Ducati reward: 19-year-old US talent on the Desmosedici and factory Panigale!

Kayla Yaakov could hardly have received a greater token of appreciation within the Ducati family. As part of World Ducati Week in Misano, the 19-year-old American was given the chance to ride the factory bikes of MotoGP star Marc Marquez and Superbike World Championship dominator Nicolo Bulega. This once again put one of the USA’s greatest up-and-coming talents in the spotlight.

“It’s not every day you get the chance to ride a factory World Superbike Championship bike and a MotoGP bike,” Ducati announced on social media following the test rides. “Today, Kayla had the opportunity to experience Nicolo Bulega’s and Marc Marquez’s bikes on the legendary Misano World Circuit.”

Ducati recognises Kayla Yaakov’s progress

The invitation to Misano is no coincidence. Yaakov had already made a big impression at the start of the year with her podium finish at the prestigious Daytona 200, leaving former MotoGP rider Darryn Binder behind, amongst others. In the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, too, the Ducati rider regularly battles at the front and is regarded as one of the greatest talents in US motorcycling.

Kayla Yaakov beim Daytona 200

Foto: Kayla Yaakov

Yaakov has been riding motorbikes since she was four years old and was racking up titles left, right and centre even as a child. At the age of nine, she became the youngest American woman to win a race on a full-fledged road bike – even beating the record set by the late Nicky Hayden. She has since won several MotoAmerica races and became the first woman to secure both a MotoAmerica race victory and a podium finish at the Daytona 200.

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Garrett Gerloff is closely following the 19-year-old’s career

Speaking exclusively to SPEEDWEEK.com, fellow American Garrett Gerloff discussed the young US rider’s progress, whose successes are also being noticed in Europe. “Yes, of course we’re following her,” Gerloff emphasised. “My wife is a big fan of Kayla. We watch her races. What she’s shown recently has been really impressive. She took pole position at Road Atlanta and has been on the podium regularly. She’s definitely right up there with the best.”

Kayla Yaakov auf Nicolo Bulegas WM-Superbike

Foto: PJ Jacobsen

The Kawasaki rider is particularly impressed by how Yaakov holds her own against established riders. “She’s racing against some really big names. I think she’s very clever. She’s light, which also helps. She’s really strong, even if she perhaps still lacks a bit of physical strength – but that’s quite normal at her age. She works incredibly hard and it’s lovely to see how she’s developed from the 300cc class right up to the Supersport class.”

Garrett Gerloff

Foto: Dorna

For Gerloff, the next logical step would be a career in Europe. At the same time, the Texan knows from his own experience just how difficult that path is. “I hope she gets the chance to race in the Supersport World Championship, the Sportbike World Championship or even the Superbike World Championship. But making the move from America to Europe is still difficult. That’s why she needs to keep delivering good results and prove that she has the pace. I’ll definitely be supporting her.”

Shared mentor: Ben Spies is nurturing the young US talent

An important figure on this journey is, of all people, the very man who once had a decisive influence on Gerloff’s own career: Ben Spies. The 2009 Superbike World Champion and former MotoGP works rider is supporting Yaakov at the Rahal-Ducati team.

Ben Spies mit Kayla Yaakov

Foto: MotoAmerica

“As far as I know, Ben is the team manager there,” explained Gerloff. “I know he helps the riders when they have questions. He’s definitely a great help.” Gerloff is now only in sporadic contact with Spies himself. “We speak to each other now and then. But he has a full-time job there and that’s where his focus lies. That’s why we don’t have as much contact as we used to.”

Despite his involvement in the Superbike World Championship, Gerloff continues to follow MotoAmerica closely and tries to make it to the track in person at least once a year. “Lots of people there are my friends – both the riders and the team members. That’s why I like going there and just enjoying a great race weekend. Last year I was in Austin and had a really good time.”

Kayla Yaakov ließ es alles andere als ruhig angehen

Foto: Kayla Yaakov

Following her highly acclaimed performance at Misano, Yaakov’s focus is already on the next challenge. This weekend, MotoAmerica is visiting the legendary Laguna Seca circuit. The 19-year-old heads to California in fourth place overall and is keen to build on her strong form. Darryn Binder on a Ducati currently leads the championship, ahead of his Ducati team-mate Josh Herrin and Suzuki rider Tyler Scott.