The Jerre: private driver with factory results!
In the first three GPs, Jeremy Van Horebeek (Honda SR Motoblouz) made it abundantly clear why he belongs in the MXGP. The Jerre recorded a third, fifth and fourth place. In the standings he follows Clément Desalle, one point behind the third.
Only at the eleventh hour did Van Horebeek receive confirmation about his 2019 World Championship campaign with Josse Sallefranque's SR Motoblouz private Honda team. Despite an almost standard motorcycle, Jeremy runs smoothly in the top 5. Rarely seen, a fantastic revenge for Van Horebeek after an inglorious farewell at Yamaha. The 28-year-old Belgian had to settle for mediocre results in 2018 due to injuries. In his first year at Yamaha, Stefan Everts' ex-poulain surprised with the vice world title and a GP victory in Loket.
After it turned out last summer that there was no room for Van Horebeek at the brand with the crossed tuning forks, the other factory teams also ignored him. Meanwhile, Jeremy made it right to his side. His results are almost comparable to those of HRC Honda leader Tim Gajser. Naturally, questions arise about the value of 'the Jerre' for Honda. Ironically, Van Horebeek - who only receives support through Honda France - proves how competitive the production CRF450R is.
Cordon Crockard's opinion
“In mid-February, Jeremy and Honda SR decided to participate in the full World Championship. They then contacted Honda Europe for support but at the time there was nothing we could do,” explains Honda Europe Off-Road manager Gordon Crockard. “Our 2019 plan had been approved, the budgets had been set and every euro we have available had been allocated. Because of the timing, we were stuck and there was nothing we could do on our part. That's why we went to Argentina with a feeling of gratitude towards Van Horebeek, Honda SR, Honda France and everyone who made it possible for Jeremy to ride the World Cup. It was fantastic that they still finished in time for the season. All we could say was that we would support them in any way we could. That is an ongoing process,” said Crockard.
Crockard himself won two 2001cc GPs for Honda in 250. The sympathetic Northern Irishman understands the situation in which Van Horebeek finds himself better than anyone else. At the same time, he points out the clever evolution of the sensational 'privateer': “Jeremy is doing exceptionally well. And as a former non-Honda factory rider who achieved podiums and won GPs, I can recognize myself in his situation. So I completely agree with what he is experiencing and what this means in terms of promotion of the standard CRF. Anyone can build the engine that Van Horebeek drives. Which certainly underlines the qualities of the engine. On the one hand, that is a strong story for consumers who want to buy our bikes, on the other hand, it also shows the rest of the MXGP that you don't need a 'magic bike'! In recent years, many riders complained that it was impossible to perform without factory equipment. Jeremy shows that it is possible. That is something that can help us in the future to make things clear to drivers.”
There is no doubt that Van Horebeek's performance with modest equipment is excellent advertising for Honda. On the other hand, this also creates a dire situation in terms of PR. A rider who provides excellent promotion for the brand would potentially receive only limited compensation or support. This will become even more apparent if 'the Jerre' emphasizes his role as a private driver in the media. For the time being, Van Horebeek will have to accept his fate at Honda SR Motoblouz. Moreover, it seems that the position as underdog fuels the fire of motivation for the two-time GP winner... In other words: there is no better fuel than revenge!
Facts and fiction
“People wonder why you can't support someone like Van Horebeek. You are Honda, you have the resources. But this is of course related to budgets, plans and management. At this point there is nothing we can acknowledge, but it is not a door that is permanently closed or not a taboo subject,” Crockard emphasizes. “It's great that Jeremy is doing so well because it helps my business. That we have to find a way to offer support to such a person. Actually, that is an internal process that I am constantly working on. It is also new for us that someone goes to the World Championship on his own - as a private rider - and competes for the MXGP podium. Would Van Horebeek do better on a factory bike. We do not know that."
In stark contrast to the renaissance of 'the Jerre' is the disappointing start to the season of HRC Honda's number two Brian Bogers. The Eindhoven native was out of action for almost the entire 2018 season with foot injuries. Bogers is currently 20th with 18 points.
Text: Adam Wheeler/Tom Jacobs
Photos: shotbyBavo
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