Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 12 February 2024 

You can only have your first time once and having the opportunity to make history has proved irresistible for Australian born Maddi Patterson; one of very few female team owners in the world of motorcycle racing.

Maddi Patterson, SEKHMET RACING Team Owner: “When I first heard that this was going to happen I knew it was where I needed to be. At the official announcement by DORNA, the officiating organisation, no one was surprised when I said ‘F*ck it, I’ll do it!’

Forming a team and signing riders for this has been a real time crunch and, having achieved this in eight months, I appreciate all those who have helped along the way (you know who you are) - if it was easy everybody would do it. I am so proud to announce our riders; Mallory Dobbs #14 (USA) and Lissy Whitmore #34 (UK) who will be riding Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles at circuits including Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, Donington Park Circuit and Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto from May to October 2024 alongside the World Superbike Championship which is televised Globally. What a trip!”

The FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship is the first dedicated motorcycle world championship for female circuit racers. This initiative by DORNA has been welcomed by the motorsport community worldwide and responds to the growth in female participation in motorcycling, motorcycle racing and an increase in female motorcycle racing fans attending events in recent years.

Maddi added: “Sekhmet, an Egyptian Deity, was born from fire - a symbol of strength and resilience. And therein lies the reason for the team naming; I endured and recovered from sixty percent burns to my body only three years ago. Sekhmet is known as the protector of friends and the leader in battle - something I embrace in my own life. I am incredibly honoured, excited and aware that my role is to lead my team and more than that, support, inspire and create the chance to do something different. To be the difference. And when the visor goes down, nothing else matters. This is racing.”

The team will attend the media launch and testing in May immediately ahead of the first race and is accepting sponsorship proposals from brands that share the team’s values and ambitions. This is a game changer and this team isn’t just ticking the equality box - these riders are world class athletes at the top of their game and our mission is to bring a fresh dynamic, challenge perceptions, change minds, win respect and acknowledge talent while creating memories, making history and having fun.

Let’s race!

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About SEKHMET RACING: [sekhmetracing.com]

An International Motorcycle Racing Team founded in 2024 by Maddi Patterson as a part of her agency PHNX Powersport Promotions, based in Europe. SEKHMET RACING is a multi-discipline motorsport team operating and competing in the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship and working with motorcycle manufacturers in road/circuit racing globally.

About the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship:

This ground-breaking event promises to be a thrilling addition to the world of motorcycling, featuring women riders competing on a global stage.

Key details about the new series were revealed in a press conference held during the Prometeon Spanish Round at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto with FIM President Jorge Viegas, FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission Director Janika Judeika, WorldSBK Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla and Yamaha Motor Europe President and CEO Eric de Seynes.

The 2024 FIM Women's Motorcycling World Championship will comprise six rounds and one pre-season test, all integrated within the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.

1. Emilia Romagna Round, Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” - June 14th-16th
2. UK Round, Donington Park Circuit - July 12th-14th
3. Portuguese Round, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve - August 9th-11th
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit - August 23rd-25th
5. Italian Round, Cremona Circuit - September 20th-22nd
6. Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto - October 18th- 20th

During each round, the action will unfold as follows: Superpoles on Friday, Race 1 on Saturday, and Race 2 on Sunday, offering fans a full weekend of adrenaline-pumping racing.

Yamaha, with their Yamaha YZF-R7 model, will serve as the single manufacturer for the Championship.

About DORNA: [dorna.com]

Founded in 1988, Dorna Sports became organiser of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGP™) in 1991 and has been the exclusive commercial and television rights holder. Based in Madrid, Spain, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, the Group is a leader in sports management, marketing and media, and has seen continued growth over the years; expanding its focus from solely MotoGP™ to also include the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship, the Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™, the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and the R&G British Talent Cup, with the new Northern Talent Cup becoming the latest path on the Road to MotoGP™ and the FIM MotoE™ World Championship.

The company’s principal shareholders are funds managed by Bridgepoint Capital and The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board.

Media Contact

Verity Fagg

Sekhmet Racing Press Officer

media@sekhmetracing.com

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