Sheridan Morais

Sheridan Morais, born on March 11, 1985 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is an experienced South African motorcycle racer with the number 32 (often called “Shez”), known for his versatility, aggressiveness, and success in international series. Born into a motorcycle-loving family, Morais began his career at the age of 18 in local South African cups and quickly established himself as a national hero, becoming a five-time South African champion in the Superbike and Supersport classes. His international breakthrough came in 2014 with his debut in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), where he competed for teams such as Orelac Racing and Grillini Racing. Morais also shone in the World Supersport Championship (WorldSSP), with a historic first pole position in 2017 at Lausitzring, and expanded his portfolio to the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), MotoAmerica and demanding road races such as the Macau Grand Prix and the Isle of Man TT. He mainly rode machines such as the Kawasaki ZX-10R, Yamaha YZF-R1 and Honda CBR1000RR-R for teams such as Wojcik Racing, Kallio Racing and Penz13. Known for his toughness – he often continued racing injured – and his ability to work as a team, he shared line-ups with riders such as Niki Tuuli and Iván Silva. Morais balances the sport with family (married, father) and media presence: He hosts the “Talking MotoGP” podcast and is committed to developing young talent in South Africa. His motto: “Ride hard, live harder” – inspired by mentors such as his father. With over 200 races under his belt, including 50+ in World Championship series, Morais is a pioneer for African riders. At the age of 40 (as of 2025), he celebrated his first title in CNV Moto Superbike (Portugal) and plans to dominate the EWC. Despite setbacks such as technical problems in WorldSBK, he remains ambitious: “Racing is my life, but family is my priority.”

Important racing successes

Morais’s career includes national titles, World Championship poles, and podium finishes in EWC/Road Races. He doesn’t have any outright World Championship titles, but he does have consistent top-10 finishes. Here’s a summary of the highlights (not exhaustive; based on WorldSBK, WorldSSP, and EWC stats):

Notes on his successes: Morais’ five SA titles are his foundation; the 2017 WorldSSP pole and the 2022/2023 EWC podiums are highlights. In WSBK, he was a consistent top-20 finisher; the 2025 CNV title was a milestone.

Contract with Penz13 and races during this time

In 2015, Sheridan Morais signed a one-year contract with the German BMW team Penz13.com (Team Green), specializing in EWC and road racing. The deal covered the FIM EWC season on the BMW S 1000 RR (#32), with a focus on the Suzuka 8h as his debut. Penz13, managed by Rico Penzkofer and with BMW support, selected the 30-year-old Morais for his WorldSSP experience, joining Broc Parkes and Iván Silva. The contract marked his EWC debut and was intended to secure podium finishes; Morais brought South African speed. The partnership later expanded, with a 2022 wildcard entry with SYNTAINICS by Penz13 Honda for the Macau GP. The partnership ended after 2022; Penz13 praised him as a “road racing star” in their timeline.

Racing with Penz13 (2015–2022): Morais participated in two main events; the team qualified in the top 5 and achieved podium finishes.

• FIM EWC – Suzuka 8 Hours (July 26–27, 2015): 8th overall (#32 BMW S 1000 RR). Line-up: Morais, Parkes, Silva. Provisional pole (2:10.383); Morais’s stints in the heat were decisive; “Great debut” (quote).
• Macau GP Superbike (November 2022): Top 3 (#32 Honda CBR1000RR-R). SYNTAINICS by Penz13; Early lead until lap 3; podium finish ahead of Kostamo/Berger.

The cooperation was short but effective – Penz13’s EWC presence benefited from Morais’ pace; his Macau podium was a highlight.

Current and future plans

As of September 27, 2025 (40 years old), Sheridan Morais is fully engaged in racing: In September, he celebrated his first 2025 CNV Moto Superbike title with Mawiki Racing Ducati in Portugal – a milestone after a dominant season. At the same time, he competes in the FIM EWC for Motobox Kremer Racing on a Yamaha YZF-R1 (contract January 2025), achieving top-10 finishes at the Bol d’Or (April) and participating in regular races (e.g., Suzuka in August). He has also been testing as an official Yamaha test rider (EWC-focused) since May 2025. Morais hosts the weekly “Talking MotoGP” podcast (e.g., episode on COTA April 2025) and is involved in SA junior camps (Kyalami Training). He posts on Instagram about sponsors such as NGK (e.g., helmet review July 2025). In his private life, he enjoys spending time with his family in Johannesburg, including his hobby of enduro riding.

Future plans: Morais plans to continue the EWC with Motobox-Kremer until 2027, aiming for podium finishes (e.g., Le Mans 2026). Possible guest appearances: Macau GP 2026 and SA Classic TT. Long-term: Expanding the podcast into a TV show (DAZN SA starting in 2026) and establishing a “Morais Racing Academy” for African talent (launching in 2027). “EWC title and family – that’s my focus” – quote from an Instagram post (September 2025). No retirement: “Racing until I’m 45!”