American Garrett Gerloff surged to a maiden podium in Barcelona, delivering his standout performance.

Garrett Gerloff has ended the drought of American success in the FIM World Superbike Championship, achieving a first podium representing the stars and stripes flag, since the late legend Nicky Hayden, who achieved the last American podium aboard a Honda in 2017.

Gerloff has added a new lease of life for American motorcycle racing aboard his Yamaha R1, being congratulated by former WSBK champion, and the last American World Champion, Ben Spies in the post-race press conference, with van der Mark joking to “Stop sending the American’s over, they are too fast!” a joke enjoyed by the three after a tough race.

The GRT Yamaha rider is not shy to success, though, racing back at home in the Daytona Sportbike Championship before getting the gig in MotoAmerica in 2018. The young American adapted admirably in the top tier of racing in the U,S picking up five podiums in his rookie year on his way to fifth in the standings.

After a more successful year in his second, claiming a sensation fours wins, 11 podiums and claiming third. Gerloff turned heads as a young American prospect, and made the move to WorldSBK with the GRT Yamaha Squad, sporting a similar bike to the one he saw success with in MotoAmerica.

The Catalan round saw the American live up to the hype, and re-instated faith into the field, showing them that he was the new boy on the block, claiming a maiden podium in Race 2.

The American couldn’t hide his emotion, immediately thanking his family in a heartfelt interview. “Thanks to my family and everyone back in Texas, i wish I could be there with you guys celebrating right now.” stated the American after an outstanding battle in Montmelo.

Gerloff has already experienced success this season, reaching a career high before Catalunya, at fellow Spanish track, Jerez, claiming eighth on the return to the series.