Finding Opportunity at Full Throttle:
The journey of Cpl Kenny Macleod

For Corporal Kenny Macleod, motorcycle racing had always been a dream. Growing Fup on a small island off the north coast of Scotland, weekends often revolved around watching MotoGP with his dad, cheering on childhood hero Valentino Rossi and imagining what it would be like to race himself. It was a passion that stayed with him into adulthood—but one he never thought would become reality.

Today, Kenny is an aircraft engineer in the Royal Air Force, a competitor in the British Superbike Championship with True Heroes Racing and an RAF Central Fund Ambassador. His journey is proof that RAF Sport can open doors, helping serving personnel pursue ambitions they may never have believed were possible.

A childhood passion

Long before he joined the RAF, Kenny had developed a love of motorcycle racing.

“I grew up watching MotoGP, British Superbikes and World Superbikes,” he says. “My bedroom was covered in Valentino Rossi posters and every race weekend my dad and I would be watching together. That’s really where the passion came from.”

His dad loved motorcycles too, and although neither of them had any racing experience, they shared an enthusiasm for the sport. Kenny even had a motocross bike as a youngster, although riding was always just for fun.

“I loved bikes, but racing felt like something that happened to other people. It wasn’t something I ever thought I’d have the chance to do.”

As school came to an end, Kenny decided university was not the right path for him. Instead, he was looking for a career that would offer challenge, travel and opportunities to develop.

“The RAF stood out because it offered so much more than just a job. It was a chance to experience things I never would have otherwise.”

Discovering RAF Motorsport

When Kenny joined the RAF, motorcycle racing was not at the forefront of his mind. Like many people, he knew about the RAF’s traditional sports, but had no idea there was an established Motorcycle Road Racing Team. That all changed during training at RAF Cosford, when he met the team’s captain, who introduced him to RAF Motorsport and explained how he could compete while balancing a military career.

“It completely changed my perspective. I hadn’t realised the RAF supported motorcycle racing in that way or that there was such a well-established team.”

Inspired to give it a go, Kenny gained his racing licence before buying his first race bike with his dad, a well-used Honda that cost just £600.

“We thought we’d turn up and there would be a few people with bikes parked behind transit vans. Then we arrived at our first meeting and realised how big grassroots racing actually is. The paddock was enormous and there were so many teams. It was an eye-opening moment.”

It was also the beginning of a journey that would take him far beyond anything he had imagined.

The support network for success

Although racing is often seen as an individual sport, Kenny says one of the biggest surprises was the strength of the RAF Motorsport community. From the moment he joined, experienced riders were ready to offer advice, share knowledge and help him improve.

“The support was incredible. You’re instantly part of a team with people who have years of experience and genuinely want to help you succeed. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Whether it’s learning the circuits, setting the bike up or just understanding how race weekends work, there’s always someone willing to help.”

That camaraderie allowed Kenny to progress quickly, but he believes it also reflects the values which makes sport in the RAF so rewarding. Today, he has become one of the experienced riders that newer members look to for guidance.

“When I joined, I was the one asking all the questions. Now I’m often the person people come to for advice. I really enjoy that because other people invested their time in helping me. Being able to pass that on to the next generation is an important part of being in the team.”

Skills that transfer beyond the track

As an aircraft engineer, attention to detail is part of Kenny’s everyday role. He believes many of those same skills are essential in motorcycle racing.

“When you’re preparing a bike that will be travelling at nearly 200 miles an hour, everything has to be right. You have to be methodical, follow good engineering practices and make sure every detail has been checked.”

Those lessons work both ways.

“The discipline, preparation and problem-solving you use in engineering all transfer onto the track. Equally, racing has helped me stay calm under pressure and trust the people around me. Whether you’re working on an aircraft or standing on the grid before a race, you’re relying on teamwork and preparation.”

Away from work, racing also provides an important opportunity to switch off.

“This is my way of relaxing,” Kenny says with a smile. It might seem strange because it’s high-pressure and physically demanding, but this is what I love doing. When I’m racing, that’s all I’m thinking about. It gives me a chance to focus on something completely different.”

Supported by the RAF Central Fund

Motorcycle racing is one of the most expensive sports to compete in. Tyres, race entries, safety equipment and maintaining a bike all come with significant costs, making support from the RAF Central Fund invaluable. Through the Sports Lottery, Kenny has been able to claim towards race entry fees, tyres and essential equipment, helping him continue competing while serving in the RAF.

“Every bit of support makes a difference. Motorsport isn’t a cheap sport, so being able to claim towards things like tyres and race entries really helps. It means you can spend less time worrying about the costs and more time focusing on improving.”

As an RAF Central Fund Ambassador, Kenny is keen to encourage others to make the most of the opportunities available.

“I’d say joining the Sports Lottery is a no-brainer. If you’re involved in sport, even at station level, you can benefit from the support that’s available, and you’re also in with the chance of winning prizes. It’s helping people across the RAF enjoy sport, and that’s something worth supporting.”

A season of progress

By the final race event of the season, Kenny had plenty to reflect on. Consistent top-ten finishes, several podiums and top-five results in heat races had helped him meet the targets he set at the start of the year. Heading into the final round, he was ninth in the championship, just three points behind eighth.

“I believed in myself,” he says. But competing so consistently with the front-runners, with podiums along the way, had gone beyond what he expected. One particular moment stood out: racing at Knockhill in Scotland, where friends and family who had never seen him compete were able to watch him take a podium finish. For me, that was a definite highlight.”

Behind those results was a team effort. Kenny describes True Heroes Racing as a not-for-profit organisation bringing together serving personnel and veterans, including those who are wounded, injured or sick. From mechanics and cooks to volunteers running the shop or washing dishes, everyone has a part to play.

“You are representing everyone,” he says. “You just want to go out there and do the best you can do.”

Looking ahead, taking lessons back

The season has also brought a new opportunity: a move into the 1,000cc National Superstock Championship next year. A different bike will mean fresh skills to learn, but Kenny is looking forward to pushing himself further.

Alongside racing, he still has his RAF role to return to. High-performing athlete status has helped support that balance, although combining work with race weekends remains demanding.

Reflecting on the year, Kenny says working with different mechanics and helping newer team members has strengthened his confidence in leading others. The same emphasis on trust, following procedures and safety carries back into his work on aircraft.

But his biggest reminder is not simply about results.

“At some points you need to step back and just really enjoy it and be thankful and grateful for all the opportunities you’re given.”

Taking every opportunity

Five years after arriving at his first race meeting with a £600 motorcycle, Kenny is now competing in the British Superbike Championship with True Heroes Racing. Looking back, it still feels surreal.

“I never imagined I’d get to this point. Five years ago, I had no racing experience at all, and now I’m competing in a National Championship. It just shows where opportunities can lead.”

Representing the RAF is something he remains immensely proud of.

“The RAF has given me opportunities I honestly don’t think I would have had anywhere else. Coming from a small island, I never imagined I’d be racing at this level. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had through RAF Sport.”

For anyone joining the RAF, or simply considering taking up a sport, Kenny has one piece of advice.

“Take every opportunity that’s put in front of you. You never know where it might lead. Say yes to the course, the deployment or the sport that catches your interest. Those experiences stay with you for life, and they can open doors you never expected.”

Watch Kenny’s interview via our Instagram below.