Eugene Laverty

Read about Eugene Laverty, including career highlights, pictures and news of the road racer right here at Motorcycle USA.

Hailing from northern Ireland, Eugene Laverty was born with racing in his blood. Eugene’s older brothers Michael and John Laverty have both emerged as part of a dynasty in British Superbike, with the trio all getting their start in the 125cc British series. In 2001 at the age of 15, Laverty participated in the Irish Young Guns Series where he finished third overall. Just a few years later, the up-and-comer fell just shy of taking the 125cc title after claiming four wins.

In 2005 Laverty’s skill caught the attention of Red Bull, who signed the rookie to compete in the British Supersport series aboard a 600cc Honda. The Irishman landed a podium finish during his debut at Donington Park and went on to claim ninth overall, a result which led Red Bull to re-sign him the following season. The young gun went on to record mixed results over the course of the next few seasons, with DNFs costing him titles on two separate occasions against rivals Cal Crutchlow and Tom Sykes. In 2007 Laverty accepted a deal to ride for LCR Honda in the 250GP series, catapulting him into a world championship at the age of 21.

Despite a sluggish start to his GP career, Laverty received an opportunity to fill-in for injured Yamaha rider Fabien Foret in the World Supersport series on two separate occasions. In his final ride with Yamaha, Laverty participated in a bitter fight for the podium, which the Irishman managed to nab at the checkers. It is largely because of this performance that Laverty left the 250GP series to secure a full-time deal with Parkalgar Honda in the 2009 World Supersport Championship.

Laverty pulled out a dominating display in his maiden WSS season by taking victories at Losail, Assen, Kyalami and Portimao. Despite strong performances throughout the year, however, Laverty lost another title to his long-standing rival, Cal Crutchlow, but finished second overall ahead of former champs Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret. After his contract was renewed for 2010, Laverty contested the series again – this time taking eight wins over the competition. Even this wasn’t enough for the Irishman to claim victory, however, as a DNF at Brno cost him the championship yet again.
 
Because of his strong results in Supersport, Laverty received a promotion to Yamaha in the 2011 World Superbike series. Unlike the steep learning curve he experienced in the 250GP series, Laverty saw instant success in the premier class. The Irishman led the first lap during the season opener at Phillip Island, and eventually snagged a double victory at Monza on the way to finishing fourth overall in his rookie season.
 
For 2012 Laverty is relocating to the factory Aprilia team in World Superbike where he is joined with veteran racer, Max Biaggi.