Kayla Yaakov

CHAT & RACER CALENDAR COMING

NEWS:

KAYLA YAAKOV Shows Early Speed Before Setup Setback at Mid-Ohio Supersport Q1

August 16, 2025

SOCIALS:

VIDEOS:

• FULL BIO: Kayla Yaakov

   

  Kayla Yaakov is a groundbreaking motorcycle racer who made history as the first female to win a MotoAmerica race, competing at speeds over 180 mph while inspiring a new generation of women in motorsports.

  EARLY YEARS

  Born into a racing family, Kayla’s journey began at just four years old when she started racing dirt bikes under the influence of her father Dave, who had competed in both cars and motorcycles for over 15 years. By age seven, she transitioned to MiniGP bikes, winning her first championship that same year and repeating this achievement at age eight. Her early development took a significant turn when she became the youngest American to race full-size road racing motorcycles at nine years old, breaking a record previously held by Nicky Hayden.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  Kayla’s remarkable talent emerged quickly as she collected multiple championships in her early racing years. At age 10, she secured three amateur national racing championships, followed by four more amateur national championships and two American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Grand National championships by age 11, when she was also named the AMA’s Novice Racer of the Year. Her professional career began at 14, when she competed in both U.S. and European events, setting track records at Nelson Ledges Race Course and Jennings GP race track. Throughout her young career, she has amassed over 47 regional championships and more than 410 race wins, establishing herself as a prodigious talent in motorcycle racing.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2021: Set track time records in her racing class at Nelson Ledges Race Course and Jennings GP race track[2].
  • 2022: Became the first woman to win a MotoAmerica race, with four victories in the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup races[1][4].
  • 2022: Achieved podium finishes in 11 SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup races throughout the season[1][4].
  • 2022: Secured a podium finish in the R3 Superfinale in Portimão, Portugal, in front of the World Superbike paddock[1].
  • 2023: Became the first female to podium in MotoAmerica Twins Cup with 2nd and 3rd place finishes[2].
  • 2023: Made history as the first female to podium in MotoAmerica Supersport with a 3rd place finish[2][5].
  • 2024: Raced for the Rahal Ducati Moto team in the Supersport class, finishing 7th overall with 151 points[1][2].
  • 2024: Achieved third and second-place podium finishes at The Ridge, marking her third podium in the Supersport class[1].

  REPUTATION

  At just 17 years old, Yaakov has established herself as a pioneering force in motorcycle racing, breaking barriers as the first woman to achieve multiple milestones in the MotoAmerica series. Her ability to compete at speeds exceeding 180 mph while being the youngest in her class has earned her widespread respect in the racing community. Beyond her competitive achievements, Kayla is recognized for her commitment to racing against the fastest riders regardless of gender, which has elevated her own skills while inspiring young women in motorsports. Her partnership with the Rahal Ducati Moto team and mentorship from former Supersport champion Ben Spies have further enhanced her reputation as one of the most promising talents of her generation.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  Kayla aims to secure consistent podium finishes in upcoming seasons with the potential to compete for the Supersport championship. Looking further ahead, she has set her sights on reaching the World Superbike championship, representing the pinnacle of her racing aspirations. Alongside her competitive goals, she remains committed to encouraging more young women to participate in motorcycle racing, hoping to create a lasting impact on gender diversity in the sport.

  References:

  Kayla Yaakov Official Website
  Kayla Yaakov Instagram
  MotoAmerica: Kayla Yaakov is blazing her own trail at 17 years old