Joining the 125cc World Championship in 2007, Stevie Bonsey became the first US rider to enter the class for a full season since Alan Scott in the 1980s, and the first American rider in the class since Jason di Salvo in 1999. Like his compatriot Nicky Hayden, the young American was a dirtbike prodigy in his homeland before he made the switch to roadracing. Bonsey’s first contact with a road bike came at Freddie Spencer’s racing school, and he entered the World Championship after attracting the attention of Red Bull KTM bosses.

His aim to replicate Hayden’s success in adapting his dirt track skills to the asphalt involves a steep learning curve, something experienced by the youngster in his rookie season as he suffered a number of crashes in the 125cc class. His adaptation continued with a move to the De Graaf Grand Prix team in 2008 and with a competitive Aprilia at his disposal the Californian achieved several point-scoring finishes, ending up 15th in the general standings.

The 2009 season looked to be a no-go for Bonsey after a potential 250cc ride fell through. However, after five rounds he found himself back on the World Championship scene with a Spanish privateer Aprilia team, riding an RSW bike for the category’s final season.