Pakita Ruiz, PS RACING TEAM 46+1
Pakita Ruiz, PS RACING TEAM 46+1
Spanish, 27
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From the Balearics to the World Championship: The Journey of Pakita Ruiz
With nearly two decades of competitive racing experience, Pakita Ruiz has forged her path through sheer determination and skill. A native of Mallorca, the 27-year-old has been inspired by the sporting achievements of fellow Spaniards like Rafa Nadal and Laia Sanz. However, two figures stand out as her personal inspirations: legendary rider Valentino Rossi and her own grandfather. These influences led her to choose the iconic number 46 for her races, a number that represents both her admiration for Rossi and the birth year of her grandfather.
Family plays a significant role in Ruiz’s racing career, with her younger brother serving as her mechanic for the past decade. Together, they have navigated the challenges of the racing world, solidifying the bond between them on and off the track.
A Hidden Bike Unleashes a Passion
Reflecting on how her love for motorcycles began, Ruiz shares, “When I was three, my uncle gifted me my first bike on Kings’ Day (Epiphany), but my mother hid it from me. We moved when I was six or seven, and that’s when I found it again. After that, they couldn’t get me off it.” That first bike, a 50cc Mini Cross Factory, became the spark that ignited her racing career. “Six months later, I was in my first race,” she recalls with pride.
A Long Road of Competitive Success
Ruiz’s racing career officially began in 2006 when she entered junior Minicross. Over the years, she competed in Supermotard, Pit Bike, Motocross, and Scooter championships, riding bikes ranging from 65cc to 125cc. In 2011, she became the 80cc Open Champion of the Balearic Islands, followed by winning the Balearic Islands Supersport 600cc Championship in 2015. That same year, she claimed the Spanish Women’s Stock 600cc title, a feat she repeated for four consecutive seasons.
Her success continued with the 2020 and 2022 ESBK Women’s Supersport 600cc Championships. She also made history by winning the Yamaha R6 Cup in 2021 as the only woman on the grid.
A Clear Goal Since Childhood
When asked what drove her to pursue competitive riding, Ruiz’s answer is simple: passion. “From the moment I got on my first bike, I felt an excitement I had never experienced before,” she explains. It was a minibike race in her hometown that cemented her ambition at just six years old. “I told my parents I wanted to do the same—I wanted to race.”
The Significance of Number 46
Though Ruiz admires current riders like Marc Marquez and Jonathan Rea, it was Valentino Rossi who first caught her eye. “I always used the number 46 because of Rossi,” she explains. However, the number holds personal meaning as well. “My grandfather was born in 1946, so it’s a tribute to both him and Rossi.” One of her earliest memories involves her grandfather taking her to ride in the neighborhood, a moment that still resonates with her. “Sadly, he passed away too soon, but his influence stays with me. He was always there for me and my brother.”
Racing with Family by Her Side
Ruiz’s close bond with her family is integral to her success. Her brother, three years younger, has been her mechanic since 2014, learning everything from the basics to advanced techniques over the years. “At first, I taught him simple things like changing wheels and putting on tyre warmers. Now, he’s the one showing me new tricks!” she says with a smile. Although he’s an electrician by trade, his passion for mechanics has made him a reliable partner on her racing journey. “He tells me, ‘You’re the rider; I’ll handle the rest.’”
A Growing Collection of Bikes
Ruiz is also an avid collector of motorcycles. “I’ve got bikes all over the house!” she laughs, listing her collection, which includes racing scooters, motocross bikes, and her first-ever bike. With plans to create a personal museum someday, she envisions a space filled with her bikes, helmets, and leathers—tangible mementos of her racing career.
Dedication Beyond the Track
While Ruiz enjoys relaxing on her home island—spending time on the beach, hiking in the mountains, and taking coastal walks—racing remains her true passion. Her journey has not been without financial challenges. “I used to sell race calendars door to door,” she recalls. Today, she continues to work part-time cleaning houses to fund her racing career. “Racing means everything to me,” she says. “It’s like a fairy tale with a happy ending. My dream has always been to compete in a World Championship and become a professional rider.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Ruiz hopes to inspire the next generation of riders, particularly young women. “I want to show girls and women that they can achieve their dreams, despite any challenges or limitations placed on them,” she says with conviction. “I never gave up, and I want others to see themselves in my story—to fight for their own dreams and be true to who they want to be.”
Catch WorldWCR in Action
Ruiz and her team will be back on track at the Estoril Round from October 11th to 13th at the Circuito Estoril.
Official WorldWCR Press Release
