Kayla Yaakov: 17-Year-Old MotoAmerica Star on Racing, Training, and Her Journey

The Rise of a Young Racing Star

• 🌟 Kayla Yaakov, at just 17 years old, is a prominent competitor in MotoAmerica's SuperSport class.
• 🏁 Her journey began with go-karts at age 3, progressing through flat track, motocross, and eventually road racing at age 7.
• 🤕 Early injuries, including ACL tears from motocross and road racing, highlight the physical demands of the sport.
• 🏆 A pivotal moment was racing in Europe, signaling the potential for a significant career.

Perspectives on Bagger Racing and the Sport

• 🤔 Initially skeptical of Harley-Davidson Bagger racing, Kayla now appreciates its role in attracting new viewers to motorcycle racing.
• 🌎 She acknowledges its status as an American class but believes it can gain international interest.
• 🏍️ While she hasn't ridden a bagger yet, she's open to the experience.

Training, Mentorship, and Competition

• 🧠 Kayla works closely with her team manager, Ben Spies, a former World Superbike champion, who provides crucial guidance on training and race strategy.
• 💪 She emphasizes the need for dedicated physical training to compensate for inherent physical differences, especially given her shorter stature.
• 📈 Facing seasoned riders like Josh Hayes and PJ Jacobson in her sophomore year presents a challenge but also an opportunity for growth and faster lap times.

Navigating a Unique Path

• 📚 Due to her racing commitments, Kayla pursued online schooling, missing traditional high school experiences but gaining unique life experiences.
• 🎸 Outside of racing, she enjoys playing guitar and bass, and has a passion for music.
• 👩‍🏫 She has also launched her own advanced riding school, Area 31, to help other riders improve their skills.

The Future of Women in Racing

• 🌟 Kayla acknowledges the importance of being a role model for young women in motorsport, though she prefers to be seen primarily as a racer.
• 🚧 She notes that while discrimination has decreased, there have been instances of unfair treatment early in her career.
• 🏁 She advocates for racing in mixed-gender series rather than women-only championships, aiming for equal competition.

Professional Aspirations

• 🚀 Kayla's goal is to progress to Superbike racing, either in MotoAmerica or World Superbike.
• 🎤 Post-racing, she aims to remain involved in the riding community through commentary or coaching.
• 🏍️ She is excited about the potential of the new Ducati V2 and V4 models and their impact on her racing.