(Danilo Petrucci) Only racer ever to achieve wins in MotoGP, Dakar, MotoAmerica.
Danilo Petrucci has just achieved a remarkable hat-trick of wins at the inaugural World Superbike round at the Cremona circuit in Italy, and it’s incredibly gratifying for several reasons.
First and foremost, there’s something universally appealing about seeing a racer triumph in their home race. While the outcome isn’t always guaranteed, and multiple riders may share the same “home” advantage, the thrill of local victory is undeniable.
We all love to witness it. I certainly do. It resonates deeply with fans, as it sparks a sense of connection and aspiration. It’s relatable to imagine ourselves up there, even if it feels like a distant dream. It’s all about giving your best in front of a supportive home crowd, and that’s a feeling everyone can appreciate.
Beyond securing a Superpole win and following it up with victories in both Race One and Race Two at his home WSBK round, Petrucci has also made history. He’s now the only racer ever to achieve wins in MotoGP, Dakar, MotoAmerica, and World Superbike, a feat that’s unlikely to be matched anytime soon.
What makes this accomplishment so remarkable? It’s simple: Petrucci has become the first to conquer these diverse racing platforms. Winning in each of these prestigious series showcases not only his versatility but also his exceptional talent as a rider.
It’s truly astonishing to consider. While many racers have transitioned from MotoGP to WSBK, few, if any, have attempted to compete in all four series the way Petrucci has.
It’s been an extraordinary season for Petrucci, who, after suffering severe injuries in a motocross training crash in May, underwent surgery and impressively missed only one round—at Assen. During that race, his replacement, Nicholas Spinelli, achieved a stunning victory following a daring intermediate tire gamble. Petrucci returned to competition at Misano, finishing a commendable P6 in Race 2, and quickly became a regular on the podium, securing top finishes at Most, Portimao, and three at Magny-Cours, culminating in a memorable win at Cremona.
Reflecting on his motocross accident, an emotional Petrucci shared his thoughts on making a comeback: “I was just afraid to die; I closed my eyes until we reached the ambulance. From that moment on, I realized this was my second chance. I started to appreciate what I have and feel lucky instead of focusing on what I missed. I considered my past and thought maybe I could have done more in my career, but then I realized I can still achieve great things. My results began to improve, and this truly feels like my second chance.”
Racers are driven by their passion, and anyone familiar with the sport knows this well. However, that doesn’t guarantee success across different disciplines—or even in any single one.
Yet, Petrucci has managed to win races (or, in Dakar’s case, stages) in each of these series. This remarkable achievement highlights his incredible talent, and both he and his supporters should take the time to celebrate this significant milestone.