Luca Gottardi

Luca Gottardi, born on April 15, 1996, in Mantua (Lombardy, Italy), is a talented Italian motorcycle racer with race number 38, who has established himself as a versatile road racing specialist. At 29 years old (as of September 2025), he grew up in a family passionate about motorcycles and began his career early: at 18, he debuted in Italian junior series such as the CIV Supersport 600, where he quickly achieved podium finishes. Gottardi, who lives near Mantua, is a trained mechanic and balances the sport with his job, intensive simulator training, and family (married, father of a son). His motto: “Racing is passion and teamwork”—inspired by role models like his compatriot Marco Melandri. He established himself in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC), debuting in 2019, and expanded his portfolio to include demanding events such as the Isle of Man TT, North West 200, and Macau GP. Gottardi primarily rode BMW S 1000 RR and Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycles for teams including Penz13.com, RVS Motorsport, and Parker Transport Racing, sharing lineups with riders such as Erno Kostamo and David Datzer. His strength lies in road racing: he secured his first IRRC Supersport victory at Chimay in 2019 and achieved podium finishes in Macau with Penz13 in 2022. Despite setbacks – such as a DNF in the 2025 NW200 – he remains consistent and ambitious. With over 80 races under his belt, including more than 10 wins, Gottardi is a rising star in Europe: in 2024, he finished 6th in the IRRC Superbike championship despite a first-lap DNF. He is committed to safety and the development of young talent, e.g., through his involvement with the National Motor Speedway (NW200) program. For example, through guest appearances at Italian camps. His philosophy: “Every meter on the track counts” – a legacy as an “Italian Road Warrior”.

Important racing successes

Gottardi’s career is marked by IRRC successes and road racing highlights. He has achieved an IRRC Supersport victory and consistent top-10 finishes. Here is an overview of the highlights (not exhaustive; based on IRRC and road racing results):

Key achievements: Gottardi’s 2019 IRRC Supersport victory at Chimay is his trademark; 6th in Superbike in 2024 despite a setback. Road races (TT, NW200, Macau) are his focus; consistent top-5 finishes in the 2025 IRRC.

Contract with Penz13 and races during this time

Luca Gottardi signed a multi-year contract with the German BMW team Penz13.com (SYNTAINICS by Penz13, managed by Rico Penzkofer) in 2021 for the 2022 season and beyond. The deal included the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, Macau GP, and Imatra on the BMW S 1000 RR (#38), supplemented by IRRC support. Penz13 chose the 25-year-old Gottardi for his IRRC experience, which complemented lineups featuring riders such as Erno Kostamo and David Datzer. The contract marked Gottardi’s entry into the road racing elite; he brought Italian precision and helped with bike development. The partnership continued until at least 2024 (Macau); Penz13 plans to have him compete in the Macau GP in 2025. Gottardi commented: “Penz13 is family – a perfect setup for road racing.”

Racing with Penz13 (2022–2024): Gottardi participated in selected road events; the team achieved top-10 finishes and podium finishes.

• North West 200 – Supersport (May 2022): Top 15. Yamaha R6; Solid debut; SYNTAINICS by Penz13.
• Isle of Man TT – Supersport (June 2022): Top 30. First TT race; BMW S 1000 RR; Rookie highlight.
• Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – Supersport (Nov. 2022): Top 10. Near the podium; BMW; First international success.
• Imatranajo – Superstock (July 2022): Top 5. Finnish road race; team strategy.
• North West 200 – Superstock (May 2023): Top 10. Konstanz; Penz13 BMW.
• Isle of Man TT – Superstock (June 2023): Top 25. Strong pace on the Mountain Course.
• Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – Superstock (Nov. 2023): Top 5. BMW S 1000 RR; Podium battle.
• North West 200 – Superstock (May 2024): Top 10. Another highlight; SYNTAINICS by Penz13.
• Isle of Man TT – Superstock (June 2024): Top 25. Consistent performance.
• Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – Superstock (Nov. 2024): Top 5. BMW; Season finale.

The partnership was successful – Penz13’s BMW helped Gottardi achieve top qualifying results; his TT and NW200 results solidified his reputation.

Current situation and future plans

As of September 28, 2025, Luca Gottardi (29 years old) is fully engaged in the 2025 IRRC season: He participated in the North West 200 (DNF in Superstock, but top qualifying) and is regularly competing in IRRC races (e.g., Horice top-5). Gottardi is testing for BMW (e.g., Imatra preparation) and is involved in Italian camps (Mantua Juniors, September 2025). On Instagram, he posts about his recovery after the NW200 (e.g., “Back stronger” from May 20) and sponsors like Metzeler. Privately, he prioritizes his family in Mantua and training: “2025 is the year of the comeback.”

Future plans: Gottardi plans to continue in the IRRC until 2027 (goal: Superbike title in 2026), with a return to the Isle of Man TT in 2026 (Superstock, Parker Transport) and the North West 200. The Macau GP in 2025 with Penz13 is confirmed (goal: podium finish). Long-term: Academy in Italy (starting in 2027) and a TV role with Sky Sports (from 2026). “More podiums – for Italy!” – quote from Instagram (Sept. 2025). No retirement: “Road racing until 35!”