Michael van der Mark, born on October 26, 1992, in Gouda, Netherlands, is a professional motorcycle racer known for his skills in the Superbike World Championships. Growing up in Gouda, van der Mark developed a passion for motorcycles at an early age and began racing competitively in his teenage years.
His career in motorcycle racing officially began in 2008 when he joined the Grand Prix motorcycle racing season, riding a Honda 125cc for the Dutch Racing Team. Despite being a newcomer to the racing scene, van der Mark quickly caught the attention of spectators and industry experts with his impressive skills on the track.
Van der Mark's breakthrough in the racing world came in 2012 when he won the European Superstock 600 Championship. This victory solidified his reputation as a rising star in the world of motorcycle racing and opened up new opportunities for him to showcase his talent on a global stage.
One of van der Mark's notable achievements in his career is winning the Suzuka 8 Hours with his teammate, Leon Haslam, in the Endurance FIM World Championships. The duo rode a Honda CBR1000RRW to victory, further establishing van der Mark as a force to be reckoned with in the world of endurance racing.
Throughout his career, van der Mark has garnered sponsorship from industry giants like Yamaha, which has enabled him to compete at the highest levels of motorcycle racing. He currently rides a Yamaha YZF-R1, showcasing his technical prowess and racing skills on the track.
In 2015, van der Mark achieved another milestone in his career when he won the Suzuka 8 Hours championship with the Yamaha team. This victory, alongside fellow racer Alex Lowes, solidified van der Mark's reputation as one of the most talented and successful racers in the sport.
Despite his busy racing schedule, van der Mark remains grounded and connected to his roots in Gouda, Netherlands. He values his upbringing and credits his family and community for supporting him throughout his journey to success in the world of motorcycle racing.
Van der Mark's dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him a beloved figure in the racing community and a role model for aspiring young racers around the world. As he continues to push boundaries and break records in the sport, there is no doubt that Michael van der Mark's legacy will endure for years to come.