Katie Hand

Katie Hand made history in 2021 when she became the first female rider to claim Thundersport GB’s prestigious Superteens championship, breaking barriers in British motorcycle racing at just 16 years old. The Lincolnshire native has since climbed the ranks through British Superbike Championship support classes, proving she’s got the grit to compete with the boys—and beat them.

EARLY YEARS

Born on May 31, 2005, in Caistor, Lincolnshire, Katie grew up breathing in petrol fumes and race-day adrenaline. Her father, Michael Hand, is a Manx TT racer, and Katie spent her childhood attending race meetings, absorbing the behind-the-scenes hustle that most fans never see. It wasn’t long before she caught the racing bug herself. At 12 years old, she started her bike racing career, and her dad did what any good racing parent would do—he threw her into her first beach race to see if she had what it took. Spoiler alert: she did.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not flying around circuits at terrifying speeds, Katie is all about health and fitness—so much so that if racing hadn’t worked out, she’d be a personal trainer. She’s passionate about staying in peak physical condition for racing, which makes sense when you’re wrestling a superbike for 20 laps. Running is one of her go-to hobbies, and she balances the discipline with the occasional indulgence: her favorite cheat meal is a proper Chinese takeaway. Oh, and here’s a curveball—she used to be an Irish dancer. Yes, really. Those quick feet clearly translate well to gear changes.

EARLY SUCCESS

Katie’s competitive fire showed early. In 2019, she became the Darley Moor Junior Champion, marking her first major title and making her the club’s first female solo champion. The win put her on the map, but it was just the appetizer. After only three years of competition, she made history in 2021 by lifting the Thundersport GB GP3 Superteens trophy—becoming the first girl to do so. The achievement wasn’t just a milestone for her; it was a statement to the paddock that she was here to stay. Her racing colors? Blue and yellow, the same as her dad’s. Some things just run in the family.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Darley Moor Junior Champion
• 2021: First female to win Thundersport GB GP3 Superteens Championship
• 2022: First full season in British Superbike Junior Supersport, consistently scoring points
• 2023: British Superbike Junior Supersport, best finish consistently scoring points; Ladies Flat Track Champion
• 2024: First season in the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship with Macadam Triumph Factory Racing
• 2025: Competing in Pirelli National Sportbike Championship with Macadam Triumph Factory Racing alongside teammates Brodie Gawith, Jayden Martin, and Lewis Smart

INSPIRATIONS

Katie’s biggest influence? No question—it’s her dad, Michael. He’s raced all his life, and she grew up watching him navigate the highs and lows of motorcycle racing. The fact that their racing colors match isn’t just coincidence; it’s a tribute. She’s also taken wildcard opportunities seriously, including a whirlwind weekend with the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship at Donington Park, competing in what’s arguably one of the most competitive classes in WorldSBK. Testing at Silverstone for British Superbike opportunities has kept her hungry, and she’s shown she’s willing to take on any challenge thrown her way.

REPUTATION

Hand has earned respect not just for being the first female Superteens champion, but for how she races—consistently, intelligently, and without excuses. She’s known for scoring points reliably in the ultra-competitive British Superbike support classes, a feat that’s harder than it sounds when you’re racing against some of the UK’s best young talent. Riders and teams take her seriously because she’s proven she belongs. Her advice to other young women looking to race? “Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid.” It’s straightforward, honest, and very much her style—no fluff, just truth.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

For 2025, Katie is back fighting fit with Macadam Triumph Factory Racing in the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship, racing under the number 66. The team expanded to four riders, and she’s one of the key players alongside Brodie Gawith, Jayden Martin, and Lewis Smart. With her health back on track and another season of experience under her belt, she’s eyeing consistent podium finishes and continued progression through the British racing ladder. If the past is any indicator, she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

REFERENCES

When Maja met… Katie | Motorcycle Sport & Leisure
MIH puts teen been bikers in fast lane towards achieving their dreams
Episode 13. Katie Hand by The Be Velocity Podcast
Katie Hand – Zerofit UK
#078 Ladies In Leather [Katie Hand & Lissy Whitmore] – YouTube
team | For the Ride – Triumph Motorcycles
‘Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid’ – Superteens Champion, Hand
Whirlwind Wildcard Weekend for Katie Hand – Yamaha Racing
Macadam Triumph Factory Racing unveil four strong rider line up for Sportbike
The Stars of Darley Moor 2019 – Pistonclick
MIH return with Junior Supersport contender Hand and Arscott joins
Macadam Triumph Factory Racing Ready for Round One of British
Top Five for Lewis Smart and The Daytona 660 at Brands Finale