Long-Term Talent Development in Motorsports

Spain, Italy, and Japan consider it vital to produce more motorbike racers. The contributions of racers
to bike development is substantial. This in turn helps the economy by creating job opportunities for
youngsters. Talent identification begins with the identification of potential racers at the pocket bike
level to the highest level, which is MotoGP. This paper examines the dualist nature of youth talents as
both a student and a racer. The study aims to identify the key aspects that affect their career
development in this area. The study employed the qualitative approach and interviewed two racers
(13-19 years old) that have participated in Malaysia Super Series and Cub Prix and two racing team
owners. The data were collected over a period of three months. The data were analyzed to identify
major themes in the nurturing of motorsport talents. The results revealed the key aspects of talent
development in motorsports. Qualities and passion are necessary in talent identification and
development and in the future career of youth talents as professional racers. Collaborations with
education institutions (in terms of knowledge sharing through research activities) may influence their
involvement in the long-term development of motorsport talent. Academic support is increasingly
needed to ensure effective long-term development of youth racers from the first instance of
identification up to the professional level. Additionally, factors like training, diet, time management,
and discipline are also important determinants of a youth racer’s performance. Most interviewees
agreed that racers faced career challenges as they receive inadequate and improper guidance
towards the final phase of the socialization process and specialization to become a professional racer.
The opportunities in motorsports are large, and so much attention needs to be focused on them.
Certain issues demand actions from the ministry and independent organizations, which will influence
policy making and practices inside the track.