Tyla Rattray
Encyclopedia
Tyla Rattray is a Grand Prix motocross
world champion.
Rattray made his first foray into international racing in 1999 when he participated in the inaugural FIM 85cc world cup at Gaildorf
, Germany
. Although completely unfamiliar with the conditions, he slotted straight into top level of international level racing and finished 3rd in the event. He relocated to Germany in 2000 as part of the Vangani Racing team, and participated in European -, German -, and Dutch Championship events, as well as international races. In 2001, at 15 years of age, he qualified for his first GP races. He also participated in European Championship events, and improved his standing in the Dutch Championship series.
In 2002, he formed part of the Vangani Racing "dream team" with Ben Townley
and Tanel Leok
. He won the first GP qualifying race of the season at Valkenswaard, and finished 8th in the GP. Later that year, he scored his first GP podium when he finished second at Genk in Belgium. At 16 years of age, he was one of the youngest GP podium finishers ever. He won the Dutch 125cc - and Superfinal titles in 2003 as part of the Bruforce Racing KTM
team.
He won his first GP at Bellpuig in Spain in 2004. He finished second to KTM teammate Ben Townley
in the world championship series in the 2004 MX2-GP season. Injuries kept him from challenging for the world title in 2005 and 2006. In 2008
, he won the F.I.M.
MX2-GP world championship riding for the KTM
factory racing team managed by former world champion Stefan Everts
. Before the start of the season he opted to change his permanent race number from 16 to 4 since it was available. He joins the short list of other South Africans who have taken an F.I.M. World title which include Grant Langston
(1 world title) and Greg Albertyn
(3 world titles).
Before the start of the 2009 FIM Motocross World Championship season
, it was announced the factory KTM team and Rattray were parting ways. Both Rattray and KTM parted mutually as Ratray expressed a greater interest to ride in the United States, following the path of other South Africans such as Grant Langston
and Greg Albertyn
. Rattray finished the 2009 AMA Motocross Championship season in 9th place in the 250 class.
2010 Tyla Rattray Finished 2nd in the 250 class and is currently leading the points in 250 class 2011
Motocross
Motocross is a form of motorcycle sport or all-terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits. It evolved from trials, and was called scrambles, and later motocross, combining the French moto with cross-country...
world champion.
Rattray made his first foray into international racing in 1999 when he participated in the inaugural FIM 85cc world cup at Gaildorf
Gaildorf
Gaildorf is a town in the district of Schwäbisch Hall, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is located on the river Kocher, 13 km south of Schwäbisch Hall.-People:* Stefan Everts* Hermann Frasch...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. Although completely unfamiliar with the conditions, he slotted straight into top level of international level racing and finished 3rd in the event. He relocated to Germany in 2000 as part of the Vangani Racing team, and participated in European -, German -, and Dutch Championship events, as well as international races. In 2001, at 15 years of age, he qualified for his first GP races. He also participated in European Championship events, and improved his standing in the Dutch Championship series.
In 2002, he formed part of the Vangani Racing "dream team" with Ben Townley
Ben Townley
Ben Townley is a professional motocross rider originating from Taupo, New Zealand.After claiming multiple National championships in his native New Zealand, Townley moved to Europe and began campaigning the MX2-GP World Championships...
and Tanel Leok
Tanel Leok
Tanel Leok is an Estonian motocross racer competing in the FIM Motocross World Championships in MX1 class.-Early life:...
. He won the first GP qualifying race of the season at Valkenswaard, and finished 8th in the GP. Later that year, he scored his first GP podium when he finished second at Genk in Belgium. At 16 years of age, he was one of the youngest GP podium finishers ever. He won the Dutch 125cc - and Superfinal titles in 2003 as part of the Bruforce Racing KTM
KTM
KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer.The company was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen. It started out as a metal working shop and was named Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen...
team.
He won his first GP at Bellpuig in Spain in 2004. He finished second to KTM teammate Ben Townley
Ben Townley
Ben Townley is a professional motocross rider originating from Taupo, New Zealand.After claiming multiple National championships in his native New Zealand, Townley moved to Europe and began campaigning the MX2-GP World Championships...
in the world championship series in the 2004 MX2-GP season. Injuries kept him from challenging for the world title in 2005 and 2006. In 2008
2008 FIM Motocross World Championship season
The 2008 FIM Motocross World Championship season was the 52rd F.I.M. Motocross Racing World Championship season.- MX1 and MX2 :-MX3:-Riders' Championship:-Manufacturers' Championship:-Riders' Championship:-Manufacturers' Championship:...
, he won the F.I.M.
Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme is the governing body of motorcycle racing. It represents 103 national motorcycle federations that are divided into six regional continental unions....
MX2-GP world championship riding for the KTM
KTM
KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer.The company was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen. It started out as a metal working shop and was named Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen...
factory racing team managed by former world champion Stefan Everts
Stefan Everts
Stefan Everts is a motocross racer from Belgium, who retired in 2006 after securing his record 10th World Title. He also holds several other motocross records....
. Before the start of the season he opted to change his permanent race number from 16 to 4 since it was available. He joins the short list of other South Africans who have taken an F.I.M. World title which include Grant Langston
Grant Langston (motorcyclist)
Grant Langston , is a former Grand Prix motocross world champion.Langston began competing in the world championships in 1998, and by 2000, he had won the F.I.M. 125cc world championship as a member of the KTM factory racing team. He moved to the United States in 2001 to compete in the A.M.A...
(1 world title) and Greg Albertyn
Greg Albertyn
Greg Albertyn , is a former World Champion motocross racer. He is now a real estate developer in Riverside, California....
(3 world titles).
Before the start of the 2009 FIM Motocross World Championship season
2009 FIM Motocross World Championship season
The 2009 FIM Motocross World Championship season is the 53rd F.I.M. Motocross Racing World Championship season. Antonio Cairoli won the MX1 title for Yamaha, Marvin Musquin claimed the MX2 title for KTM and Pierre Renet triumphed in MX3 for Honda....
, it was announced the factory KTM team and Rattray were parting ways. Both Rattray and KTM parted mutually as Ratray expressed a greater interest to ride in the United States, following the path of other South Africans such as Grant Langston
Grant Langston (motorcyclist)
Grant Langston , is a former Grand Prix motocross world champion.Langston began competing in the world championships in 1998, and by 2000, he had won the F.I.M. 125cc world championship as a member of the KTM factory racing team. He moved to the United States in 2001 to compete in the A.M.A...
and Greg Albertyn
Greg Albertyn
Greg Albertyn , is a former World Champion motocross racer. He is now a real estate developer in Riverside, California....
. Rattray finished the 2009 AMA Motocross Championship season in 9th place in the 250 class.
2010 Tyla Rattray Finished 2nd in the 250 class and is currently leading the points in 250 class 2011