Nelson Major: Champion on the first attempt.
Munich. The 2023 season was the first one for Nelson Major on the BMW S 1000 RR and with the Tecmas Racing Team in the French European Bikes Championship (FR EU). It could not have gone better than it did, with an early title win. The year started with a victory in the opening race at Le Mans, followed by an impressive series of more wins and podiums. That allowed Major to build such an advantage in the championship that he secured the championship crown already at the penultimate round of the season at Carole. In the 14 races held this season, champion Major claimed seven wins and five further podium finishes. Only on two occasions, did he not step onto the podium. Let’s hear from him about this great season.
Images © Stéphane Valembois / SV Agency
Nelson Major
© Stéphane Valembois / SV Agency
Congrats Nelson, on this great title win in your first season on the BMW S 1000 RR. Did you expect to be champion when you arrived at the first round at Le Mans?
Nelson Major: “No, not at all! You need to know that it had been three years since I had ridden a motorcycle and I had lots of doubts about myself.”
But then you started the season with a victory in the opening race. You seemed to feel comfortable on the BMW from the word go…
Major: “Yes, I was at ease as soon as I got on this motorcycle, which has incredible capabilities. It’s a great bike!”
How did you get in touch with the Tecmas Racing Team to join them?
Major: “I was looking for a used BMW S 1000 RR that would be within my budget and the Tecmas Racing Team was selling one. When I bought it, we talked about me riding for them. So one thing led to the other.”
Nelson Major
© Stéphane Valembois / SV Agency
What where your emotions when you crossed the finish line at Carole being the champion?
Major: “It has been inexplicable joy. On that day, a lot of sacrifices have been rewarded. I was relieved and I was proud to have been able to show my potential to everyone and especially without testing throughout the season.”
The BMW riders are very strong in the European Bikes Championship, how big was the competition, how close were the races?
Major: “Very close! It’s a championship that is becoming more and more competitive. We had many races where we reached the finish wheel to wheel.”
Speaking about the strong competition, you have been the best of all, even securing an early title win. What made you so strong?
Major: “I think my competitive background helped me, my experience from my past in racing. In 2008/2009, I raced in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, a championship on world level, and I beat riders like Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira.”
Nelson Major
© Stéphane Valembois / SV Agency
What has been your personal highlight of the season? What was your best race?
Major: “There are two highlights and great moments that come to my mind. One was my first victory at the season opener at Le Mans, being back racing in winning the first race. The second moment was winning at the season finale because all my friends have been there. And of course the moment when I won the championship!”
What are your racing goals for the future?
Major: “My goal would be to move up to the French Superbike Championship. But it’s not easy in terms of budget. If I don’t find a team that can help me and puts its trust in me there, I will look for other options.”
