KAYLA YAAKOV

No. 19 XPEL DUCATI

Kayla Yaakov, a trailblazer in the world of motorcycle racing, embarked on her journey at an early age. Born with a passion for speed, Kayla started racing dirt bikes at the tender age of 4. Her innate talent and determination quickly set her apart, leading her to race MiniGP bikes at the age of 7.

In a remarkable feat, Kayla clinched her first championship at the age of 8, a triumph she repeated at 9. Notably, at the age of 9, she became the youngest American to race full-size road racing motorcycles and secured a victory against adults, breaking a record previously held by the legendary Nicky Hayden (at age 10). The following year, Kayla's prowess soared as she won three different amateur national racing championships. Her dominance continued at 11, where she secured four more amateur national championships and two American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Grand National championships. In recognition of her achievements, she was bestowed with the AMA's Novice Racer of the Year award. By the age of 12, Kayla had accumulated an impressive tally of over 47 regional championships and more than 390 race wins. Her accomplishments were unparalleled for someone of her age, and her racing career continued to flourish. 

Kayla's outstanding performance in the 2021 season culminated in a second-place finish, making her the highest-placed female in a MotoAmerica Race to that date. During the offseason, Kayla showcased her skills by winning four Sportsman National Championships at the WERA Grand National Finals. In 2023, she competed for a top position in the MotoAmerica Revit Twins Cup Class, with plans to transition to Supersport by the end of the season. Over the past two years, she has secured four MotoAmerica wins, 11 podium finishes, and made history as the first female to win a MotoAmerica race, achieving podium placements in three MotoAmerica classes. 

Fast forward to the present day, Kayla Yaakov, now 16, joins the newly-formed Rahal Ducati Moto team for 2024, aboard a Ducati Panigale V2. She stands as the only female racer in the Supersport class of MotoAmerica, the top series of professional motorcycle road racing in the U.S.A, and a role model for young girls and women, Kayla has consistently pushed boundaries in a male-dominated sport. Kayla's journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a passion for breaking barriers in the world of motorcycle racing. As she continues to leave her mark on the track, her story inspires aspiring riders and fans alike.