#79 Ai
Ogura
Japan
·
Red Bull Rookies Cup
Date of birth | 26 January 2001 |
|---|---|
Place of birth | Kiyose-shi - Tokyo |
Age | 24 |
Nationality | Japan |
Career start | 2009 |
Disciplines | Rookies Cup |
It was not an unusual household in that Ogura's father inspired an interest in two wheels but Ai wasn't the first to have a go. Under the influence of my father, my older sister was racing and so I also became interested in watching the racing. The first time I rode a motorcycle I was three years old.
Ai Ogura on his pocket bike at the age of 4
© Ai Ogura Archive
I was four when I first participated in a race.
I kept riding a pocket bike, a 74Daijiro, until I was eight so I have a lot of racing experience. My father has always been my mechanic, helping me all the way, repairing the bikes and advising me on the settings, so important to me.
Ai Ogura racing his pocket bike as a kid
© Ai Ogura Archive
Then I stepped up to the mini-bikes, an NSF100 from the age of nine, and won many awards.
Ai Ogura racing his NSF100 in Japan
© Ai Ogura
The road racing began when I was 13. I participated in Asia Talent Cup last year. It taught me to be aggressive battle. My best race was Race 2 in the Chinese round of the Asia Talent Cup 2015. It was my first win on the Moto3 bike.
Ai Ogura on the podium at the Asian Talent Cup in China - 2015
© Ai Ogura Archive
Away from the track Ai enjoys English and physical education at school and then training and fishing to relax. His racing hero is Jack Miller.
Ai Ogura racing in 2015
© Ai Ogura Archive
My favourite bit of the track are the hard braking points. I love racing and for me the sense of accomplishment when I win is just the greatest thing. I get a great deal of pleasure out of working out how to go fast and be successful, above all my dream is to be World Champion!
Ai Ogura in the pit of Rookies Cup 2016
© Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool
2016 was interesting year, joining the Red Bull Rookies Cup. Prior to running the Rookies Cup, I had only participated in Asian races and I was surprised by the speed and aggressiveness of European riders. But I got accustomed to it more every race and I understood the battle.
My best race in 2016 was Aragon's Race 2, which was the final round.
Ai Ogura racing in Aragon 2016
© Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool
I was able to ride at a good pace from the opening lap and I was able to improve my position. Although I was separated from the top three bikes, I was able to pass the finish line in the lead of the big second group."
The feeling of the machine was also the best of the season. It was quite good for my confidence that I had such a result in the last race of 2016.
Ai Ogura racing in Misano 2016
© Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool
Now that I have the experience of last year, so I am ready for 2017.