Australian motorcycle racer Drew De Boer has defied the odds in what can only be described as one of the most extraordinary comebacks in Motorsport history. After nearly two decades of setbacks, near fatal crashes, and life threatening injuries, De Boer has signed a three-year contract with Yamaha Racing to compete in the prestigious MotoAmerica Championship.
At 36, De Boer will join Yamaha Racing as a reserve rider in 2025 and is confirmed to race at full capacity in 2026. This incredible achievement is the culmination of years of perseverance, unmatched resilience, and an unrelenting passion for motorcycle racing.
De Boer’s road to the professional racing world has been anything but conventional. Starting his career at 17, he earned a shot in the 125cc World Championship in Europe, but a series of personal setbacks led to the premature termination of that opportunity before he even left Australia. Rather than giving up, De Boer used this early disappointment as fuel to work relentlessly behind the scenes as a test rider and development specialist.
His work with top tier teams, including Suzuki in Japan, led to the development of several championship winning bikes. Despite his behind the scenes role, his dream of competing at the highest level never faltered.
In 2023, De Boer’s career, and his life, were nearly cut short. During a high speed test at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit, he was involved in one of the most brutal crashes of his career. Travelling at over 230 km/h, De Boer was thrown violently from his bike, landing in a manner that would break most riders' spirits and their bodies.
The crash resulted in a fractured neck, multiple broken bones from his collarbone to his feet, and severe trauma to his entire body. He was unconscious at the scene and immediately airlifted to the nearest hospital.
“The crash was catastrophic,” De Boer recalls. “I remember being told by the doctors that my neck was broken, my body was shattered from collarbone to feet, and that I might never walk again. It was like my entire world had come crashing down in that instant.”
Despite the extensive damage, including broken bones, torn ligaments, and significant spinal injuries, De Boer’s indomitable spirit refused to accept defeat. His recovery was nothing short of miraculous, as he endured months of excruciating physical therapy, surgery, and mental battles just to regain basic mobility.
“That crash was a turning point,” De Boer says. “I was told I’d never walk again, and yet here I am, healthier, stronger, and more determined than ever to race at the highest level. I had to remind myself that racing has always been my passion, and I was going to finish what I started, no matter how hard it was.”
In October 2024, De Boer’s remarkable determination caught the eye of Yamaha Racing during a testing week in California. Recognising his determination and resilience, Yamaha, with support from Monster Energy, offered De Boer a multi year contract to compete in the MotoAmerica Championship,
Reflecting on his journey, De Boer says, “It’s incredible how life unfolds. I’ve come through this experience more motivated and determined than ever. Racing professionally has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and now, with Yamaha by my side, I’m more excited than ever to chase those goals.”
De Boer’s journey, both on and off the track, is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As he prepares to make his long awaited debut in the USA, he hopes to inspire not only his fellow riders but anyone who has faced life’s toughest challenges.
“This is just the beginning,” says De Boer. “I want to show others that no matter the challenges you face, with enough determination and heart, you can always find a way to achieve your dreams.”
