RICHIE ESCALANTE NO. 54 | ENDS MOTOAMERICA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ANOTHER VICTORY
RICHIE ESCALANTE, Mexican racer, ends the 2025 Motoamerica Superbike Championship with another podium victory riding his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750, where he showcased his skills on the superbike level proudly bearing his iconic No 54 with Team Hammer and wearing his Race Dept V4.1 EVO Leather Suit.
The Number #54 had suffered ups and downs throughout the year, including mechanical problems that cost him valuable points, but in New Jersey he demonstrated having character and talent to be among the leaders, consolidating his position as one of the most competitive drivers outside the United States.
Photo: Brian J Nelson
Prior to that victory we had the pleasure to meet Richie Escalante during Motoamerica Superbike Races at COTA for a brief interview which I share with you below.
INTERVIEW WITH RICHIE ESCALANTE
Hello Richie, we are happy to see you again here at COTA. We see that you have made a full recovery and you are back with a strong desire to compete. To start this year, you finished just minutes behind first place in the Daytona 200 race with your Superbike Suzuki 54. How do you feel about that victory?
Yes, well, I’m very happy to greet you all, as I do here in Austin, Texas every year. The truth is that we started the year well after the injury I had last year, where I finished on the podium here in Austin, and then we had time to recover with a good pre-season, which is where we normally train and do physical preparation.
We started the 200 miles of Daytona with a second place finish, as we do every year, very close to taking that first place victory, that historic race, the famous Rolex watch, and I think it’s a very strategic race. I think we can improve for next year and for the future.
Now, regarding this weekend’s race at COTA, what do you think your challenges are in order to achieve a place in the podium?
Yes, this year in general, it’s very competitive. The level is very high. And we already have two podiums. I’ve been very consistent, always finishing in the top five. I have good points. I’m doing well, but this weekend is special for me. It’s the closest track to Mexico.
We always say COTA it’s a 50/50 home track. I really like it. It suits my Suzuki superbike very well, and the goal will be to fight for the podium, of course.
Photo: Nickless Photos
COTA
Could you explain the process of preparing your motorcycle for the track here at Cota specifically?.
In this track, because in Formula 1 and MotoGP we have pits. So it’s basically putting the my superbike in, arranging the mechanics’ tools, changing tires and the chain.
Changing the oil, checking the clutch and checking the brakes, especially since we always start the weekend with new brakes.
Among other things, opening up the angles of the tires plays a big role in making it smoother. The truth is, there are a lot of things.
Is there something specific about COTA that you have to adapt to?
The temperature is something you have to consider at COTA. This year we’re at 80-90, so a little better than last year.
It’s a very long track. It has a lot of changes of direction and 20 turns, so you practically have to be very physically strong.
We always have a month between the last race and this one, so we have time to train for the bike, basically trying to have a fairly agile bike because sector one is right-left-right-left-right-left, like seven turns in a row, and that’s it.
Photo: Nickless Photos
SPANSIH /ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Do you communicate in English or Spanish when talking technical terms such as data analysis, telemetry on your bike during the race?
No, I do everything in English. There are people on the team who speak Spanish, but not everyone. If the bike has GPS, then we have the telemetry that shows us a lot of things, practically everything, there’s no lying. If the bike is good, the team shows you with the computer.
You know it’s fine, and you can change a lot of things: engine braking, more power, less power. And the truth is, it’s complicated, but I say it in English.
When it comes to motorcycle language, my English is very good. But when we go to a restaurant or talk about normal life, It’s a little difficult for me. (laughter)
My previous interviews I meant to ask you if your number 54 have any special meaning for you?
Yes, that number was the number my dad Pablo Escalante started racing with. My dad was a rider. He was the Mexican national champion and Latin American champion three times, and he was really my mentor and my coach.
My father instilled in me a love and passion for this sport that is still with me, and he got number 54 and kept it. Then when I started racing, I had the opportunity to use 54.
When I went to Spain, I got lucky with 54. When I arrived here I got 54, because you can choose your number, but if it’s taken, you can’t use it.
Afterwards when you win championships and races, you practically can keep the same number. So I kept it. It’s very important to me, and I even have it tattooed, of course.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are very proud that you represent Mexico in these races and everywhere you go. What would you say to your Hispanic fans here in Austin?
The truth is that it has always been a pride and an honor to represent Mexico. In my case, to the state of Hidalgo, to Tizayuca, to my whole family, to all the people, and not just Mexicans, but all Hispanics, all Latinos who always come to support me.
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Richie Escalante’s Superbike Championship victory reaffirmed that Latin American talent is present in the major leagues and left a source of pride for Mexico.
By: Lilia Rodriguez- Davis
Editor in Chief of La Revista Mujer
Photos by: Nickless Photos
