Michael Laverty

Michael Laverty, born on June 7, 1981 in Toomebridge (County Antrim, Northern Ireland), is a former British motorcycle racer known for his versatility, toughness, and family connection to the sport, bearing his number 7. As the younger brother of successful MotoGP and WSBK rider Eugene Laverty and grandson of legendary Joey Dunlop (24-time TT winner), he grew up in a racing dynasty. His passion began early: at the age of six, he competed in Schoolboy Motocross, learning principles such as discipline and risk management that would shape his career. Laverty made his debut in 1997 at the age of 16 in Mondello Park (Ireland) and quickly established himself in the British Supersport Championship (BSS), where he consistently achieved top-10 finishes from 2001 to 2004. His big breakthrough came in 2007 with the BSS title – a triumph that cemented him as “Northern Ireland’s Finest.” He moved to the British Superbike Championship (BSB) in 2008, competing for teams such as Relentless Suzuki and Tyco BMW, and expanded his portfolio internationally: World Supersport (WSS), AMA Pro Racing (USA), and the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC). Laverty also excelled in demanding road races such as the Isle of Man TT (debut in 2013, 10 starts) and the North West 200. His strength lay in the Superstock class on the BMW S 1000 RR, with a focus on teamwork and tactical riding. After a serious crash in 2016 (broken ribs) and family priorities (he is married and a father), he reduced his starts in 2019 and switched to media and team management. In 2021, he founded the MLav Racing Team, which competes in Moto3, the Junior World Championship, and now Road Racing. His motto: “Race with heart” – a tribute to Joey Dunlop. With over 150 races under his belt, including victories in national series, Laverty is now a MotoGP pundit for TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), where he co-presents with Suzi Perry. At the age of 44 (as of 2025), he balances family, commentary, and team management, inspired by his Northern Irish heritage.

Important racing successes

Laverty’s career includes national titles, international podiums, and road racing highlights. He has achieved a BSS title and several top placings. Here is an overview of the milestones (not exhaustive; based on BSB, WSS, and TT results):

Notes on success: Laverty’s 2007 BSS title is his greatest triumph; in BSB, he was consistently in the top 10. TT (10 starts) and AMA (2nd place in 2009) underscore his versatility. After 2019, focus on media/team.

Contract with Penz13 and races during this time

In 2019, Michael Laverty signed a one-year contract with the German BMW team Penz13.com (WEPOL Racing by Penz13), specializing in EWC and road racing. The deal included the full FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) season on the BMW S 1000 RR (#7), supplemented by IRRC support. Penz13, managed by Rico Penzkofer and with BMW Motorrad France support, selected the 38-year-old Laverty for his BSB and road experience, joining Danny Webb (GBR) and Sheridan Morais (RSA). The contract marked Laverty’s EWC debut and was intended to secure podiums; he brought Northern Irish precision and helped with bike setup. The collaboration ended after 2019, as Laverty prioritized media; Penz13 honored him as a “Team Hero” in their timeline.

Racing with Penz13 (2019): Laverty participated in all four EWC races; the team qualified in the top 5 and achieved one podium finish.

• 24 Hours of Le Mans (April 18–19, 2019): 3rd overall (#13 BMW S 1000 RR). Line-up: Laverty, Webb, Morais. Laverty’s final stint; podium finish despite rain and mechanical problems.
• Bol d’Or (September 14–15, 2019): Top 10. Strong qualifying; Laverty’s night stints; team points.
• Oschersleben 8 Hours (June 29–30, 2019): Pole position. Fastest practice time; Laverty’s lead laps; top-5 races.
• Suzuka 8 Hours (November 23–24, 2019): 8th overall. Finished with consistency; Laverty’s hot stints were decisive.

The season was a highlight – Penz13’s Le Mans podium benefited from Laverty’s experience; his debut cemented his reputation as an endurance talent.

Current and future plans

As of September 27, 2025 (age 44), Michael Laverty is no longer active as a rider – his focus is on media and team management. As a MotoGP pundit for TNT Sports, he hosts weekly rounds (e.g., commenting on Quartararo’s Yamaha V4 criticism on September 26, 2025: “Underwhelmed by what I’ve heard”), together with Suzi Perry. He manages the MLav Racing Team, which is expanding in 2025: Moto3 World Championship (e.g., Junior Championship), European Talent Cup, and now Road Racing – debuting at the Isle of Man TT (May/June 2025) with Ian Hutchinson and Mike Browne in Superstock/Superbike (BMW S 1000 RR). In addition, in April 2025, he founded a new BSB team (8TEN Racing) for Bennett’s BSB, which has competed in several rounds (e.g., Donington in September 2025). Laverty is involved in youth development (MLav Junior Team) and charity events in Northern Ireland. On Instagram, he posts about sponsors such as Vision Track (e.g., helmet review in August 2025). In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family in Toomebridge, including his motocross hobbies.

Future plans: Laverty plans to expand MLav Racing by 2027: a full-time BSB team in 2026 (at least three bikes), TT expansion (North West 200 in 2026), and Moto3 dominance. He will remain a pundit with TNT Sports, with podcast plans (“Laverty on MotoGP” starting in 2026). Possible guest appearances: Classic TT in 2026. Long-term: Academy for Northern Irish talent (starting in 2027). “TT debut is the entry into road racing – for Ollie and Joey” – quote from X-Post (April 2025). No comeback as a rider: “Now I’m giving back.”