Guisborough, a small town in northeast England, is home to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Shaun Muir, the team principal, founded Shaun Muir Racing in Guisborough over 20 years ago. During a visit to the team’s headquarters, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s growth over the years, the various tasks they handle outside of race weekends, and what drives Shaun Muir.
“Yes, I’m a perfectionist. I always strive to do my best in whatever I do,” says Muir. This perfectionist attitude influences all aspects of his work. Muir comes from a family with a passion for motorsport. He started riding motocross at a young age and later switched to circuit racing in the British Superbike Championship. After an injury ended his racing career, Muir decided to go into team management and start his own team.
Shaun Muir Racing began competing in the British Superbike, Supersport, and Superstock Championships, and achieved success in major road racing events. In 2016, they made the leap to the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). Their collaboration with BMW Motorrad Motorsport started in 2016, and in 2019, Shaun Muir Racing became the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team.
Since then, the team has grown significantly. Starting with a team of around 20 people, they now have over 30 members. The technical and non-technical departments have expanded, including additional engineers, mechanics, PR and marketing staff, and VIP caterers. The riders and key pit crew members have direct contracts with BMW Motorrad Motorsport, while Shaun Muir Racing provides operational staff.
Perfectionism is evident both in the workshop and at the racetrack. The team’s focus on representing the BMW Motorrad brand pushes them to continually improve and strive for the highest level of quality. Muir takes pride in their workshop and aims to implement their standards at the racetrack as well.
Muir’s experience as a businessman in the construction industry has provided valuable expertise in running a racing team. He believes that successful entrepreneurs make the best team owners or managers. Running a racing team involves not only managing a company but also coordinating staff, negotiating with sponsors, managing budgets and accounts, and more.
In challenging times, Muir’s experience teaches him to motivate the team and refocus on success. He understands the importance of handling difficult situations and finding hope and success to regain momentum. The long-term commitment of crew members demonstrates the team’s dedication.
The team’s ultimate goal is to win in the WorldSBK. Muir believes that their coordinated team and the right package put them in a strong position to achieve this goal.
