Gonzalo Castro Set to Make History as First Mexican Rider at Southern 100
Thirty nine year old Gonzalo Castro, from Guadalajara, Mexico is bidding to become the first ever Mexican rider to compete in an Isle of Man Road Race at the Southern 100 this year.
Under the guidance and direction of CAIN Road Race Principal, Jorge Quiñones and fellow countryman, Héctor Quintanilla, Gonzalo will be riding an Alisdair Cowan prepared ZXR 636 Kawasaki in the SuperSport races. In an effort co-ordinated by Travelling Marshal, Jim Hunter, Gonzalo’s Island race debut is creating a huge amount of interest amongst the Mexican racing community.
For those not familiar, the CAIN road race takes place in the west of Mexico. The 74km course, nicknamed ‘the Devil’s Backbone’ winds it’s way through the beautiful Sinaloa countryside, from the start at the mountain village of El Palmito down to the finish at the market town of Concordia. Many established TT stars have ridden in the event including Gary Johnson, Matthew Rees, Joe Yeardsley, Victor Lopez, Dave Madsen Mygdal and Maurizio Bottalico, but none have managed to get the better of home hero, Gonzalo, who has been crowned overall CAIN Champion in each of the last two years. Indeed, Castro is the only rider in the entire history of the event to win all four different races classes, dual purpose, 600, 750, and 1000cc Superbike.
No stranger to competition on four wheels, Gonzalo is also an accomplished Kart racer – he finished on the podium at the Hermanos Rodriguez Autodromo, Mexico City in a race won by Karting World Champion, Paolo De Conto . He was also part of the winning Mexico team that raced Formula Fords / Caterham 7s at Silverstone and Nissan GTRs at Pendine Sands, South Wales.
Gonzalo is under no illusion when it comes to considering the level of competition he’s likely to face on the Motor Isle Billown Course. His personal goals are to be safe, to do his best to enjoy the overall experience and hopefully take a small step towards one day, competing on the Mountain Course.
Gonzalo wishes to thank his sponsors CAIN Road Race, Expo Moto, SurtiMoto, Vipers, Dainese, Toro Loco, Royal Assets, Volare Escuala De Aviacion, Killian Bike Shop
