Thomas Ramette has had an incredible 2015 UK Arenacross Tour. Riding for team SR75 MOLSON – on the DBR Suzuki RM-Z450 long term test bike – alongside fellow Frenchman Cyrille Coulon, Thomas has put in the hours, put in the effort, and come out a Champion.
Overall throughout the series he has been on the Main Event podium six times out of eight. He’s taken two wins, three second places and one third. Amazingly, there is also only one round where he didn’t finish in the top three during the Head to Head races… where he’s also taken maximum H2H points at three of those rounds – this is why Ramette hauled in a tally of 178 championship points, finishing 28 points ahead of second place pilot, Oakleaf Motorsport’s Angelo Pellegrini.
Ramette is the undoubted UK Arenacross Champion. And at only 23 years old, there’s still a lot more we’re going to see from him!
It was still super tight in the Pro Championship going into the final round in London though. And with double points on the table, there were a staggeringly close five riders who could have possibly won the title. Ramette went in to round eight in first place, and despite facing obstacles from all angles (including other riders being on top form) and of course double points, he came second on the night and claimed the Championship title.
See also: SR75 MOLSON crowned 2015 Arenacross UK Team Champions
“I’m feeling awesome right now and pressure free because I was leading by just six points before London and with the double points for the final and the H2H there really was nothing in it!” – said an elated Thomas Ramette. “I’m so pumped to have won the Championship you know. It’s my first major title and my first title since my 85cc French Championship in 2003.
“It was a tough competition with a lot of good riders and for sure Florent, who has many titles in Germany and has a lot of experience of racing and winning championships, was big competition!”
The double points on offer in London meant that it was going to be even easier for Thomas to be overtaken in the Championship, so a super solid performance during the whole evening was necessary.
“Before the Main Event on Saturday night, I was under pressure for sure,” said the newly crowned Arenacross Champion. “But I think I felt it more before the H2H because that was double points as well and if I was out after the first H2H and Florent won it, I would have been second in the Championship even before the finale! I knew the importance of finishing in front of Richier before the Main.”
Going into the Main Event, Thomas already had eight points from winning the H2H under his belt. It was ASA/CBR Racing’s Adam Chatfield who took the lead however. But an unfortunate rear wheel puncture resulted in him dropping back to 10th. Oakleaf Motorport’s Angelo Pellegrini came through to take the win, with Thomas claiming second place.
“Crossing the finish line to take victory in the Championship is of course the ultimate feeling,” said Thomas. “However, I did really like the track in Sheffield so that was a good highlight. I think it was the most technical of the season…and of course Glasgow arena was just awesome!
“Honestly, I wasn’t thinking I could win the championship before the tour. Even after Manchester I wasn’t, because normally I’m not so consistent! I could win one race and then finish ninth the next one, but I think I have made some huge progress this year with that. I believe this team [SR75 MOLSON] have helped make me stronger mentally and I’m really happy about it.”
Thomas has clearly had a great time over here in the UK riding with SR75 MOLSON and he’s full of compliments for the Arenacross series: “I’ve really enjoyed the tour. The show, the tracks, the races, the team, the arenas, everything is looking really nice and so professional. It’s been a pleasure to be part of it. We have seen a lot of people coming to the races which is really good for everyone; the riders, promoter and the sport.
“The SR75 Molson team are just fantastic… they gave me all the tools to win this championship. The bike is unbelievable and it is the best Suzuki I have ridden! Geoff works so hard to make this team what it is and I’m really proud to be part of it. I thank everyone in the team and every sponsor and supporter of the team and this series. I feel amazing. Merci AXUK!”
