Kayla Yaakov, the 17-year-old racing prodigy, has been making waves in the world of MotoAmerica, North America’s premier road racing series. With a career that began at the age of four on dirt bikes, Kayla’s journey to becoming one of the fastest young road racers is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. Let’s dive into the remarkable career of this talented young rider and see what drives her success.

From Early Beginnings to Historic Achievements

Kayla’s love for motorcycles started at a young age. By the time she was seven, she was already racing in mini GP competitions, winning her first championship at the age of seven. At just nine years old, she transitioned to full-size motorcycles, a move that set the stage for her future success.

In 2022, at just 15 years old, Kayla made history by becoming the first woman to win a MotoAmerica race, a feat that further cemented her place in the sport. This year, she continues to race for the Rahal Ducati Moto team in the Supersport class, riding a Ducati V2—an achievement that is as remarkable as her previous accomplishments.

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Breaking Stereotypes and Defying Expectations

Being a female racer in a male-dominated sport, Kayla has faced skepticism and doubters. However, rather than letting it deter her, she uses it as fuel to prove herself on the track. “I think sometimes people will underestimate me because I’m a girl,” Kayla says. “A lot of times, I feel like I need to prove myself, which I really shouldn’t have to do.” Yet, her results speak for themselves. Each year, she’s broken down barriers and gained the respect of her peers, even in the face of initial skepticism.

In addition to her on-track achievements, Kayla maintains a focus on both physical and mental preparation. She commits to an intense training regimen that includes cycling and core workouts, all while ensuring that her mindset stays positive and calm during race weekends. “Even if I’m having a bad weekend, I have to remind myself why I do it—when I was little, I always wanted to be in that position,” she reflects.

Short-Term Goals and Long-Term Ambitions

Kayla’s goals for 2024 are clear: she aims to be a consistent contender in the Supersport class and possibly even challenge for the championship. Her long-term vision is even more ambitious, with dreams of competing in the prestigious World Superbike championship. Her experience on the international stage, racing in both the European R3 Cup and the Spanish R7 Cup, has provided her with invaluable lessons, including a podium finish at the 2022 R3 Superfinale in Portimão, Portugal.

“I’ve already gained valuable international experience, which has really helped me get ready for racing here in the U.S.,” Kayla says.

A Well-Rounded Life: Balancing Racing with Personal Interests

While racing is Kayla’s primary focus, she also values her personal life. An avid musician, she enjoys playing classical instruments during her downtime. She also keeps in touch with friends and family, balancing her rigorous travel and racing schedule. Schooling is handled through an online program, allowing her to manage her time efficiently. Kayla plans to graduate early, a testament to her discipline and exceptional time management skills.

Kayla’s Vision for the Future of Women in Racing

Kayla is an advocate for increasing female participation in racing but believes the best way to grow the sport is through competition with the fastest riders, regardless of gender. “I’m not a big fan of a women’s-only race series,” she says. “I’d rather race against the fastest people in the world rather than just the fastest girls. I think that’s just going to keep elevating me and making me better.”

Her ultimate goal is to inspire young girls to pursue their racing dreams and show them that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve success in a sport often dominated by men. “I hope to pave the way for more younger girls to come into racing and know that they can,” she says.

Kayla’s 2024 Race Results and Future Prospects

Kayla’s first full season in the Supersport class has been a resounding success. With a 7th-place finish and 151 points in the MotoAmerica standings, she’s proven herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her podium finishes at The Ridge—a third and second-place finish—are notable milestones, marking her as the first woman to ever finish on the podium in a MotoAmerica Supersport race.

Beyond MotoAmerica, Kayla also raced in the CIV/Italian Supersport National Championship with the Barni Racing Team, showcasing her skill on a larger stage. Her determination is clear from her consistent performances, including a top-five finish and multiple top-ten results.

The Future Looks Bright for Kayla Yaakov

Kayla’s future is undoubtedly filled with potential. As she continues to grow in both skill and confidence, her ability to compete at the highest levels of racing will only increase. With an impressive 2024 season already behind her and more opportunities on the horizon, Kayla is on track to become one of the most successful female racers in history.

In addition to her race career, Kayla is featured in MotoAmerica’s docuseries Pressure to Rise, a 12-episode series chronicling the highs and lows of the 2024 season. Available on multiple platforms, the series offers an inside look at the young racers pushing the limits of their abilities.

As Kayla continues to rise through the ranks, her story will no doubt inspire many others to follow in her tire tracks and break their own barriers in the world of motorsport.