Zak Corderoy has been a familiar face in the British Superbike paddock since his debut in the Superstock 600 class in 2020. Over the past couple of years, he’s made a name for himself with impressive performances at the sharp end of the Supersport field. A rider with a unique perspective on racing, and someone who’s battled through his fair share of injuries, I caught up with him back in August at his home round at Thruxton after Friday practice.
“The addiction stuck, and we’re still going strong and loving it more than ever.”
Zak Corderoy grew up surrounded by bikes. Recalling his earliest memory of riding, he said, “It was a trip to Reading with my Mum and Dad. We passed minimotos going around in the car park. On the way back, we decided to stop off, and that’s where it started.” With both parents passionate about bikes, it was only a matter of time before Zak and his siblings got hooked on racing.
Although he hails from Blewbury, a small village in Oxfordshire, Corderoy quickly realised that motocross wasn’t for him. “I’m not too good at jumping,” he admitted, keeping his focus on circuit racing instead. He started on minimotos at just five years old. Now 26, he reflects, “The addiction stuck, and we’re still going strong and loving it more than ever.”
He also gave a nod to his relationship with British Superbike champion Bradley Ray, saying, “We grew up together racing minimotos.” Corderoy joked, “He was always in the class above, but we’ve had some good times in the past.” When asked how he would feel about racing alongside Ray in the future, he was complimentary: “That would be a dream come true – maybe one day.”
“That feeling of getting back out was one to remember – it brought a tear to my eye.”
Zak Corderoy has been riding since he was five years old on mini motos. As he progressed through the ranks, passing through familiar development grounds such as Thundersport and Superstock 600, he encountered his fair share of injuries – most notably a serious head injury and several broken bones.
Reflecting on that time away from racing, Corderoy admitted, “That was the most difficult part of my life so far.” From being unable to race due to circumstances outside his control, to now facing enforced time off because of injury, he spoke candidly about that period, saying, “You don’t know whether or not you’re going to be able to ride a motorbike like you could before.”
It was an eight-month wait before Corderoy got back on a bike after his crash, but he recalled the experience fondly. “It was a good feeling,” he said of riding again in Spain, and added that getting back on the bike “brought a tear to my eye” — a testament to just what racing means to him.
When asked what advice he would give to younger riders facing their first major injury, Corderoy was clear: “Don’t come back too soon. Coming back too soon can be detrimental to your career.”
He stressed the importance of focusing on recovery, saying, “Maximise everything you can do off the race track to heal whatever injury you’ve got.” He reiterated his message: “Come back when you’re ready.”
“The team that I’ve got behind me have just been fantastic.”
2025 marked Corderoy’s first year with the Dan Cooper Motorsport outfit, led by former British 125cc champion Daniel Cooper. Reflecting on his experience with the team so far, Corderoy said, “The team I’ve got behind me has just been fantastic.”
Hopping on a Honda for the first time wasn’t easy, but when asked to describe the bike as a person, he smiled: “Dreamy – is that a personality? It’s lovely.” Asked what makes the bike so enjoyable to ride, Corderoy highlighted the traits that suited him: “The feedback it gives you – the feeling on the front and the rear, the confidence. And the speed.”
Having ridden bikes from different manufacturers throughout his career, he made a bold statement: “It’s hands down the best bike I’ve ever ridden.” Reflecting on the combination of team and machine, he spoke warmly of the outfit, saying, “A small little team from Stroud – we like to think we’re putting our name on the track.”
And they’ve certainly put their name on the map. Zak Corderoy finished 11th in the championship – ironically matching his racing number – just two points behind Honda factory rider Dean Harrison. The team secured P9 in the team’s trophy.
While it’s still unknown where Corderoy will race in 2026, wherever he goes he will bring a blend of youth and experience, as he continues his pursuit of riding at the highest level.
