Armando Pontone is the Italian champion of the SS 600 National Trophy. square achieved in race 2, he was able to celebrate the achievement of the prestigious trophy at the end of an intense season full of emotions that saw him battle with his rival, Simone Saltarelli. A few hours after the great joy, "Pontonix" told himself in an interview that we report below:

 

Armando, what are your feelings in this special moment?

 

“I'm having a beautiful moment, as if I were in a dream. The special thing is that I'm daydreaming, every now and then I ask people close to me if all this corresponds to reality. Being Italian champion represents a reason for pride and satisfaction after years of sacrifices. Maybe it would take days to tell in words what I have experienced over the past seasons, always characterized by maximum commitment and concentration to fulfill my greatest desire: to graduate as Italian champion. Even the most difficult moments didn't get me down and on Sunday, finally, the dream came true riding my Yamaha R6 ».

 

Can you tell us about the weekend? What weekend was it, starting from second place on Saturday in race 1?

 

"It was a special weekend because, in any case, at the beginning the weather forecasts were not reassuring and very variable. We worked very well with my team, preparing for all the potential track conditions. We were ready even in case it rained. In race 1 I wanted to win because I felt I could do it, so much so that I fought until the end. Three corners from the end I was in the lead, but then a second place arrived and I honestly admit that I have reflected well on my behavior on the track, focusing on one aspect in particular: I did not want to tear the tires too much and get physically tired because then on Sunday I would have had another demanding race ».

 

And in fact in race 2 you took a more conservative attitude, what are the reasons?

 

"Having 12 points ahead of Saltarelli in the overall standings, I was aware of having to compete in an intelligent performance without the hassle of going to win. I fought for the podium until the middle of the race, then in the final laps I was careful to build a contained and risk-free race. I preferred to give up the gas even when Saltarelli overtook me and the strategy turned out to be correct ».

 

Who do you dedicate this title to?

 

«I dedicate it to all the companies that have supported me in this 2021, to Motorsport Italia and to the Bike & Motor Racing Team. How not to mention my girlfriend, a special figure to whom I owe a lot as well as my family. Then thanks to the athletic trainer Giorgio Bonfigli, to Loris Oliva, to my guardian angel Salvatore Polselli, to Physiomed who took care of my body, to the guys at DigitalUp, very good at creating an absolute level website and also Tommaso Raponi for being me always been beside. On the track, then, I felt safe wearing the Arai Helmet distributed in Italy by Ber Racing and with Stylmartin boots. Finally, the Vircos suit has become my second skin. All these companies made their very important contribution to the final victory. Saying thank you is the least I can do ».

 

You are receiving tons of messages, even from colleagues. Did you expect such a large following?

 

“I didn't honestly expect it and that makes me happy. Not only from Cassino, I am receiving congratulatory messages from all over the province of Frosinone. This was unthinkable until a few months ago, so I am proud of myself and of what I did on the track ».

 

What do you expect for the future?

 

«There are many projects in the pipeline and we will soon reveal everything together with my staff. Now I want to take a few weeks off because, I repeat, it has been a busy year ».