Sean Dylan Kelly
Sean Dylan Kelly (born May 17, 2002, in Miami, Florida) is an American professional motorcycle racer competing in the premier superbike class of the MotoAmerica Championship.[1] Known for his rapid progression from junior categories to elite international racing, Kelly has achieved significant success, including winning the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship with 12 victories in 18 races and securing a rookie podium finish in the 2024 Superbike class.[2] In 2025, riding for Team Hammer on a Suzuki GSX-R1000R, he finished fifth overall in the Superbike standings with 207 points, highlighted by a second-place result in the season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park.[3] Kelly's career began in youth racing, where he competed in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup from 2016 to 2018, achieving a best finish of sixth at Assen in 2018.[1] Transitioning to national championships, he earned two wins and five podiums in the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport class before claiming second place in 2020 with five victories.[4] His dominant 2021 Supersport season propelled him to the Superbike class in 2024 with TopPro Racing, where he recorded one win at Circuit of the Americas and seven podiums en route to fourth in the championship.[4] Internationally, Kelly ventured into the Moto2 World Championship with the American Racing Team from 2022 to 2023, scoring points in two races during his debut full season with a best of 11th place.[1] Throughout his professional tenure, Kelly has amassed 20 career wins—19 in Supersport and one in Superbike—along with 47 podium finishes, establishing him as a prominent figure in American road racing.[4] His return to Team Hammer for the 2025 season, alongside teammate Richie Escalante, underscores his ambition to challenge for the Superbike title, building on a partnership that previously yielded 33 combined Supersport wins between 2020 and 2021.[2]Early life
Family background
Sean Dylan Kelly was born on May 17, 2002, in Miami, Florida.[1] His parents, Patrick and Andrea Kelly, had emigrated from Argentina to the United States shortly before his birth due to insecurity and economic crisis, establishing the family's roots in the Miami area.[5] Kelly's father worked as a car mechanic, providing a practical foundation in mechanical interests, though neither parent had prior involvement in motorsports.[6] Raised in Miami until age 13, Kelly's family provided support during his early childhood.[6]Introduction to racing
Sean Dylan Kelly entered the world of motorcycle racing at the age of six in 2008, after his father redirected his initial interest in go-karting toward mini-bikes upon discovering a motorcycle shop adjacent to a go-kart facility. This pivot set the course for his career, as Kelly quickly embraced the sport, starting with a Yamaha PW80 provided by his parents. He began riding at age five.[4][6][7] That year, Kelly competed in his first race in Florida under the Florida Mini Roadracing Association (FLAMRA) in the Minis class, securing a third-place finish and marking the beginning of his competitive journey. From 2008 to 2015, he actively participated in local kids' races and regional junior events across Florida, beginning with club-level competitions in South Florida at tracks like Miami GP Raceway. As his skills grew, he expanded to events in North Florida and along the East Coast by 2014, racing in various youth categories that honed his foundational techniques on mini-bikes and small-displacement machines.[7][6] Kelly's early development emphasized progressive skill-building through consistent local racing, with a self-motivated regimen driven by his passion rather than formal coaching at the outset. His family's support was instrumental, funding equipment and travel without initial external sponsorships, though small local backers began emerging as he demonstrated talent in these grassroots events. To pursue better opportunities, Kelly and his family traveled to regional circuits beyond South Florida to access more diverse tracks and competitions.[6]Junior career
Mini-bike and local racing
Kelly's introduction to competitive racing came at age five, when he began riding pocket bikes at Miami GP Raceway in South Florida. Shortly thereafter, he acquired a Yamaha PW80 and entered local mini-bike events, building foundational skills in off-road and dirt track formats typical of youth competitions in the region.[6] By age six, Kelly was actively competing in mini-bike racing series across South Florida, honing his technique through frequent local outings that emphasized agility and bike control on varied terrains. His early experiences laid the groundwork for more structured racing, as he progressed through youth classes from 2010 to 2015, balancing rigorous training with school commitments while traveling for regional events along the East Coast.[4][6] As he approached his early teens, Kelly transitioned to paved track road racing, starting with small-displacement bikes in series like the KTM RC390 Cup. In 2015, at age 13, he secured victory in the Mexican KTM RC Cup Championship and finished second overall in the World Finals, with one win and two podiums highlighting his adaptation to circuit racing. This period was marked by challenges such as limited equipment resources common in amateur youth programs and the logistical demands of cross-state travel, which often conflicted with academic schedules.[4][6]Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
In October 2015, at age 13, Sean Dylan Kelly was selected for the 2016 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup following a successful performance at the selection event in Guadix, Spain, where his prior experience in U.S. junior racing helped secure one of the 27 spots for young riders from around the world.[8] He competed on the standard KTM RC 250R motorcycle, a 250cc four-stroke Moto3-spec bike provided equally to all participants, across seven European rounds integrated into the MotoGP calendar.[9] In his debut season, Kelly finished 22nd overall, with a best result of 13th place in the first race at Brno, Czech Republic, showing initial promise despite early-season mistakes and a learning curve in adapting to the competitive international field.[9][4] Kelly's performance improved markedly in 2017, as he achieved consistent top-15 finishes and secured his best results of the year with two seventh-place finishes at Jerez and Misano, ultimately placing 17th in the championship standings.[9][4] This progress came amid personal challenges, including the stress of living away from home in Europe and financial pressures, which tested his resilience while he focused on building consistency in the high-stakes environment of grand prix support races.[9] The season highlighted his growing adaptation to the European racing style, characterized by tight pack racing and technical circuits, as well as the dynamics of traveling with an international team of young riders.[1] The 2018 season marked Kelly's breakout year in the series, where he earned multiple top-10 finishes, including a career-best sixth place in the first race at Assen, Netherlands, and placed 10th overall despite three early retirements that affected his points total.[9][1] By this point, having relocated to Spain for intensive training and preparation—common for Rookies Cup participants to immerse in the European motocross and road racing culture—Kelly demonstrated significant growth in racecraft, qualifying prowess (including a front-row start at Assen), and mental fortitude within the team's supportive framework.[9] His three-year stint in the cup, spanning 21 races, solidified his transition from a promising American talent to a competitive international junior rider ready for higher levels of grand prix racing.[4][1]Professional career in North America
MotoAmerica Supersport Championship
Sean Dylan Kelly entered the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship on a part-time basis in 2019, riding a Suzuki GSX-R600 for the M4 Ecstar Suzuki team.[4] He scored points in two rounds, with his best finish of 11th place, ultimately ranking 29th in the overall standings.[4] This limited exposure allowed Kelly to adapt quickly to the competitive North American series, building on his prior experience in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.[10] In 2020, Kelly transitioned to a full-time role with M4 Ecstar Suzuki, where he mounted a strong challenge for the title, finishing as runner-up to Richie Escalante with 341 points. He secured five victories and 16 podium finishes across the 18-race season, including a double win at Laguna Seca and a thrilling victory by 0.052 seconds over Escalante at Road Atlanta.[11][12] His consistent podium contention highlighted an evolving riding style focused on aggressive late-race battles and precise corner entries, often leveraging the Suzuki's agile chassis setup tuned for high-grip tracks.[13] The season's rivalry with Escalante became one of MotoAmerica's most intense, featuring frequent lead changes and close finishes that pushed Kelly to refine his tire management and braking techniques.[14] Kelly dominated the 2021 Supersport Championship, clinching the title early with a second-place finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park.[15] Riding the same M4 Ecstar Suzuki GSX-R600, he achieved 12 wins and 17 podiums in the 18-race calendar, establishing himself as the class's most successful rider that year.[4] His championship campaign showcased further maturation in riding style, emphasizing smooth throttle control and adaptive setups for varying track conditions, such as softer suspension for bumpy circuits like Road America.[16] Rivalries with young talents like Escalante and Rocco Landers intensified the competition, fostering Kelly's growth into a versatile racer capable of defending leads under pressure.[17]Transition to Superbike
Following his dominant 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship victory, where he secured 12 wins and 17 podiums aboard the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600, Sean Dylan Kelly sought to elevate his career by pursuing international opportunities.[15] His Supersport success served as a crucial stepping stone, highlighting his potential for progression to more demanding classes.[4] Kelly's transition to the MotoAmerica Superbike class was preceded by a two-year stint in the Moto2 World Championship from 2022 to 2023, where he raced for the American Racing team on a Kalex chassis before switching to Forward Racing mid-2023.[18] Despite scoring points in two rounds during his rookie Moto2 season with a best finish of 11th, the intermediate grand prix class presented significant adaptation challenges on the higher-powered prototype machinery.[4] This international experience, though limited in results, provided valuable insights into bike setup and racecraft, motivating his return to North American racing for greater competitiveness.[19] In late 2023, Kelly announced his commitment to the 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with TopPro Racing, marking his debut in the premier liter-bike class aboard a BMW M 1000 RR.[20] The move was driven by a desire to tackle the highest level of domestic competition post-Supersport dominance, allowing him to build on his 600cc expertise while adapting to the increased power and handling demands of 1000cc machinery.[21] This shift represented a strategic step toward contending for top honors in a series featuring established stars like Cameron Beaubier and Josh Herrin.[20] Kelly's initial Superbike outings began at the 2024 season opener during Daytona Speedweek in March, where he integrated into the field while familiarizing himself with the BMW's liter-class dynamics.[4] An early highlight from his career trajectory was his 2019 Daytona 200 performance, where at age 16 he claimed pole position as the youngest ever in the event's 78-year history aboard a Suzuki GSX-R600, finishing second after a red-flag restart.[22] In his rookie Superbike year, he achieved top-10 finishes across several rounds, including his first podiums—second and third places—at Barber Motorsports Park in May, demonstrating rapid adaptation and building momentum for future contention.[23]International career
Moto2 World Championship
Kelly made his debut in the Moto2 World Championship in 2019 with the American Racing Team on a KTM bike, entering as a wildcard at the Valencia Grand Prix due to age restrictions that prevented a full-season participation at 17 years old. He qualified 27th but retired from the race after crashing with two laps to go.[24][25] Following his 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport title, Kelly secured a two-year deal with American Racing for 2022 and 2023, transitioning to full-time competition on a Kalex chassis powered by Triumph engines. In his rookie full season of 2022, he adapted to the series' intensity, scoring points twice with a best finish of 11th at the Thailand Grand Prix, ending the year 29th in the standings with 5 points overall. The following year, 2023, brought further development amid setbacks; after a mid-season mutual parting with American Racing, he joined the Forward Team and notched his season-high of 15th place at the Indian Grand Prix—his first points finish—concluding again in 29th position.[18][4][26] Kelly's time in Moto2 required substantial technical adjustments to the prototype machinery, which he described as featuring a stiff, rigid grand prix chassis that demanded precise handling at the limit, often resulting in unpredictable front tire grip and early crashes that eroded confidence. Physically, the bikes' demands led to arm pump issues, prompting surgery after the 2022 Malaysian Grand Prix to improve endurance. His North American racing background provided a foundation for stamina in the grueling calendar, though the shift to European-based prototypes highlighted the steeper learning curve.[27][28] Relocating to Europe posed additional hurdles, with 2022 marking Kelly's first year living independently away from family, though by 2023 he had established a base in Spain alongside his girlfriend and a close friend for better support. As one of few American riders in grand prix, he underscored systemic barriers, stating that U.S. talents must uproot to Europe young to gain essential track time and competitiveness, a challenge limiting broader American participation.[27][29]Key achievements and challenges
During his Moto2 tenure from 2022 to 2023, Sean Dylan Kelly achieved notable milestones as one of the few American riders in the class, including scoring points in two races during his debut full season with the American Racing Team on a Kalex chassis.[1] These results, which came amid a highly competitive field dominated by European and Asian riders, marked a significant step for U.S. representation in grand prix racing. In 2023, after switching to the Forward Team mid-season, Kelly secured his best finish of the season, 15th place, at the Indian Grand Prix, demonstrating resilience in adapting to multiple teams and bike setups.[4] Kelly faced substantial challenges, including frequent crashes that hampered consistency, such as an early incident in Turn 11 during the 2022 Americas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mechanical reliability issues also plagued his campaigns, contributing to DNFs and lost opportunities in several rounds. As a U.S.-based rider competing in Europe, he navigated logistical hurdles like travel demands and adapting to unfamiliar circuits, which intensified the physical and mental toll of the series.[30] His time in Moto2 fostered personal growth through mentorship within the American Racing Team, where he benefited from the guidance of teammate and fellow American Cameron Beaubier, a former MotoAmerica champion. This environment helped Kelly refine his riding style and racecraft in high-stakes grand prix settings. Media coverage positioned him as a beacon for American motorcycle racing, often highlighting his potential to revitalize U.S. presence in MotoGP pathways.[18] Ultimately, Kelly's Moto2 experience provided invaluable grand prix exposure but yielded no podiums or victories, culminating in his departure from the series at the end of 2023 to return to domestic competition in MotoAmerica. This shift allowed him to leverage the skills gained abroad while addressing the series' steep learning curve for non-European talents.[31]Recent career developments
2024 MotoAmerica Superbike season
After a season in the Moto2 World Championship, Sean Dylan Kelly returned to MotoAmerica in 2024, signing with TopPro Racing to make his debut in the Steel Commander Superbike Championship on a BMW M 1000 RR.[20] This full-time move back to North American racing came after his 2023 international outing, positioning him as a rookie in the premier class against established superbike specialists.[21] Kelly's campaign featured notable highlights, including seven podium finishes and his first Superbike victory in Race 3 at the Circuit of the Americas on September 15, 2024, where he held off Cameron Beaubier by just 0.177 seconds to become the sixth different winner that season.[2][32] At Road America in June, he demonstrated resilience during Race 2 by recovering from a mechanical issue that caused him to run wide while running second, ultimately finishing sixth after starting strongly.[33] He secured multiple top-five results across the 20-race schedule, showcasing consistent pace on diverse tracks.[4] Adapting to the BMW's production-based power delivery and chassis setup proved challenging compared to the prototype bikes of Moto2, yet Kelly's prior international exposure aided his strategic racecraft in wheel-to-wheel battles.[34] His efforts culminated in a fourth-place finish in the final championship standings, a strong rookie showing that earned praise for his rapid progress in the class.[4]2025 season with Team Hammer
In 2025, Sean Dylan Kelly returned to Team Hammer Suzuki, competing aboard the Suzuki GSX-R1000R in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship under the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki banner, marking a reunion with the team where he had previously achieved success. This move followed a two-year contract announcement in January 2025, allowing Kelly to leverage his familiarity with the squad while aiming to contend for the title after a transitional year on BMW machinery in 2024.[2][35] Kelly established himself as a consistent front-runner throughout the season, securing multiple top-five finishes and podiums amid intense rivalries, particularly with teammate Richie Escalante, as both Suzuki riders pushed for strong results in a competitive field led by BMW and Yamaha entries. At the Circuit of the Americas round in September 2025, Kelly delivered top-five results in both Superbike races, including a fourth-place finish in Race 2 behind winner Cameron Beaubier, highlighting the GSX-R1000R's competitiveness on the Texas track. Later, at the New Jersey Motorsports Park finale in late September, Kelly engaged in fierce podium battles, culminating in a dramatic last-lap pass to claim second place in the decisive Race 3, while Escalante secured third in an earlier race, underscoring their intra-team dynamic.[3][36][37] By the season's end on September 28, 2025, Kelly finished fifth in the overall standings with 207 points, trailing champion Cameron Beaubier (371 points) and reflecting his strong contention despite not securing a win. No major injuries were reported during the campaign, positioning Kelly well for continued title pursuit in 2026 under his multi-year deal.[3][38][39]Racing statistics
Career highlights
- 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion: Kelly dominated the 2021 season, securing the championship with 12 wins and 17 podium finishes out of 18 races.[4]
- All-Time Supersport Wins: Achieved 19 victories in the MotoAmerica Supersport class, tying for second on the all-time win list.[20]
- Youngest Daytona 200 Pole: In 2019, at age 16, became the youngest pole sitter in the 78-year history of the Daytona 200.[22]
- Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Finished 10th overall in the 2018 season, with a best result of 6th place at Assen.[9]
- Moto2 World Championship Points: Scored points in two rounds during his full 2022 season debut, marking notable results for an American rider in the class.[4]
- 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Debut: Recorded seven podium finishes, including his first Superbike victory at Circuit of the Americas.[2]
- 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Podiums: Earned five podiums, including second-place finishes at Virginia International Raceway and New Jersey Motorsports Park.[40][41]
Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
| Year | Overall Position | Best Finish | Wins | Podiums |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 22nd | 13th (Brno) | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 17th | 7th (x2) | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 10th | 6th (Assen) | 0 | 0 |
MotoAmerica Supersport Championship
| Year | Position | Races Entered | Wins | Podiums | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4th | 18 | 2 | 7 | 210 |
| 2020 | 2nd | 18 | 5 | 16 | 341 |
| 2021 | 1st | 18 | 12 | 17 | 375 |
Moto2 World Championship
| Year | Grand Prix Starts | Best Finish | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 (Valencia wildcard) | 30th (Valencia) | 0 |
| 2022 | 18 | 11th (Thailand) | 8 |
| 2023 | 19 | 15th (India) | 1 |
MotoAmerica Superbike Championship
| Year | Position | Key Results | Wins | Podiums | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4th | 1st (COTA), multiple top-5s | 1 | 7 | 237 |
| 2025 | 5th | 2nd (New Jersey finale), multiple podiums | 0 | 5 | 207 |