UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – Mikayla Moore’s passion for riding motorcycles started at just 6 years old with her Yamaha TT-R50 when her parents were exploring what other sports she’d enjoy outside of ballet, gymnastics, and soccer.
What started as a fun family hobby for Moore would soon transform into a successful career as she started to compete as a motorcycle racer at just 8 years old.
Now at 20 years old, Moore is an accomplished and professional motorcycle racer from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, seeking to defend her title for this year’s Royal Enfield Build, Train, Race, Championship.
The Royal Enfield Build, Train, Race, Championship is the first all-woman initiative teaching women to build and race their own motorcycles, according to their website.
Since Moore won last year’s championship, she plans to use her previous experience as an advantage in preparation for the race, she said. She’s familiar with the bike and three out of four tracks that will be used this year.
However, she is still mindful that despite this knowledge, it doesn’t mean someone else can’t quickly adapt to the track and bike the same way she did which is why she continues to train and work hard for victory.
Moore puts in a lot of time and practice on a car track in Hanover, Maryland, where she rides her Yamaha R3 or KTM 450 Supermoto and trains with her father who initially introduced her to motorcycling, she said.
She has also been going to the gym to train physically to work on her strength and endurance during the off-season.
Although there has not been a two-time Build. Train. Race (BTR) champion, Moore’s goal is to achieve exactly that.
Moore’s family has been a huge support system throughout her career with their different roles and she believes they have had the most positive impact on her career.
Her mother documents all her accomplishments and progress from training and races so Moore and her family can analyze strategy and what can be done better, she said.
Her father has trained her for the past 14 years and Moore has a lot of gratitude for his guidance and faith in her. Her brother is also a motorcycle racer and they often train together, she describes him as her teammate.
This will be Moore’s last season with BTR as it is only a two-year long program.
For the next year she hopes to move up classes within the program whether it’s the Twins Cup or Super Hooligan class. The program is also introducing a new class called the Talent Cup which Moore would be interested in entering as the age range is from 14 to 21 years old.
Moore hopes to keep building on the momentum within the BTR series, hitting lap records and staying consistent so teams that may consider her for next year, recognize her strengths and value as a motorcycle racer, she said.
Since she’s been in the industry for so long, many people are aware of her talent and skills, she said.
“I just need the sponsors and the help and the funding to get to that next step,” Moore said.
Another one of Moore’s goals is to join an overseas series to expand her exposure and bring her brand to the international stage.
“The best thing I feel I have going for myself is being of color and because it’s not a lot of women in the motorsports industry that’s of color that’s racing as young as I am, I feel like I am inspiring so many people around the world,” Moore said.
Moore’s advice to anyone, male or female, who wants to join the motorcycle industry is to simply go for it.
“I always tell people you’re better off trying and saying that you at least did it than to doubt yourself and say no, I can’t do that,” Moore said. “I feel like the best thing that someone can do is believe in themselves before they rely on other people to believe in them.”
Moore believes if one has self-belief and confidence, you can do anything you put your mind to.
“Just go out there and do it. Live life, you know tomorrow is not promised,” she said.
Moore recently competed in Shelton, Washington, this past Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, June 30, finishing first overall. The next and final round will be in Lexington, Ohio from August 16 to 18.
Tickets for the event can be bought online ranging from $80 for single day passes to $110 for a three day pass. More information about additional passes for the event can be found on the Mid-Ohio website.
Read more about Moore’s journey on her website.
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