Sunshine Coast motorbike racer Drew De Boer has signed a groundbreaking multi-million-dollar deal with Yamaha USA to race in the MotoAmerica championship, along with a major sponsorship from Monster Energy.
This deal represents a remarkable comeback for 36-year-old De Boer, who, after a life-altering crash just a year ago, has defied the odds to return to professional racing at the highest level.
De Boer has spent much of his career in relative obscurity, working as a test and development rider for Suzuki in Japan.
His early potential was evident when he was offered a spot in the 125cc Moto3 championship at just 17.
However, a series of setbacks derailed what seemed like a promising career in international racing.
Rather than give up, De Boer used these challenges as motivation to carve out a respected role behind the scenes, working with several top MotoGP teams as a development rider.
In 2020, after years of contributing to the sport from the sidelines, De Boer made the bold decision to return to professional racing. But in 2023, tragedy struck during a test session at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. A devastating crash at 230 km/h left him with multiple fractures and severe internal injuries, leading doctors to fear that he might never walk again.
De Boer, however, refused to accept this prognosis. His road to recovery was long and arduous, but his determination and relentless spirit saw him back on a bike just 11 months later.
His return to the track was nothing short of miraculous, and by October 2024, De Boer made a bold move to the United States to try out for Yamaha USA’s MotoAmerica team.
His stunning recovery and evident talent during the tests quickly caught the attention of Yamaha, who, impressed by his performance and grit, offered him a lucrative three-year contract to race at the pinnacle of American motorcycle racing.
De Boer now stands poised to compete against the best riders in the MotoAmerica series, with Yamaha USA and Monster Energy backing him every step of the way.
“I’ve had to fight for every step I’ve taken, and to be here now, racing at the pinnacle of U.S. motorcycle racing with Yamaha and Monster Energy behind me, it feels surreal,” De Boer said.
“This is more than just a comeback; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance. I want to show everyone that anything is possible if you don’t give up.”
With Yamaha and Monster Energy now in his corner, De Boer is set to make his mark in the MotoAmerica championship, elevating both his career and the sport itself.
His incredible journey from recovery to top-level racing will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for aspiring riders and fans alike, proving that sheer determination can overcome even the greatest of challenges.
Jim Roach, Motorsport director for Yamaha USA, expressed his enthusiasm saying, “Drew’s determination and talent are truly inspiring. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Yamaha family and look forward to seeing him push the limits.”
Brian D. Cummings, Global Motorsports director at Monster Energy, echoed those sentiments: “Drew is a fighter. His remarkable comeback after such a severe injury speaks volumes about his character and drive. We are proud to be part of his journey and beyond.”
