How did your passion for motocross begin?

My passion for motocross started almost by chance when I was 12 years old. I still remember the day I saw my uncle riding home on a Honda CR. What struck me the most wasn’t the bike itself, but the look of pure happiness on his face. It was as if he had just experienced the best day of his life. That image stayed with me and sparked a huge curiosity about the sport. So, when my birthday came around, I asked my parents for a motocross bike. That’s where it all began.

How did the idea of building your own motocross track come about?

In 2022, I started building my own track almost as a game. At first, it was just a small layout where I rode with a few friends in the middle of a sheep pasture. I didn’t have any big plans—I simply wanted a place where we could have fun.

When did you realize the project was becoming something much bigger?

As time went on, I built the first jumps and started sharing everything on social media, right when I was beginning my journey as a content creator. The videos quickly reached thousands of people, and the incredible response motivated me to keep improving the track.

What started as a private track soon attracted more and more riders. At first, I tried to accommodate as many people as I could, but I didn’t like having to say yes to some and no to others. That’s when I decided to open the track to everyone.

What did it feel like when riders started coming from all over Sardinia—and beyond?

That was the moment the dream truly began. Seeing riders arrive every day from all over Sardinia—and even from abroad—to enjoy something I had built with my own hands is a feeling that’s hard to describe.

Today, the track has become one of the best-known motocross tracks in Sardinia. It’s used by Factory teams for testing sessions and photo shoots, while also welcoming amateur riders looking for a safe and enjoyable place to ride.

What makes your track unique?

The track is open all year round, with the busiest season being winter. From November onwards, we’re open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a freshly rebuilt and perfectly prepared circuit.

Whenever young riders are on track, we organize separate sessions for minis and adults to ensure everyone can ride safely.

I like to say the track is suitable for every skill level. The jumps and off-camber corners become increasingly demanding as your speed increases, making it a track that grows with the rider.

Your nickname, "Santo Protettore Del Tassello," has become well known. What's the story behind it?

The nickname came about completely by accident. One evening, while we were all riding together, my friends noticed how obsessed I was with every little detail of the track and how passionate I was about track building and earthmoving. They started jokingly calling me "The Saint Protector of the Knobby Tire," and somehow the name stuck.

Today, it perfectly represents who I am because it reflects not only my passion for riding, but for everything that surrounds motocross.

What does it mean to turn your passion into your profession?

I can honestly say that I’m living my dream job.

Every day I get to do something I truly love. Building tracks, working with heavy machinery, and watching riders enjoy a circuit I’ve created gives me an incredible sense of satisfaction.

This passion has given me unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to work with companies I once only dreamed of collaborating with.

For that, I’ll always be grateful. I’d like to thank everyone who has believed in me and supported this journey from the very beginning, including the entire Parts Europe team.

What are your goals for the future?

Every season I work to improve the circuit, listening to riders’ feedback and constantly looking for new ideas. This year is no different, we’re already working on major changes, with the goal of unveiling a completely redesigned track in November. I want it to be more technical, more fun, and capable of giving every rider an even better experience.

At the end of the day, the greatest reward is still the same: seeing a rider take off their helmet with a smile on their face. That’s what motivates me to keep improving every single day.

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> Follow Manuel on Instagram : @santo_prottetore_del_tasselo