Women in the paddock: A look into the opening round of World Superbike

From the 21st to 23rd of February, I had the pleasure of attending the opening round of World Superbike in sunny Phillip Island, Australia. World Superbike, commonly thought of as the hidden gem of the racing world, is one of Dorna’s many motorcycle racing championships. It stands alongside MotoGP, MotoE, various junior talent cups, and most recently the WorldWCR, the world's first international women’s circuit racing championship.

WorldWCR

As the WorldWCR championship heads into only its second year, the race calendar remains exclusively in Europe. However, this doesn’t mean it was totally forgotten in Australia. From a WorldWCR stand in the World Superbike Expo, open to all ticket-holders, with Tayla Relph’s (the only Australian WorldWCR representative) 2024 motorcycle on display, to a WCR chat-show down at the Paddock Show, there was a clear emphasis on growing female participation in motorcycle racing.

It was not uncommon to see Tayla throughout the weekend. Whether she was engaging with fans at her WorldWCR stand, speaking to fans at her chat show, or keeping busy with her media duties with the World Superbike Championship, she always made time to stop and say hi to her Aussie fans.

When on the Paddock Show stage, she shared an encouraging statistic regarding viewer demographics for the WorldWCR championship: Australia was 5th globally for viewer rates of the WorldWCR! Considering it has not yet raced in Australia, this shows clear interest and engagement globally for women in motorsport.

Tara Morrison

Whilst Australia may not yet have the WorldWCR, that doesn’t mean women weren’t racing – Australian female rider, Tara Morrison, competed in the Australian Superbike (ASBK) Supersport 300 category as part of the weekend’s packed schedule. Not only did she deliver an incredible performance, but she also took the opening race win against a grid stacked with experienced male riders. A historic victory, as she became the first female to win a race in the ASBK Supersport 300 category!

Women of the Paddock

If Tayla Relph’s electric presence in the paddock and Tara Morrison’s dominant victory were not enough to inspire the budding female racers in the audience, what happened next was simply incredible.

On Sunday, the busiest day of the race weekend, the Paddock Show allocated a specific time slot for every woman working in the paddock—whether for Dorna, the race teams, or anything in between—to take a photo together. Whilst this may sound simple, it was a powerful statement about the growing presence of women in motorsport. To organize this on the stage of the Paddock Show, in front of a packed audience of fans, was a clear visual representation of progress. It allowed women in the audience, from all ages and backgrounds, with passions in engineering, mechanics, press, photography, and more, to see that their dreams are, in fact, achievable.

Girls on the Superbike Grid

As part of my experience, I was honored to do the grid walk for Race 1 of World Supersport and World Superbike. Here, I got to witness a clear display of the incredible women on the grid. Many of these women are vital members of their teams, working as coordinators, engineers, and mechanics. One such example is the wonderful Camilla Canclini, team coordinator for the MGM Bonovo Racing team, seen holding the umbrella for rider Garrett Gerloff in 2024!

Rather than being confined to behind-the-scenes roles, these women are now standing front and center, representing their teams in highly visible positions. Seeing them proudly wearing their team gear on the grid was an incredible moment, reinforcing that their contributions are invaluable both in and out of the garage. Their presence on live broadcasts and in front of fans sends a strong message to young girls watching: working in motorsport is not just a possibility—it’s a reality.

Accessibility & Visibility in WorldSBK

With home hero Remy Gardener in the paddock

One of the most unique aspects of World Superbike is how naturally accessible it feels. Unlike many racing championships where barriers between fans and teams are strict, the paddock at WorldSBK has an open and welcoming atmosphere.

Riders move freely through the area, stopping to chat and take pictures, while fans can experience the heart of the sport up close.

The accessibility goes beyond just the paddock. Pit walks, available to anyone who purchases a wristband regardless of ticket type, give fans a rare look at teams in action. The Paddock Show, a standout feature of the weekend, creates a space where fans aren’t just spectators but part of the experience. Hosted by Michael Hill, it’s filled with interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and even games that offer the chance to win special prizes. It’s not just about watching the sport—it’s about being immersed in it.

Shot from the pit walk of WRP Racing's Super Sport bikes

The Paddock Show also offers a unique opportunity that no other championship provides: the chance to see all the riders at once. On Saturday, every rider on the World Superbike grid came down to the Paddock Show stage, taking pictures with fans, signing caps, clothes, and even handing out their own posters to sign. This level of fan engagement is unparalleled, making World Superbike feel more connected and personal than any other championship.

This openness also extends to the visibility of women in the championship. Whether on the grid, in the garages, or behind the cameras, their presence isn’t just growing—it’s being recognized.

With so many female professionals working across all levels of the sport, it sends a clear message to young fans watching: motorsport isn’t just for men, and there’s a place for them here too.

Conclusion

World Superbike's opening round at Phillip Island was a reminder that motorsport is evolving. Women are not only competing but excelling, working in pivotal roles and proving that the sport is open to everyone. Whether in the paddock, on the grid, or behind the cameras, their presence is growing—and with initiatives like WorldWCR, the future is looking even brighter.

If ever you are presented with the opportunity as a racing fan, I implore you to consider a trip to watch the World Superbike championship. Beyond the thrilling on-track battles, the championship offers an atmosphere of accessibility and inclusivity that few other motorsport events can match. It’s a place where fans can witness firsthand the growing impact of women in the paddock, from riders to engineers to team coordinators. As the sport continues to evolve, events like these serve as a powerful reminder that motorsport is, and should be, for everyone.