In the high-octane world of motorcycle racing, where the scent of exhaust hangs heavy and engines snarl with purpose, the Build.Train.Race (BTR) program shines as a bold initiative from Royal Enfield. Now in its third year, this groundbreaking series celebrates motorcycle culture while spotlighting women racers across North America. With two distinct racing disciplines—flat track and road racing—BTR is more than a competition; it’s a transformative journey.
This season, the road racing contingent of BTR is gearing up for four rounds on the MotoAmerica calendar. We recently went behind the scenes with the dozen women selected for a two-year odyssey that blends technical mastery, rigorous training, and flat-out racing. It’s a chance to leave their mark on a sport long dominated by men.
Bolting Together the Beasts
The BTR experience kicks off with a hands-on challenge—build your own bike. Picture a group of determined women, armed with tools and ambition, let loose in a workshop stacked with parts and a bare-bones Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. The frame and engine are untouchable. Wheels, tires, gearing, brakes, suspension, seats, handlebars, and the fairing are fair game as each rider crafts a machine that reflects her style and racing needs.
It’s a gritty, immersive process. Grease stains become badges of honor as participants learn the anatomy of their motorcycles. The payoff comes when that first sputter of life erupts from motorcycles they’ve built—a moment that’s equal parts science experiment and personal victory. By the time they’re done, these women aren’t just riders; they’re engineers and artists, bonded to creations that carry their fingerprints into battle.
Honing the Craft on Track
With their machines dialed in, the riders head to MotorSport Ranch in Cresson, Texas, for the training phase. Here, they’re guided by Freddie Spencer, a three-time Grand Prix world champion whose expertise is as legendary as his understated demeanor. Spencer’s curriculum is no gentle ride—it’s a full-spectrum boot camp that spans classroom sessions and track time, blending technical precision with mental toughness.
The training starts with fundamentals—staying upright, mastering lines, and building stamina. Then it escalates—lapping the circuit all day, practicing starts, perfecting overtakes that demand split-second guts. Spencer leads by example, weaving through the pack on his GT650, offering lessons that stick like the dust on their leathers. Amid the intensity, a camaraderie takes root. Strangers become teammates, sharing breakthroughs and cheering each other through every hard-won corner. It’s a sisterhood forged in sweat and speed, pushing them toward the races ahead.
Dreams Meet the Starting Line
When the BTR program hits its stride, it’s no quiet wrap-up—it’s a full-throttle plunge into MotoAmerica. The women compete in four races, slotted into their own class within the series, a spotlight that ensures their talent stands out. Each event is a visceral clash of skill and nerve, with snarling engines and crackling energy. Knowing the journey these riders have taken—building their bikes, training under Spencer, bonding as a unit—makes every lap a story worth rooting for.
By now, spectators have their favorites. The races are a testament to the grind these women have endured, a showcase of grit and grace that resonates whether you’re trackside or watching from afar. It’s chaos and glory in equal measure, and it’s impossible not to feel the pulse of their ambition.
Where BTR Stands Today
Entering its third year under Freddie Spencer’s stewardship, BTR is hitting new heights. This season marked the arrival of international riders, broadening the program’s reach and reinforcing its mission to turn passionate novices from all walks of life into racers who can hold their own on a global stage. Past participants have already begun to ripple outward. Some now compete in other series, inching toward world-class motorsports, while others, like one alum-turned-professional race mechanic, carve out careers in the industry. Applications are surging, a sign of BTR’s growing pull.
Here’s where you can catch the action in 2025 as the next wave of riders takes on MotoAmerica:
• April 4-6: Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama
• May 30-June 1: Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
• June 27-29: Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, Washington
• August 15-17: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio
Who’ll be tearing up these tracks? With two-time champion Mikayla Moore graduating, a fresh champion awaits. The 2025 grid will feature a mix of seasoned returnees and bold newcomers. Karina Samões and Tati Paze from Brazil add an international edge for the first time. Handpicked from a record applicant pool, these women bring their custom GT650s to life, each build a rolling testament to their grit and creativity.
BTR blends self-reliance with community spirit. These women push each other, trade insights, and build something enduring—both on the track and beyond. As they gear up for what’s next, the program stands as a revving, rolling proof of concept—give talent a shot, and it’ll roar louder than you ever imagined.
