The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has enjoyed four rounds out of 12 so far and with the fifth coming up at Donington Park, it’s vital to arrive on British soil and be competitive from the start. With this in mind and continuing on their uptick in form, Team HRC riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge took part in testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, where positivity was found as progress continues to be made.
LECUONA UPBEAT WITH OPTIMISM: “I can be on the limit… the window we have is bigger than before”
Starting off by evaluating his testing in Barcelona, Iker Lecuona was positive: “Overall, it was positive but like always, when you’re alone on track, you can’t compare. We had bad luck on Monday as maybe we had the chance to ride with Kawasaki and Alex Lowes but the rain came and what we wanted to try was for the dry. So, on Tuesday, we were alone; the track was quite dirty after the storm on Monday and honestly, the afternoon was very, very hot. We confirmed that the way we took at the Cremona test and then the way we followed that at the Misano test and then the Misano round was correct. We didn’t have many big things to try but more about the base setting: fork settings, bike balance and electronics. We didn’t do many laps but the ones we did were positive. There was good data for Japan to analyse and take the next steps. We kept a good race pace with the track conditions and our fastest lap time was like a Superpole time but in a race run. Let’s see what happens at Donington Park.”
Speaking about which areas of the bike they focused on, the #7 side of the garage focused on all aspects: “We tried to improve all of the bike and not just one area; overall, we made steps and during the Misano race, we could show that we improved a little bit. Donington Park is completely different and I think that our base will still work there but until we arrive, we don’t know.”
It’s another strong testing performance from Honda and Lecuona, continuing the trend set at the first Cremona test back in May: “Cremona’s first test was important; we went after Misano and we confirmed the direction was right. We improved pace, one-lap speed and honestly, got a lot of confidence with the bike. Now, I’ve started to feel comfortable on the bike and save a lot of crashes but more than that, I can be on the limit more. The window we have right now is bigger than before. That has helped myself to take confidence. I’m really well physically; at Misano, I expected to struggle more but I finished quite well; at Cremona’s test, I did long runs and it was good, not 100% ready with the shoulder but good.”
MIXED FEELINGS FOR VIERGE: “I felt competitive… I was in the 1’42s which is much better than the race weekend”
Whilst also being somewhat upbeat, inconsistencies throughout the day left Xavi Vierge flummoxed: “We had a positive test and the team did a really good job and made a good decision to test one day later, even if we had some slower riders sharing the track with us. We need the dry track time to test items and find the way to follow. For this part, it was positive and I felt competitive; I improved my lap times with the race tyre quite a lot but still, at some points in the day, we got completely different feelings without touching the bike too much. This is something we need to understand but it’s also easy to have confusion. In the position we are in now, we had some positives and negatives and the worst thing that can happen is that you don’t understand what is going on. Luckily, I have an incredible team and my job is finished but they have a lot of work to do, analysing the data and find answers to our questions.”
Whilst Lecuona worked on areas all over the bike, the main goal for Vierge was turning and carrying corner speed, which as he previously alluded to, had inconsistencies at different times of the day: “We worked on the same areas as always; more turning and carrying speed throughout the drive area. At some parts of the day, we improve a bit but then without changing many things, it disappears. This is what creates the confusion. I took a positive and that was that with the race tyre, I was in the 1’42s which is much better than in the race weekend. We need to understand how to be more consistent in our work. In a small window like during a race weekend, this can’t happen as the level of the Championship is growing all the time, one moment it’s easy to be inside the top ten and then the next, outside the top 15. This, we can’t accept anymore.”
2024 IS UNMISSABLE: enjoy all the stories, drama, emotion and racing with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
With one more weekend to wait until the fifth round of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, one rider will be able to get track time in before as Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) returns to MotoGP™ World Championship action. The Australian rider will replace the injured Alex Rins in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ outfit, after the Spaniard suffered injuries sustained following a first corner-Lap 1 crash at the Motul TT Assen. He will be teammates to 2021 MotoGP™ World Champion Fabio Quartararo.
Gardner has previous MotoGP™ experience, having joined World Superbike after a year in the class, where he achieved multiple points-scoring rides. He graduated to MotoGP™ after wrapping up the 2022 Moto2™ World Championship with five wins and 12 podiums. So far in 2024, it’s been a season to remember for the #87, who has enjoyed seven top ten finishes in the last nine, celebrating a career-first podium in WorldSBK too, with P3 at Assen in Race 2.
Talking about the opportunity, Gardner said: “First of all, I hope Alex can have a fast recovery and I wish him the best. I’m really excited about this challenge. I just want to say ‘Thank you so much’ to Yamaha for trusting me to ride this weekend. I will use it as a great experience to learn. It’s a new bike, and coming back to MotoGP™ for one race is always a nice experience, so I’m looking forward to enjoying this weekend, and I’m just extremely happy for this opportunity. Once again a big ‘Thank you’ to Yamaha.”
2024 IS UNMISSABLE: enjoy all the stories, drama, emotion and racing with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
German star Lucy Michel rides for TSL-Racing in the inaugural 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship season, having started her career after seeing an advert for junior racing at Sachsenring. As an 8 year-old Michel had seen motorbikes at a local fair and persuaded her family to take her to the Grand Prix track for a pocket bike ride, having seen a promotion in ADAC magazine.
START SMALL, DREAM BIG: “I can’t describe the feeling”
Recalling that first contact with racing machinery Michel says, “I can’t describe the feeling it was just crazy. I love that adrenaline rush on the bike.” That prompted her to go racing in the ADAC Pocket Bike Cup, after which she rode in the ADAC Minibike Cup and then the ADAC Junior Cup. She achieved podium success in the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Cup in Germany, doing the double as a guest rider at Schleizer Dreieck in 2022. Once she graduated from the ADAC Junior Cup – in which she was a points scorer – she went into the Supersport 300 class in the IDM, further honing her racing skills, finishing in 21st place in 2023.
WorldWCR AWAITS OUR OWN MEDICAL STUDENT: a balancing act
For 2024 Michel has made it to the world stage and she is looking forward to challenging in the first ever WorldWCR season. Before the competition began, Michel had only previously ridden at Misano and Cremona, meaning that it will be a steep learning curve when she races at Donington Park, Portimão, Estoril and Jerez for the first time. The 19 year-old already demonstrated her speed in the pre-season Cremona test, where she was in the top three on the Yamaha R7 on the first day and after the first WorldWCR round, she stands in P9 with 13 points. When she is not training or racing Michel is also a dedicated undergraduate, studying medical technology for radiology. She explains, “My college is very good and they give me time off for riding and then I have to catch up with the studying, so my friends support me with the school stuff.”
FACING CHALLENGES: bigger bikes bring new obstacles
Speaking about her experiences coming through the ranks and racing against her competitors, Michel spoke of positivity and inclusion, whilst also going on to say what it means to represent Germany in WorldWCR: “I actually always felt welcome by the boys and I have had no problems. When I moved up into the Junior Cup I was smaller than I am now and it was difficult to get to grips with the big bike and the new tracks. Those were the biggest challenges for me. I‘m very proud that I’m the only rider from Germany in WorldWCR and I’m very proud to represent my country.”
For the first season of WorldWCR action, there will be plenty of new tracks for the #16 to learn but how can she get a feeling for the track she’s never been to? “I play the PS4 WorldSBK game. Just before the race itself, I look at the track on the plan, where to give it gas and where to brake. Then I listen to music on the grid, usually some techno.”
What advice would Michel give the future generations of girls looking to get involved in the world of motorcycle racing? “If you dare to do it, you can do it and you should never give up.”
JOIN THE COMMUNITY: be part of WorldWCR across Instagram, X and Facebook, whilst watching all races on YouTube!
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2024 raised $7.6 million to support men’s mental health and research for prostate cancer.
The 2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride had a record-breaking year with a total of 113,000 riders across the world raising $7.6 million USD to support research and raise awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer.
In its 11th year and supported by Triumph Motorcycles, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was held on May 19, and participants across the globe gathered for group rides while dressed in dapper clothing. With 959 rides across 105 countries, the DGR is growing in support and participation.
Eric Hendrikx (left) and Nicholas Harrison (right) on the Toronto ride.
The U.S. had 14,767 riders from 187 rides, and Canada had 2,167 riders from 28 rides, for a total combined North America fundraising effort of $3.05 million.
Triumph Motorcycles supports the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride by organizing rides from Triumph dealers and offering prizes for participants who raise the most money. The top five fundraisers on Team Triumph won a prize package including items from the Triumph Clothing Collection.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2024 had a record-breaking 113,000 participants around the world.
Many well-known names participated in the DGR this year. In London, 007 stunt riders Paul Edmondson and Martin Craven and Mission Impossible stunt rider Kieran Clarke rode Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 Xs. In Poole, U.K., actor James Phelps (Fred Weasley in Harry Potter) rode a Bonneville T120 Stealth Edition.
Ivan Cervantes rode in Reus, Spain, aboard a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
In the U.S., movie and film photographer Frank Masi rode a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in Atlanta. In Canada, writer-photographer Eric Hendrikx led the Toronto ride on a Thruxton RS. Spanish actor Pepe Barroso (Gran Turismo) rode in Madrid, and world-record holder Ivan Cervantes rode in Reus. Music producer Tai Jason rode his Bonneville T100 in Munich, Germany.
Kieran Clarke (far right) participated in the ride with industry colleagues.
“It’s empowering to work with the Gentleman’s Ride and Triumph Motorcycles as we bring our communities together, ride great bikes, and support Movember in their reputable stride to improve prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programs,” said Eric Hendrikx.
“I truly look forward to the DGR every year, as it’s a charity I can really get behind combining fundraising for men’s issues with the comradery of motorcycles and dapper attire,” said Frank Masi. “I’m blown away at how the DGR stays so well organized in so many cities around the world. Year after year, the ride gets bigger and better, and I look forward to participating for many years to come while spreading awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer.”
Eric Hendrikx rides by Queen’s Park in Toronto.
The participant who raised the most globally this year and in any year in the DGR’s history was actor and singer Jaime Camil from Los Angeles. Kat Thomsen from San Francisco raised the second-most, and Matias Seijo from Edinburgh raising the third-most. The Gentlefolk prize winner was Jason Etters who led the ride in Jacksonville, Florida.
We traveled to Road America in Wisconsin to catch the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. races and learn more about the program. Photos courtesy Royal Enfield.
Women in motorcycle racing have always been the exception, not the norm. To change that, Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. was created as a one-of-its-kind program that invites women riders to build their own Royal Enfield motorcycle and prepare it for racing, train with professional coaches, and compete in a series of races in either flat-track or roadracing.
Shea MacGregor finished in 6th on the wet track on Saturday. This is MacGregor’s first year at BTR, and she hopes to continue racing after she graduates from the program.
Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. hopefuls send in their applications each season, and those who are chosen compete for one or two seasons. In the roadracing category, the women are given Royal Enfield Continental GT 650s, while the flat-trackers get INT650s. At the end of their time in the program, the competitors keep their bikes. One of the goals of BTR is to provide women with a starting point from which they can launch a career in racing.
The 2024 season includes four races and 10 competitors for flat-track and five races with 13 competitors for roadracing. The second roadracing event of the season was held June 1-2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and we were happy to accept Royal Enfield’s invitation to the Royal Enfield Experience Center in Milwaukee to find out more about the series and ride to Road America to see the action.
The Royal Enfield Experience Center in Milwaukee showcases historic Royal Enfield bikes, as well as the current model lineup. Photo by the author.
The Royal Enfield Experience Center is located in a brick building that was once a dealership. Upon entering, you’ll notice significant historical Royal Enfield motorcycles and memorabilia displayed around the room, as well as examples of the current lineup. In the back of the building, bikes were on stands being worked on. It doesn’t take long to tour this small center, but if you’re a Royal Enfield fan, a visit and some riding in the area are well worth the trip.
Royal Enfield offered a variety of bikes for the journalists on our ride, including the INT650, the Scram 411, the Shotgun 650, and others.
With the other journalists who would be joining the ride gathered, we each swung a leg over a bike in front of the Experience Center and took off through the streets of Milwaukee. I was mounted on a Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, a bike I’d ridden and reviewed before in Dallas, Texas.
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 provided a relaxing cruise through the Wisconsin countryside on our ride to Road America.
We took a scenic route up to Elkhart Lake, following flowing roads through the countryside and weaving into and out of forests and farmland. It’s a beautiful ride and another great reason to visit Road America for the MotoAmerica events. About halfway through our ride, rain began to fall, and it would continue falling throughout the day, resulting in a wet track for those competing.
Rain began to fall about halfway through our ride, but the roads weaving through wooded land were still fun to ride. Photo by the author.
When we arrived at Road America and the Royal Enfield paddock, motorcycles screaming down the track drowned out the sounds of Royal Enfield racers and crew members checking over the bikes and discussing the upcoming races. Build. Train. Race. was scheduled for later in the day, so we had a few hours to chat with the competitors, explore the track, and watch the other races.
Road America offers motorcycle parking that’s a short walk to the paddock area. Photo by the author.
The first thing I noticed in the Royal Enfield paddock was the sense of friendship and community. The racers and crew members joked with each other as they checked over the bikes. Everyone was there to compete, but they were also there to enjoy the experience, improve themselves, and learn.
Lauren Prince working on her bike hours before the first race. Photo by the author.
Shea MacGregor is new to roadracing this year. A motocross racer for most of her riding life, she came to the Build. Train. Race. roadracing series to try something new.
“We’re all very competitive and we all want to win, but it’s a great community,” said MacGregor. “Everybody wants everybody else to be here too because we all want to race. I crashed this morning, and as soon as I got back, everybody was like, ‘How can I help you? What do you need?’”
Miranda Cain checking her tire pressure as the other racers in the Royal Enfield paddock also get ready for Race 1. Photo by the author.
Another newcomer this year, Lucy Blondel, has been riding on street for seven years and started racing last year. Blondel is a picture of resilience, and even though she had a rough opening weekend at Barber, she showed up to the races at Road America ready to try again.
“Barber was really awful for me. I didn’t expect how intense it was going to be,” said Blondel. “I was having panic attacks, and I was just done. I’ve worked through that since. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I come from a family where that’s always been a thing, and you think through that failure if you don’t meet the expectations you set for yourself. So I’m just mentally prepared to be in the race by myself, improve my times, and then I’ll eventually get in the race with everyone else.”
The wet track on Saturday created a challenge that many of these racers had never faced before.
Mikayla Moore is the dominating force in BTR. During her first year in the BTR program in 2023, she won every race. The opening double-header at Barber in May continued that streak with two more victories for Moore. But as I walked around the paddock on Saturday, Moore was noticeably absent.
I found out that Moore, who was also planning to debut in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup class that weekend, had an accident in the Twins Cup qualifying rounds that caused an injury to her thigh. X-rays showed no broken bones, but her muscle was injured.
The BTR ladies in pit lane getting ready for their warm-up lap. Photo by the author.
As the women rolled into pit lane to begin their warm-up laps, the rain had slowed to a light sprinkle, but the track wouldn’t have a chance to dry before the race. Moore joined the riders in pit lane for the warm-up lap, but she dismounted the bike after one lap while shaking her head, clearly not feeling up to a race that day.
With Moore out of the race, an opportunity opened for someone else to score her first victory of the season. Moore quickly changed out of her leathers and joined the crew in pit lane to cheer on the others, while those still mounted on bikes put their heads down and got ready. These women who were so jovial in the paddock a few hours ago were now serious competitors determined to cash in a win.
Miranda Cain and Emma Betters finished Sunday’s race within 0.04 second of each other.
Off the start, first-year racer Cassie Creer leapt ahead of the pack and continued putting distance between herself and those behind her, gaining up to a 5-second lead. However, Emma Betters continued improving her lap times and slowly closing the gap. Many of these racers were unfamiliar with racing in wet conditions, but they continued improving and gaining confidence on each lap of the 4.05-mile, 14-turn track.
When Creer crossed the checkered line, Betters had gotten within 0.225 second of her for a close 2nd-place finish. Camille Conrad, another first-year racer, finished in 3rd.
Even though Mikayla Moore (right) had to sit out of Saturday’s race due to injury, she was the first at the podium to congratulate the other racers. Photo by the author.
At the podium, Mikayla Moore was the first one to congratulate the racers and give everyone a pat on the back. All the BTR ladies smiled widely as Creer, Betters, and Conrad took their podium spots. Just as quickly as the women had gotten serious and competitive when the race started, they became convivial friends again once the race was over.
Cassie Creer took home her first win of the season at Road America. Emma Betters and Camille Conrad filled out the podium. Photo by the author.
While I was on a flight back home the next day, the BTR ladies headed onto the track for the second race of the weekend. Moore, with a full day of rest to recuperate and a dry track beneath her tires, took the victory ahead of Aubrey Credaroli and Cassie Creer. Moore is leading in the standings with 75 points, but her absence from Saturday’s race allowed Emma Betters and Camille Conrad to narrow the gap, both with 65 points.
The Royal Enfield Build. Trian. Race. roadracers compete again on June 30 at Ridge Motorsports Park in Whelton, Washington. They’ll have the chance to catch their breath before the final race of the season on Aug. 18 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Mikayla Moore was back in action on Sunday, once again taking the victory, followed by Aubrey Credaroli and Cassie Creer.
If you haven’t seen the BTR action in person, I encourage you to get out to the races and see it for yourself. You’ll be witnessing the early stages of a greater diversity in motorcycle racing, and once BTR graduates are competing in other classes with bigger stakes, you’ll be able to say you saw them at their beginnings. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on where these ladies go next.
Keep up with the latest in motorcycling gear, parts, accessories, and products with Rider‘s New and Cool Motorcycle Gear monthly installments. The items in this list are available now.
SW-Motech Luggage and Products for Suzuki V-Strom 800/DE
Prepare for any journey with SW-Motech’s luggage and products for the Suzuki V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800DE. The Pro side carriers can fit the company’s robust DUSC hard cases, TRAX ADV aluminum cases, or waterproof SysBags soft-luggage system. SW-Motech also offers a wide range of dry bags, tankbags, tailbags, and bike protection, including a skid plate, crash bars, handguards, and header pipe guards. Other accessories include a centerstand, fog lights, footrest kits, shifters, brake pedals, handlebar risers, GPS mounts, and brake pedal, sidestand, and mirror extensions.
National Cycle License Plate Bracket Helmet Lock for BMW
Secure your helmets on your BMW motorcycle with this License Plate Bracket Helmet Lock from National Cycle. It includes two locks to secure both rider and passenger helmets, and its mounting location makes it easily accessible without adding unsightly pieces to your bike. It uses a push-lock mechanism and comes with two matching keys. Installation is simple and involves attaching locks to the lock plate with four screws and then installing the lock plate behind the license plate. This steel helmet lock measures 6.50 x 6.75 inches and is available for $84.95.
Back after a nine-year hiatus, the River Road brand of motorcycle apparel features a wide variety of products designed for cruiser and V-Twin riders. The lineup includes modern and classic leather jackets, riding shirts, leather vests, gloves, chaps, and helmets, and all apparel categories include options for both men and women. River Road products are created with high-quality materials, include thoughtful features, and are available at affordable prices. The River Road brand is owned by Turn 14 Distribution and is available for dealers and consumers now.
BikeMaster motorcycle oils protect your engine, reduce temperatures, and increase shear stability. The performance mineral oil includes specially formulated additives for smoother operation and less wear. The semi-synthetic oil is a blend of synthetic and mineral for a balance of performance and value. The full-synthetic oil provides superior detergency and deposit control to keep everything running cleanly. Each oil type is available in 10W-40 or 20W-50. Find BikeMaster oils at your local dealer, and check out BikeMaster’s full range of parts and tools.
The Shoei Neotec 3 modular helmet provides comfort, performance, and safety. The impact-absorbent shell is made with composite Advanced Integrated Matrix materials, and the helmet has been wind-tunnel tested for optimal stability at speed. The comfort liner and cheek pads are removable and washable, and the modular mechanism is designed to be easy to use even with thick gloves. The helmet includes a retractable sun visor and can incorporate the SENA SRL3 comm system. Available in sizes XS-2XL in a variety of colors and graphic options starting at $899.99.
The Doubletake Mirror System now has a new mount that provides better stability, adjustability, and visibility. No-crush ball technology allows the mirror to pivot in the event of an impact while remaining stable enough to not require frequent adjustments, and mounting bolts are available for every application. The asymmetrical clamp provides better grip, and an oversized base ball is used for added stiffness. This system comes with a lifetime warranty. The 6.0-inch arm-length option is available for $145, and the 3.5-inch arm-length option is available for $127.
The Component 2 H2O Jacket by Rev’It is a lightweight, waterproof, hooded off-road adventure jacket with a style inspired by the latest designs in the outdoor segment. Its abrasion-resistant Cordura ripstop material provides durable protection, and it includes CE Level 1 armor and a laminated Hydratex outer shell. The hood is removable, the neoprene collar adds comfort, and the jacket includes ample ventilation. It has a roomy design to fit over other protective gear and comes with a two-year warranty. Available in sizes S-3XL in black, brown, or aubergine for $499.99.
The third generation of the Touratech Aventuro Carbon Pro adventure helmet provides cooling airflow, glove-friendly vent controls, and an improved liner. The peak has been redesigned to reduce drag and is mounted higher on the helmet, and the mount now uses sturdy threaded fasteners. Airflow has also been improved with eight intake vents, four exhaust vents, and upgraded distribution channels in the EPS liner. The comfort liner uses better material and a new system for locking the cheek pads. Available in sizes XS-3XL in solids for $699.95 and graphics for $749.95.
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship is officially underway after two thrilling races at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” created motorsport history. One rider, Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport), provided an overview of her career so far, her journey into motorsport and aspiring to be the role model she didn’t have growing up.
EARLY LIFE AND INTRODUCTION TO MOTORCYCLING: an early start
Tayla Relph’s passion for motorcycling began at an early age. At just two and a half years old, she attended a Crusty Demons motorcycle show, where she was captivated by the thrilling stunts. Her enthusiasm led her to receive her first bike, a PeeWee 50, for Christmas, shortly before her third birthday. By her birthday on January 7th, she was already riding with a big smile on her face.
FIRST STEPS IN RACING: motocross at six, road racing at 10
Tayla started racing motocross at six years old but quickly transitioned to road racing by the age of ten. Her first road race came at eleven, marking the beginning of her competitive journey. Despite the lack of a family background in racing, Tayla’s determination and love for the sport drove her to excel.
RACING CAREER AND ACHIEVEMENTS: domestic success for Relph
Throughout her career, Tayla has competed against male riders due to the lack of female competitors in Australia. Her notable achievements include:
2014: Took an overall round win on her first Australian championship appearance and finished second in the Moto3 class.
2016: Became the first female to win a race in the Australian championship, ultimately securing two wins in the Moto3 category and finishing third overall.
2018: Finished second in a race against 27 males in the Australian Supersport 300 championship.
Tayla has also raced internationally in New Zealand and India and participated in the Red Bull Rookie Selection events in 2012 and 2013.
CHALLENGES AND INSPIRATIONS: family support and aiming to be a role model
Growing up, Tayla faced significant challenges, including bullying in an all-girls school due to her favourite sport. Despite these obstacles, her supportive family and unwavering determination kept her focused on her goals. Tayla aspires to be a role model for young girls in motorsport, demonstrating that women can excel in the sport.
CURRENT PURSUITS AND FUTURE GOALS: aiming for WorldWCR success
Tayla now competes in WorldWCR, aiming to fight for podium finishes and ultimately become a World Champion. She is also dedicated to her businesses, TAYCO Creative and South West Track Days, and serves as the National Press Officer for the Australian WorldSBK Rounds at Phillip Island Circuit.
PERSONAL LIFE AND INTERESTS: ‘day job’ in motorsport, studied multiple ologies as part of her degree
Outside of racing, Tayla is passionate about her work as it involves her further in motorsport through content creation, photography, and writing motorsport editorials. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism with minors in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Psychology. Tayla’s favourite motorcycle racer is Jorge Martin, and she is inspired by female athlete Maria Herrera.
TAYLA SAYS: “I am so proud that I can now stand tall, on the world stage”
On her introduction to motorcycling: “I was 2.5 years old and went to a motorcycle show (Crusty Demons) where they do backflips on motorcycles, and I threw a tantrum on the floor and demanded a motorbike for Christmas!”
On her racing career: “In Australia, there are not enough women to have our own class, so I have raced against the males my whole career. In 2016, I became the first ever Female to win a race in the Australian Championship.”
On representing her country: “I am so proud that I can now stand tall, on the world stage, and be that positive female role model to the younger generation and be the role model that I wish I had when I was 10 years old.”
On her message to young female riders: “My words to them would be to simply believe in yourself and surround yourself with a positive support group who will bring you up!”
TAYLA TELLS: the Garry McCoy connection
Discussing Garry McCoy’s support, Relph said: “I wasn’t very good at motocross and sort of slowly started losing the passion when I was maybe about eight or nine. And Dad luckily knew someone who was into Supermotard, and so he said, why don’t you put Tayla on a little go-kart track and chuck some slicks on my KTM 65 that I had at the time… I loved it and fell in love with road racing very quickly! I learnt very quickly. Obviously, it was a little bit harder because I didn’t have any family background history in motorsports, so Dad was learning just as much as I was. But I was very lucky that I had the support from Garry McCoy, who was riding for our local club and obviously he’s a Queenslander as well. And yeah, he came to one of our road race meets and just saw me riding and knew that I had the talent to do it. I was very, very fast, but that was because I had no fear. I didn’t really know about ‘how’ to go fast, or how to actually ride a motorbike safely. All I knew was that I could just go fast down the straight and pin it through the corners. So, it was good having Garry on my side and backing me. We spent hours upon hours, days upon days, doing one-on-one coaching together. I wish I knew back then how significant that coaching was, but as a little 10, 11-year-old, it was just to me, I just saw this guy on YouTube, and he was pretty cool doing some pretty cool things and that was really all I knew. But yeah, he was major for me, he gave me all of his race leathers to use myself, he gave me one of his race helmets, luckily, we’re the same size. So, for, gosh, about three years of my Australian Superbike career, I was kitted out in full Garry McCoy leathers, helmets, everything. And again, I didn’t know the significance of it!”
The swings and roundabouts, fun and games of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship are hurtling for the United Kingdom and Donington Park for the fifth round of the season but it was the last round at Misano in Italy that proved historic too. BMW lead the Championship for the first time in 12 years after Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) made it a first-ever triple for the German manufacturer in Ducati’s backyard. Moreover, it was four consecutive wins – picking up from Assen’s Race 2 – as well as six wins in the last nine races or even 50% of all races in 2024. We spoke to BMW technical director Chris Gonschor to find out all about just how it’s been made possible.
MISANO BY EMOTION: “From the test, it was clear that Bulega and Toprak are playing another game”
“For sure, it was a historic weekend with three wins,” began Gonschor, somewhat modestly. “At Misano, I think it’s also a special place to get three wins. Our competitors have been incredibly strong here in recent years, so it was very hard to come here and to predict how the pace would be. From the test, it was clear that Bulega and Toprak are playing another game than some of the others. So, we were prepared after the test days here at Misano and we got some good data for the race pace. When you look backwards at the FP1 of Toprak, you see he started with a small issue with the quick shifter. He had about a ten-minute wait, then he headed back out and we all got a red flag. So, we couldn’t do a lap, and then his first chrono lap was a 1’33.7s, which proved that the package and the rider here at Misano are on a very good pace. Therefore, the outcome of the historic triple is extremely nice. It was not predictable but the indications were there that the package is working. We were very strong in the last tracks, so all the work that the guys here and the team in Munich have done has led us here.”
LEADING THE STANDINGS: “Yes; we can fight for a title”
Speaking of the achievement to be leading the standings, Gonschor said: “It’s very good. I think Toprak will be very happy and he will enjoy. It’s good to see the rider in front, but it would be nice to see other riders in front, fighting for some good results at the end, especially also Mikey. He had good pace in several stints and also in the sectors but in the end, it’s a competitive Championship and it’s hard to get it all together. We are all together in a good direction and I’m convinced that the other riders will come back to fight for the podium soon. The pace of Mikey was definitely closer than the result, the same for Garrett and Scott. Yes, it’s a hard season, but I am sure that, at a certain point in the season, now going to Donington and Most, that they will benefit from the bike package.”
“It’s good to see it back on top. Like we said half a year ago, last time we were on top was with Melandri in 2012. It’s good to be back there with this brand, and it shows that this is a strong brand, and that the decision taken last year in Munich to change the organisation structure, development, research, to go one level higher was the right one and now everything has come together, and yes, it’s still a long Championship, but we can fight for a title, and it’s a good position.”
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: the behind the scenes improvement of R&D
On track performances have showcased that hard work away from the track has also paid off: “At the end, it’s not only about parts – it’s about collecting data and knowledge. And with the establishment of the Test team, and also an increased number of engineers working on simulations, you collect much more deep-dive information, and this Championship is now so competitive that you need every small detail to get the perfect package together. It’s not a number of facts that was changed or just new parts; at the end, it was just really that you create a big base of information to come to the race weekend better prepared, and to not be in the position that you have to develop or judge a bike’s setup on race weekend. The race riders can then concentrate on race weekend, and from FP1 onwards they can just attack; this is a big step forward.
“For us, it’s definitely a step forward to make the team more data-based, more engineer-based. But also, having more technicians and mechanics in the test team…you get more input from a human point of view, but also from a technical point of view and data. Just look at the times, it’s really getting faster and faster. The times that Bulega and Toprak did were incredible. So at this level of performance on track, you need a good data base, and this is definitely helping.”
NEXT UP, DONINGTON PARK: “5 or 6 tracks in a row where Toprak can fight for the podium, or perhaps even more…”
Setting expectations high for the upcoming rounds, we’re coming into real ‘Toprak territory’, starting at Donington Park: “I think honestly now, we can expect to fight for the podium on every track, because looking backwards, we proved it already at Phillip Island, Assen and Barcelona. Assen and Barcelona were hard tracks for Toprak in the past, and also hard tracks for us, so now we have 5/6 tracks in a row where Toprak can fight for the podium, or perhaps even more. So, I don’t think there is any need to be scared. But you must be prepared for every track. I think we are good prepared for nearly every racetrack to at least have a strong pace. What the outcome of race weekend will be, you never know. I think our colleagues will come back, and I am sure Bulega and Bautista will be strong at Donington and Most. We have seen a lot of good battles in the past between the red bikes and the blue bikes, so I think it can be an interesting season for the customers to watch.”
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