becoming a World Champion.
With time on his side, and within the right team, it’s a dream that just might become reality. Don’t bet against it.
I wish him well.
Fred Clarke (Motorcycle Race Commentator since 1969)
