From L.A. towards MotoGP: Let's Get to Know Kristian Daniel Jr.

Not many riders from the United States of America are currently racing in Europe and not many are so close to reaching the MotoGP paddock. However, one of them is actually living a very important stage of his "Road to MotoGP": Kristian Daniel Jr. 

Kristian Daniel Jr. was born in 2009 and he has shown good potential since the beginning of his career. This brought him to Spain, together with his family, and there he continued his development in motorcycle racing, until he spent a few seasons in the European Talent Cup and even reached the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. This kid from Los Angeles can make a name for himself in this sport and the 2025 season is proving that, as he has managed to score two podium finishes so far (Race 2 in Jerez and Race 1 at the Red Bull Ring) in his second season in the series. The path to MotoGP is obviously difficult and full of challenges, but the young American is proving that he has the skills to make it. Moreover, "KDJR" showcased great talent also in the Italian CIV Moto3 Championship, as in 2024 he scored a podium finish as a wildcard with the Lucky Racing Team.

Palmen in Motorradsport had the chance to interview Kristian Daniel Jr. to get to know him and his journey, from L.A. towards the very top of motorcycle racing.  

Kristian, how is the 2025 season going?

So far, it's gone pretty well. Had a few crashes, so that's kind of impeded my results in the overall standings, but I have made it to the podium and got a lot of good finishes. I'm in the top 10 of the standings, but I know I can be a lot better. Anyway, it's definitely been a good year so far.

How did it feel for you to achieve your first podium in the Rookies Cup at Jerez?

It felt really good, to be honest. I was really happy and I worked really hard for it, so it was a good treat.

What's your goal for the remaining races of the season?

I think the goal for the remaining races is probably get as much championship points as possible. I want to be consistent, try to finish in the best position possible and hopefully get a win before the end of the season.

In the past few years, you raced a few seasons in the European talent Cup Can you tell us a little bit about the seasons you had in the ETC?

They were probably the best learning years, where I grew a lot as a rider. The first one was super difficult, because it was my first time in a proper team and on big tracks, and I was very young. I was only 12 when I started, so it was pretty difficult going against people that were much more experienced and older than me. But yeah, I just had to learn. The second one I learned a bit more and then, from there, it was just difficult in general. All the years in ETC were kind of difficult. My best finish there was 7th. I know I had the pace to win or get a podium, like I am doing now in the Rookies Cup, but it was still a good learning curve for me.

Can you share more on your best race in the European Talent Cup?

It was in 2024 at Motorland Aragon (with the AGR Team, ed). I started second on the grid, and it was my first front row. In the race, I was fighting and lead the race during a lot of laps. However, on the third-to-last lap, I touched someone and almost went off the track. I basically lost five seconds, but then I managed to recover and be back in the front group on the last lap. I passed two guys, but I could not go beyond and so I finish right outside of the top 5, which was a really good result for me.

Where does your passion for motorcycle racing come from? And what can you tell about your first seasons as a motorcycle racer?

I'm from Los Angeles and that's where it all started. I started in flat track first and I basically raced flat track before I moved to Europe. In the U.S. I did some road race, but it was like club racing and I didn't do any championships. I was riding with friends on tracks with super small bikes. When we moved to Europe, I went to the Spanish Championship in the MiniGP 110cc class. After that, I went to the Moto5 class, which was kind of the one right before the European Talent Cup.

So you moved from the U.S. to Spain at a very young age.

I was 8 years old back in the days and my whole family moved to Europe as well. It was kind of a gamble that my dad made, because he saw something in me that even I didn't see in myself. He saw that I had potential and he didn't want to deny his kid a chance of maybe arriving to MotoGP and winning championships. So yes, it comes from him. Not many people do that and I'm super lucky that my dad took the chance.

Yes, you have a great opportunity to go towards your goal, which is...?

The goal is clearly to get to MotoGP and to win championships. That's my main goal. My end goal would be winning, let's say, three or four championships or more if I can.

Who are your favorite riders?

I think my favorite riders are Marc Marquez, because he was kind of my idol, and Nicky Hayden. I have massive respect for all the work Nicky Hayden put into his path.

Did you have the chance to meet Nicky Hayden, before he passed away?

I did photos with him (editor was not able to find them, ed) and did not get the chance to know him more personally. But he was a really nice guy and he did something incredible, that not many Americans could do in that time and age. 

How does it feel for you to be one of the few American riders at this level?

Honestly, I don't think about it now, because even if I'm American or if I'm Spanish, I have to put in the work either way. I still have to work a lot and I still have to do many races. Still it feels good in a way, as I'm kind of leading the next generation into the world championship.

And what are your hobbies outside motorcycle racing?

My hobbies outside of motorcycle racing are cycling and running. I like to cycle quite a lot. I also like to play video games quite a lot with my brother.

In conclusion, who would you like to thank for the path you've gone through so far?

I'd like to say thanks to my family, obviously. My mom and dad and my grandparents as well. They've helped me a lot and I probably wouldn't be here right now, if it wasn't for them. I also want to thank Anscari Nadal, who has been my manager. He's helped me progress through this path and throughout the last few years.

Extra question: do you have a motto?

Yeah, I do. Everyone needs slipstream, but the leader creates his own wind.

Palmen in Motorradsport is grateful to Kristian Daniel Jr. for his time and to his father for arranging the interview. Best wishes to "KDJR" for the next races and seasons.