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Karina Simões is a Brazilian motorcycle racer who made history in 2025 as one of the first Brazilian women to compete in the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. program, breaking new ground in North American road racing.

EARLY YEARS

Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Simões grew up in a country where motorcycle culture thrives but professional opportunities for women in racing remain scarce. Her path to competitive road racing wasn’t straightforward—like many women in motorsports, she had to carve out her own route into a male-dominated arena. Before making her mark on the track, she dreamed bigger than the opportunities immediately available to her.

OTHER INTERESTS

Simões has been vocal about her ambitions extending beyond two wheels. In a candid interview with Motosprint, she made her intentions crystal clear: “I want someone to pay me to drive a car.” It’s the kind of bold declaration that reveals her competitive fire isn’t limited to motorcycles—she’s hungry for any seat that’ll let her race. That kind of versatility and determination speaks to a racer who sees racing as racing, regardless of the machine underneath her.

EARLY SUCCESS

Simões’ breakthrough came when she was selected for the 2025 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. road racing program, marking a watershed moment as the series opened its doors to international competitors for the first time. Alongside fellow Brazilian Tati Paze, she represented her country in the all-woman racing initiative that teaches participants to build and race Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycles. Making her MotoAmerica series debut at Barber Motorsports Park in April 2025, she competed against a field of skilled riders from the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Throughout the season, which included races at Road America, Virginia International Raceway, The Ridge Motorsports Park, and Brainerd International Raceway, Simões proved she belonged on track with the world’s emerging female road racing talent.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2025: Selected as one of the inaugural Brazilian racers in Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program[1].
• 2025: Competed in the full MotoAmerica Royal Enfield BTR season, finishing 11th in championship standings with 49 points[2].
• 2025: Made MotoAmerica series debut at Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama[3].
• 2025: Finished 10th in final race of the season at Brainerd International Raceway[4].
• 2025: Confirmed return to Royal Enfield BTR program for 2026 season[5].

INSPIRATIONS

Information about Simões’ specific inspirations is not available in the provided research.

REPUTATION

As part of the groundbreaking Brazilian contingent in the BTR program, Simões earned respect for representing her country on the international stage and helping pave the way for future Latin American women in North American road racing. Her willingness to travel from São Paulo to compete in a demanding season-long championship demonstrated serious commitment to the sport. The fact that Royal Enfield immediately invited her back for 2026 suggests the program values not just her racing, but her professionalism and potential for growth. She’s building a reputation as someone who shows up, puts in the work, and isn’t afraid to compete thousands of miles from home.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Simões will return to the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. program for the 2026 season, continuing her development as a road racer. The 2026 season represents an opportunity for her to build on her rookie campaign and move up the championship standings. With a full season of experience under her belt and knowledge of the tracks, she’ll be looking to close the gap to the front-runners. And given her stated ambition to get paid to drive a car, don’t be surprised if this determined Brazilian racer sets her sights on four-wheeled competition somewhere down the line—she’s made it clear she’s not limiting her options.

REFERENCES

Four Classes To Join MotoAmerica Superbikes As The Season Begins
TATI PAZE & KARINA SIMÕES Return to Royal Enfield BTR After Successful Debut
2025 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Full Roster and Schedule Announced
Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. Road Racers Close Out 2025 Season
Build-Train-Race Championship Results
2025 MotoAmerica Season Rider Entry List
KARINA SIMÕES: “I WANT SOMEONE TO PAY ME TO DRIVE A CAR”
Royal Enfield’s BTR Program Opens Applications for 2026 Season
Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Program Going International In 2025
MotoAmerica: Results From Saturday Royal Enfield BTR Race At VIR