BSB: Bjorn Estment – “I aim to inspire through my life story”

At Motorsport.Radio, one of the main reasons why we love speaking with competitors in the paddock is that we get to hear the story of the person behind the on-track performance.

Where racers may differ in terms of place of origin, family influence, and series and class in which they compete in, one common theme that unites them are the sacrifices made to get them on the grid.

Bjorn Estment is no exception to this – born in South Africa in 1988, he began his racing career in the South African National Supersport competition before relocating to the UK in 2012.

Since arriving on British soil, he’s gone on to secure multiple podium and top five successes in the British Supersport championship, the Supersport cup and Supersport evo classes.

In 2019, he turned his attention to the FIM World Endurance Championship, securing a notable 4^th place with his team Maco racing in the iconic 24-hour Bol d’Or event. The following year, Bjorn made his debut in the superbike class at BSB, initially with NP Motorcycles BMW but for the 2021 season riding the GSX-R1000R with Powerslide Catfoss Suzuki racing.

We currently find him in good spirits, but in total lockdown in a Heathrow hotel:

You’re currently in isolation in London after returning from South Africa. How was it back home and when do you get out?

“Being back home was incredible and since I’d signed my ride just after the end of last season, I knew what my future held. I’ve been able to relax, see family and friends as well as doing Moto X and physical training to keep me in shape. Because South Africa is on the Coronavirus red list [countries from which travel to the UK is banned], I’ve got to pass two COVID-19 tests before being allowed to leave my hotel.

“I’m not allowed any visitors whatsoever, but I’ve got a good family friend based in London who brought a bicycle and static trainer to me via the hotel’s reception so I can exercise in my room.  As a sportsman, I do have special permission to be outside for half an hour of exercise per day, but only under security supervision. Beyond that I’m in total lockdown until 19 March.”

You’ve made a huge move from South Africa to the U.K to pursue your passion for motorcycle racing.  How did you get into the sport and why did you decide to come here?

“As far as I can remember, my dad always had a motorbike in the house.  I’ve always been around bikes and there are photos of me sitting on my dad’s lap on a bike before I could walk. I had a 50cc quadbike and a little moto X bike as a child and both my father and uncle raced competitively in South Africa. In fact, my uncle was very good and did a couple of 250 GP races, so the passion was in my blood.  I started racing at home in South Africa at the age of 19 but, although the level is high there, I needed to go abroad to develop my career. 

“I decided it was going to be either America or England, mainly due to the shared language of English.  I chose England because there were a few South Africans already here that I knew, so it made sense.  I’ve put literally everything into getting here and taken a massive gamble trying to make it work. Luckily for me, it has worked out, I love BSB, the paddock, the vibe and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”

You’re heading the superbike campaign for ‘new team on the block’ Powerslide Catfoss Suzuki racing.  What is your aim for the 2021 season?

“I’m going to be focusing fully on the season ahead with Powerslide Catfoss Suzuki because they’ve given me an opportunity that, if you’re in our game, everyone wishes they had. They’ve put a lot into it, and we’re going to continue to put a lot into it as a squad and I’m very grateful to be in this position.

“There’s so much positive energy from the team, even now in my quarantine situation which is a little bit of a handbrake on things, they’re phoning me every day, asking me my opinion on team matters and keeping me in the loop.  This season will be about being competitive, pushing myself and getting on the scoreboard.”

Because of the pandemic and your current lockdown situation, I guess you’ve not had a chance to ride the bike at all?

“No – the last time I rode this bike was at the final round at Brands Hatch last year.  It was a shakedown really; the bike was new to me and to the team.  We made the most of it though, got some decent laps in and some good data.

“I must admit though, there’s a bit of romanticism with this Suzuki! One of the first bikes I had as a child was a little Suzuki quad bike, so to end up riding a Suzuki superbike in one of the best domestic championships in the world is just fantastic.  As soon as I get out of this isolation period, we’ll be on track and getting going.”

Bjorn, you have a very personal and warm way of interacting with your followers on social media, which includes some funny videos!  It seems the BSB fans have really taken you into their hearts. 

“Yeah, I love being upbeat and having a laugh with people.  If I can entertain people both on and off the track, then it’s a case of winning on both sides of the fence.  I appreciate that not everybody who comes to spectate at BSB will know of me and my racing, so if I pass a family in the paddock and I high five their young kid, they will all remember you for being a nice guy.

“I’ve always thought that you have to give back, and I want to inspire people through my humour, my racing, and my life story.  I’d like people to look at me and see an example to others of not giving up.  I’ve relentlessly followed my passion and I want others to follow their passion too.”

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It’s clear to see that Bjorn’s passion for the sport and his recognition of the part others have played in his career is at the very heart of who he is as a person.  Whilst researching him prior to this interview, I came across the South African concept of Ubuntu, or “I am because we are”, a saying he used to have on his racing leathers. 

Ubuntu describes the idea that a person can only be themselves through the help of others.  If these interviews are indeed about giving you a sense of the personality behind the visor, then in Bjorn Estment you will find a relentlessly focused and yet humble individual who has not lost sight of the importance of fans and sponsors in pursuing his passion – his very own United Kingdom Ubuntu.

Bjorn Estment would like to thank the following sponsors for their support:

Catfoss Modular
Powerslide Motorcycles
Everquip Garage Equipment
Total Building services
Pro Air conditioning
Credo wealth
Cegra IT
Bell Powersports
Vircos
TCX boots and Brandfixx

To follow Bjorn’s racing on Instagram, go to @bjorn_estment.

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All images courtesy of Bjorn Estment.