Harrison Dessoy: My Journey in Motorcycle Racing and Advice for Young Riders

Harrison Dessoy is a 19 year old British Superbike Racer competing with the PHR Performance Team. At Fletchers Solicitors, we are incredibly proud to sponsor Harrison, as he continues to blaze an impressive trail in the racing world.

At just 19, Harrison already has years of experience under his belt, making him a great advocate for young bikers. Here, we sat down to talk to Harrison about where his interest in motorbike racing started and his top tips for young motorcycle racing enthusiasts.

Getting Started in Racing 

Motorcycle racing has always been in my blood. My dad competed in the sport, so naturally, I followed in his footsteps. I first got on a bike when I was around 10 or 11, and now, at 19, I’m preparing for an exciting new chapter in my career. 

Joining PHR Performance for 2025 

Signing with PHR Performance for the 2025 season is a huge milestone for me. One of the biggest reasons I joined the team was seeing the success and professionalism of those already competing with them. To race at the front, you need a strong team behind you, and PHR has proven themselves as a championship-winning squad. 

Another big factor for me was the team environment. Two of my mechanics are the same age as me, which creates a great atmosphere—we push each other forward while still having fun. That balance of enjoyment and professionalism makes a real difference in a sport as intense as motorcycle racing. 

Lessons from My Career So Far 

Racing since 2017 has taught me a lot about handling pressure and expectations. There’s always a drive to deliver results, and 2023, in particular, was a tough year for me. But the key lesson I’ve learned is to take everything one step at a time. 

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, my ultimate goal is to win, but I’m focusing on consistency. If you aim to be consistent in your performance, the results will follow. It’s a process, and you have to trust it. 

Advice for Young Riders 

For young riders who are looking to get started in racing, the best place to begin is by joining online groups like British Mini Bikes or “Cool Fab Racing”, where you can find advice and opportunities to start racing. Another great resource is Peter Hickman—he has all the guidance you need to take those first steps into the sport. 

For those starting out in motorcycle racing, here are some key areas to focus on: 

1) Mastering Techniques:

Your riding technique will develop over time, so the most important thing in the beginning is to enjoy the process. Don’t overthink every move—ride because you love it. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was focusing too much on winning. That mindset can push you into a downward spiral. Instead, focus on learning, improving, and enjoying the sport.

2) Safety and Gear:

Safety is everything in motorcycle racing. Avoid getting caught up in the emotions of the race—stay focused on what you are doing, not what others around you are doing.

When it comes to gear, you can’t put a price on safety. If you’re starting on mini motos, you can get just-above-the-ankle boots from Stylmartin. As you progress to bigger bikes, high-quality leather boots, gloves, a one-piece suit, and a properly fitted helmet are essential. 

3) Confidence and Control:

Confidence on the bike comes from preparation, both on and off the track. Studying the sport is just as important as time on the bike. Watch the best riders and analyse what they do—then apply it to your own riding.

Riding in wet or tricky conditions can be tough, but the key is to remain relaxed and build confidence gradually. Work with your dry reference markers, build temperature in your tyres, and avoid tensing up. Try to ride as naturally as you would in the dry, but with slight adjustments—don’t lean the bike as much or hang off as aggressively.

4) Mental Strength and Progression:

Motorcycle racing is as much about mental strength as it is about skill. Every rider will go through tough times—setbacks, crashes, and bad races are all part of the journey. The key is how you deal with them. Don’t get too frustrated; instead, focus on small improvements and steady progress. Stay positive and keep pushing forward.

If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: Enjoy it. A happy rider is a fast rider. Enjoy the training, the physical preparation, and every moment on the bike. Take each season as it comes and focus on growth rather than immediate results. 

To all aspiring racers—if you’re passionate about the sport, stay committed, work hard, and most importantly, have fun. That’s what will keep you moving forward in your racing journey.

At Fletchers, we also represent riders involved in motorcycle collisions, providing expert legal advice and support to help them make a claim and secure the compensation they deserve. Find out more here