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SBK, The world of racing in a mother's eyes: Neviana Petrucci

INTERVIEW - "If he weren't a rider, Danilo would be a cook, shy and precise. In 2014, he wanted to retire. I convinced him to continue. Mugello? To stem the tension, I vacuumed. Then I had to sit down, because I didn't think I could take it. Finally, his improvisation during the night. But there's one thing I'd like to tell him ..."

SBK: The world of racing in a mother's eyes: Neviana Petrucci

Cheerful, sweet, loving, kind, and full of energy. These are the first words that come to mind when describing Neviana Petrucci, Danilo's mom. Petrux will comfirm whether or not these terms fit her well, but we're pretty sure we're not far off.

"The world of racing in the eyes of a mother". This is the title we wanted to dedicate to Neviana who, through her eyes, talked to us about two wheels from another perspective: that of a mother who sees her son racing at over 300 km/h on a motorcycle, braking to the limit, overtaking, and sometimes falling.

I got to know Neviana during these years Supeerbike years, as we shared a few coffees, had lots of chats in the paddock, and also shared the joys of podiums and victories. And, so, there are several moments that come to mind: the first is Misano 2023, shortly after Petrux's fall in the Superpole Race, which also involved Iker Lecuona.

On that occasion, we were outside the medical center waiting for news about Danilo's condition. Along with his mother and Uncle Gemi, there were his friends, some guys from the fanclub, his partner, as well as the inseparable Giacomo. The tension was palpable because, apart from Alberto Vergani, who was keeping us updated from inside the medical center, no one was aware of Petrux's health condition. To stem the tension, Neviana kept in the background, making pleasantries but sunk in her own thoughts. Then, after an hour of waiting, Danilo finally came out, with a firm resolve to show up at the start of Race 2 in the afternoon. His mother had announced this news, unopposed, with a tear running down her face.

And how can we forget Saturday morning at Donington, shortly after the FP3, where we had a long chat Barni team'ss garage: "Riccardo,  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the passion and love you put into talking about Danilo," she said. My response was: "Thank you, Neviana. I believe that a job should be exciting and, for that, I'm also grateful to Danilo, because the credit is also his ... I guess it's not easy for you to handle all the emotions with a son racing at 300km/h?" From there, a long conversation began with the idea of a future interview.

That promise was finally fulfilled and what follows is his story ...
"Danilo Petrucci was a very meticulous child, good in school, tidy and shy, which he still is now," she began. "He cared about doing things right, leaving nothing to chance. His passion for motorcycles came from his father, whom he always considered his true hero. In fact, Danilo senior worked with Pileri and spent a lot of time away from home. So, when he returned, it was an exciting moment. When he was little, he used to say, 'Mom, I'm either going to be a rider or a cook'."

Do you remember his first time on a motorcycle?
"When he was two and a half years old, he got on a  minimoto and fell off, but he didn't cry. Instead, his first race was with the trials, when he was five years old, near Pisa. On that occasion, he won, but he was already demonstrating his shyness since, on the podium, he lowered his head instead of celebrating. In fact, we used to tell him from below, 'Danilo smile'."

Seen from the outside, Danilo seems like an outgoing, open guy, always ready to joke ...
"I think, to this day, he's still very shy. Then, when he's in his environment, of course, he becomes outgoing. I certainly didn't imagine that he had this spirit of making jokes and being quip."

Looking back over his career, what is one moment you carry in your heart?
"The weekend in Cremona moved me, especially the choruses and the enthusiasm of the people for him. On that weekend, the whole crowd was for him, and it was a truly incredible emotion. In fact, I was speechless."

I thought you'd say Mugello ...
"Unfortunately, I wasn't at Mugello. I cried all day that Sunday, though, because I was so happy for him, since Danilo does so much for others. I watched the race from home, and I was excited, because I was thinking of him being happy, celebratingafter crossing the finish line. Then, at one o'clock in the morning, he arrived home, surprising me. As soon as I saw him, we hugged for I don't know how many minutes, maybe even half an hour, without saying a word. That is still a beautiful emotion, as was his coming out of the operating room after the fall with the cross. It was probably a different emotion, but the important thing was that he was okay."

Many joys, but also many difficult moments, have accompanied Petrux's career, don't you think?
"Of course! In fact, I remember Jerez 2014, before the injury. At that time, Danilo had decided to quit, because he couldn't be competitive with the bike, and his morale was broken. So, I decided to deal with the situation myself. I went into the motorhome to talk and get him thinking. He later changed his mind and decided to continue racing. But, then, there was the injury. I felt guilty," she said, smiling.

There is, however, another moment that was trying for you, right?
"When, in Valencia, he told me about the Dakar. That was another tough moment, because he was about to participate in one of the most dangerous races in the world. But, fortunately, it went well."

How's your relationship with him during a race weekend?
"Danilo, like all riders, has his moments. As a result, I try to keep out of the way in the garage and in silence. I prefer not to get involved."

What about the race itself?
"Each race is its own thing. I prefer to watch them alone, without anyone near me. Many times, I went into the grandstand without him knowing while, on other occasions, I preferred to stay at home instead of leaving, without any reason. For the rest, what can I say. If he fights for the top positions, I get agitated. In fact, to counteract it, I vacuum the house. Of course, I cheer for him, kind of like I'm doing the race with him. The thing is, if you're not a mom of a rider, you can't understand, because you never get used to it."

Neviana, now you have to tell us about the 2019 Mugello GP ...
"Eh," she smiled. "That afternoon, I picked up the vacuum cleaner and continuously went back and forth from the living room to the bedroom to take the pressure off, since I couldn't handle the anxiety. Later, I went down to the basement, and thought I couldn't handle it anymore. I had to sit down. That race was never ending, and that overtaking at San Donato with Marquez and Dovizioso, I don't know how many times I watched and rewatched it. I actually still watch it today, when Petrux is facing difficulties. Thank God the checkered flag came up and that race was over."

A few years ago Danilo said to me, "Riccardo, you can write whatever the  yhellou want about me, as long as you don't throw crap at my father, my mother, and my brother." What would you like to tell him that you never told him?
"I think we sometimes don't talk enough, because maybe you can't find the time. Danilo is very private and he often he doesn't let things out. On some occasions, I hold back, as well. Sometimes, I tell myself that I should talk to him more, perhaps talking about our emotions. But, in the end, he's great. What pleases me is his relationship with his brother, Francesco. I see them as accomplices and close-knit. They both love two wheels, even though Frankie prefers downhill. They also still manage to maintain relationships with all those guys, from back in the day, who I used to pick up in the car to take them around."

Is it cool to be Danilo and Frankie's mom?
"I have two beautiful sons, Danilo and Francesco, and I'm very proud of them. I never say I'm Danilo's mom, even if,  back in the day, many people would come by the store bringing me gadgets to sign. I think Danilo has left a mark in the racing world, and I'm happy about that."

 

 

 

Translated by Leila Myftija

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