Click here for a printer-friendly version
Between the Races:
Liam Shubert

Most of the people we feature in this space have jobs in the motorcycle industry. Technically, Liam Shubert doesn’t, but he’s doing his best to rectify that fact. Enamored with the MotoGP circuit, the Hawaiian native has sold his belongings and moved to Spain in order to spend the off-season searching for work with a race team. From what we’ve seen the guy’s too tenacious to bet against.
By CJ

RRX: Liam, what’s your background?
My background consists of a variety of motorcycle obsessions. I began riding in Hawaii in late '95, early '96. I traded a Kona mountain bike for my first motorcycle, a 1982 Suzuki GN 250. I taught myself how to ride one afternoon, and I've been in love with the sensation ever since. As for the bike, it was a rolling death trap, and I learned how to be a very defensive driver with it. Poor brakes, horrible suspension—it was a nightmare. After a couple months, I upgraded to an '88 Suzuki Savage, 650cc single. It was this bike that got the gears turning in my head. I distinctly remember getting into an argument with a parts person at a Harley dealer because I wanted to buy some flat Sportster handlebars for the bike. He kept insisting that “All Jap bikes use 7/8 handlebars!” I got the bars I wanted, and this started my compulsion to modify motorcycles.

What were you doing before bikes?
I was a European car guy—everything from classic VWs to the more modern autos. I had a gorgeous, red, '66 Ghia that was my baby until a drunk driver from Ethiopia totaled it! After that I graduated to a GTi, and I raced around as much as I could in Hawaii collecting tickets. It was the increased insurance costs that initially drew me to motorcycles. In '97, I bought my first brand-new bike, a Honda Magna. It was fast and clean, but the bug had bitten me, and I had to change it. I swapped bars, controls, grips—the typical newbie stuff. Then I got a hold of some loud pipes from Cobra and hacked off the rear fender. I became crazy about custom Harleys, and any custom bike, for that matter. I read everything about motorcycles I could get my hands on, and educated myself about every make and brand I could. Now I'm something of a "moto-savant." At this point in my life, late '98, I wanted to build my own bikes.

Are you entirely self-taught?
I knew I didn't have enough experience or skills, so I enrolled at MMI in Phoenix, Arizona. I moved and proceeded to ace every class I took. I was lucky enough to get a good job immediately afterwards studying under a guru in L.A. and learning about engine-building and dyno tuning. A year later I was in San Jose, California, doing dynomometer tuning for a large dealership. I then became the foreman for another dealer, in Redwood City, and this was where I've worked for the last four years. The whole time I was working, I was modifying my bikes, and those of my friends. More speed and performance were the goals. I also became an important fixture in the minibike racing scene, hosting weekly races at a local kart track. My mini-Supermoto nights were awesome, and I've raced against Bostrom's dad before. I doubt he remembers it, but it was fun for me. Also, the minibike thing took me to Lake Elsinore, where I've raced against all the heavies, like McGrath and others. Of course, I suck in the dirt because I don't have much experience. What it did do for me, though, was make me an incredible street rider with awesome sliding technique. I was always showing off how far I could kick the back end of a bike out when accelerating out of corners. I still love doing it, but I'm a little smarter about it now. I've had many more motorcycles, from Buells (re-geared to only do 110–but look out in the hills!) to Harley choppers of my own design, to the occasional Japanese sport bike.

How did you become interested in GP racing?
I think I became obsessed with MotoGP just before they went to four-strokes, because I was tired of working on production machines. I'm fascinated with prototype equipment. To me, they’re the most custom machines you can't buy. I'm now disenfranchised with the Harley scene, and most motorcycling in America. It has become all about the money, and who bought what pipe, and what wheels they're running. Whatever happened to upgrading suspension and brakes?

How did you decide to go overseas?
I went to the Shanghai MotoGP race this year. I was looking for a new challenge when I met a guy after the GP race. He was quite familiar with several teams, and during Laguna Seca, he introduced me to everyone. I had a great time and felt at home immediately. I decided then and there that this was a career I needed to pursue, and not half-heartedly. So I moved to Barcelona, to be in the epicenter of international motorcycle racing.

What are your plans?
This off-season, I'm planning on physically going to people's workplaces and showing off my face. I'm in the process of looking for a motorbike or scooter to get around the city better, and also to see more of Spain and Italy. They're really expensive compared to the bikes in the U.S., so it looks like second-hand is the way to go. Still, I relate to my vehicles, and I can't just buy any old piece of junk. I need something trick, all the time. Maybe it's a sickness, but it's how I express myself.

Are you learning some Spanish?
I'm checking out some government courses since they’re the cheapest way to go. I'm trying to give myself as much time as possible to look for a job, so I'm saving money where I can so I don't have to take a nightclub/bar job. I practice daily with some friends I've made, and I read the Spanish motorcycle mags when I get a chance. Trying to translate helps my comprehension. Still, I need a solid foundation, so school is the best way to go. It's a catch-22. I want a job to schedule school around. I'm afraid if I'm stuck in class, I won't have the freedom to pursue a job during the day.

Are you getting some nibbles?
I've emailed my butt off since I've gotten here. It's touchy. On one hand, I want to email prospective employers every day, but I want to be careful of overdoing anything. So it's a delicate waiting game. Many people have suggested working in World Superbike, so that is also a possibility. I realize I'm coming here without a lot of actual racing experience (other than my own attempts at racing), but after scrutinizing the work being done to the bikes at a couple races, I can honestly say that these bikes look very easy to work on and maintain. It's inherent in the design. They go together and come apart quickly, and in this one case alone, the engineers actually thought about the mechanics who would be working on them! After dealing with various Japanese, German, and American street bikes, I will say that it seems like the those engineers/design teams don't ever think about what it will take to work on them! I could go into more detail, but I don't want to offend any manufacturers. Let's just say that dropping an engine to replace an O2 sensor is a little extreme (you know who you are!). I’m always thinking about better ways to do things, be it oil-filter placement, or where to put the aforementioned O2 sensor!

My best encounters with team directors have come during the testing sessions following the Valencia race. It was a much more relaxed environment, and the pressure was off. I spoke at length with several teams, and many of them are static—no new team members to add at this point. Still, I'm staying positive and working to make new connections and strengthen the ones I have. One of my promising leads is with the best 250cc team, which has excellent structure and balanced leadership. The systems used by various manufacturers and teams are different, and because these people become like family, it's important to me to join a crew that I will feel comfortable with, and vice versa. Still, I'm not here to make friends, and winning a championship (which is the ultimate goal) is like fighting a war. I want to enlist with a strong organization and learn from the best. I don't understand why the Europeans wouldn't want a dedicated mechanic from America. We have a bad reputation, I think. Still, the publicity and public relations value should be worth something! While MotoGP is my top priority, it is also the toughest nut to crack. People are paranoid, and there’s so much at stake. I understand the value of the equipment and the reputations of the manufacturers. Can you imagine being responsible for a lost race or a DNF? The pressure to succeed is intense, and it's that rush that is driving me forward.

Are the teams pretty impressive, from what you’ve seen?
I’ve watched several, mostly the Gresini and Puig teams at work, and after seeing their routines, it's clear that some groups function better than others. The process of communication is critical, and acquiring parts and supplies is important as well. I know from personal experience that Sete's old crew from Gresini is one of the best and most organized teams, if not the best. Being part of the system, a cog in the machine, is a dream of mine. Who wouldn't want to work with other highly skilled and fanatical mechanics? One wonders what’s going through Juan Martinez's head as he begins to work with Ducati. I've spoken at length with Juan, and depending on his sponsorship deal, he might have a place for me on the team that he runs in the Spanish Championship. I have to be willing to work anywhere, for anyone, and someone like Juan would be a perfect place to start. Not only would my Spanish improve, but it would be a great way to get my feet wet.

There are many teams that are locked down, but others are in a transition period before next season. WCM is considering using KTM motors, and KR's team will be using Hondas. For a guy like me, mechanics is like a language, and once you speak it, you understand all machines. I can adapt to anything and enjoy working on a variety of machines. Also, I'm willing to do anything to get in the paddock (as far as work!) so being the tire and fuel guy wouldn't be a down step for me. If anything, it would help prepare me to be a more complete GP mechanic down the road. You can't be the best until you master everything. Hopefully, one day I'll be "the boss." [laughs]

How long can you hold out over there?
I'm going to find out. I can hold out for several months if I'm smart. Selling my bikes and household goods was difficult, to say the least, and it was like losing family, to an extent. I really think about motorcycles all the time, so being here without a two-wheeler is driving me insane! I've looked into buying something, but that would entail a Spanish driver's license and insurance, and a whole other world of paperwork that I'm not sure I want to commit to at this point. Not to mention, it's expensive! Still, this journey is the adventure of a lifetime for me, and I'm trying to squeeze every last drop out of it that I can. The pay in the paddock isn't great, but motorcycle jobs have never been about the money. I've always said that the industry runs on passion, and that to be involved takes sacrifice and commitment. There are a lot of good, intelligent mechanics out there working on bikes. They don't get paid anywhere near as much as they would if they worked at a decent car dealership, but they love bikes, and that's why they're there. I feel the same, and when I saw I might have a chance at working on the ultimate bikes, I had to take the plunge and go for it, instead of spending the rest of my life wondering.

If you have a lead for Liam, email him at motoliam@gmail.com.