Category Archives: Women in Motorcycling Profiles

LEADING THROUGH COMMUNITY: THE JOURNEY OF JUDY LUYO IN MOTORCYCLE SPORT

When I first stepped into the world of motorcycle sport, it was not titles or positions that defined my journey, but the people. The motocross community, passionate, relentless, and deeply rooted in volunteerism, is what made me fall in love with the sport. From that moment, I knew this was where I wanted to be: part of a community spirit where real progress is born out of collective effort and shared passion.

In 2014, I joined one of Kenya’s oldest motorsport clubs as a part-time administrator, stepping into a role that demanded far more than its title suggested. The leadership had recognised the need for a centralised office to bring structure and sustainability, and they entrusted me to help make that vision a reality. Working with the team, I developed systems, processes, and procedures designed to last by documenting best practices, designing workflows, and building frameworks that gave the club much-needed stability and continuity. As the club grew, so did my responsibilities. I led the secretariat, officiated at events, and worked in close collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Around the same time, I began working part-time with the newly formed Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK). Balancing both roles stretched my capacity, but it also laid the foundation for my eventual transition into full-time federation leadership. Over time, I was appointed as the first Secretary General of MSFK and had the honour of representing Kenya both locally and internationally. My vision has always been to build and develop inclusive structures that open doors for more communities and young competitors to find their place in the sport. This journey has been one of constant growth, shaped by training and mentorship, and strengthened by the unwavering support of a passionate Board and dedicated members who have inspired and guided me along the way.

The FIM Future Leaders Programme was truly transformative. Over eight months of learning and exchange with 20 emerging leaders from around the world, I saw the potential of our Kenyan motorcycling community within the broader global family. The programme deepened my belief in leading with purpose, nurturing a growth mindset, and fostering inclusion and belonging. It was more than just a leadership course; it was a mirror that helped me understand why I am drawn to spaces that need structure and why grassroots development and youth pathways lie at the heart of my passion.

I remain deeply grateful to the FIM, FIM Women, and FIM Academy for their openness and vision, which left a lasting impression on me. My gratitude also extends to the many men and women who have stood beside me, and to the mentors whose guidance continues to shape and inspire my journey.

For me, the true seeds of the sport lie in the grassroots, in the children, youth, and communities who will carry motorcycling forward. My mission is to create pathways that provide structure, opportunity, and support to help them thrive. My dream is for a sport where every rider, competitor, and community has access, belonging, and the chance to grow. A place where passion is matched with structure, and where the commitment of competitors, parents, trainers, officials, mechanics, doctors, leaders, and supporters all come together to build something lasting.

I want motorcycling, in all its disciplines and beyond, to become more than just a sport, to grow into a movement that inspires discipline, confidence, resilience, and unity. A movement that gives our young people the courage to dream bigger than we ever did.

RIDING FORWARD WITH PASSION: KATARZYNA OZORES’ JOURNEY IN MOTORCYCLING

For Katarzyna Ozores, motorcycling is more than a sport. It is a lifelong calling, a family tradition, and a way to give back to her adopted country of Morocco. From the moment she first climbed onto a 50cc motorcycle at the age of sixteen, the path was set. What began as youthful excitement quickly grew into a purpose: to help shape the sport she loved and to open new opportunities for others.

Since moving to Morocco in 1977, the country has become her “country of heart.” With deep dedication, she has worked alongside the Royal Moroccan Federation of Motorcycling to develop the sport at national and international levels. Her contributions span administration, logistics, and timekeeping, areas of work often unseen but absolutely vital to the smooth running of competition. Whether supporting national championships or lending her expertise to Mediterranean trophies across Africa and Europe, she has proven that leadership in motorcycling is not only found on the track.

Family has always been central to her journey. With her husband and children also sharing the love of two wheels, motorcycling became a way of life. Together, they built a motto: “we are all motorcyclists.” This unity carried her through decades of involvement, with highlights including her pivotal role in organizing the MXOAN in Marrakech in 2023 alongside her club, MX Marrakech. In addition, she proudly serves as head of the Women’s Commission, championing female participation in the sport and ensuring women riders have a strong voice.

Her dedication and spirit did not go unnoticed. Encouraged by the Federation’s leadership, she joined the FIM Future Leaders Programme, where she found not only inspiration but also the tools to strengthen her impact. For her, the program is not the end of a road but a springboard for greater action.

Katarzyna’s story is one of love, love for motorcycling, for Morocco, and for community. It is proof that a dream pursued with commitment can uplift an entire sport and, in turn, contribute to the growth of a country. She continues to ride forward with purpose, determined to keep giving back to the land and people that gave her a home.

RIDING AHEAD WITH PURPOSE: LALÀ RASANJISON’S JOURNEY IN MOTORCYCLING

For Lalà Rasanjison, motorcycling is not just a sport. It is freedom, community, and a way to create change in Madagascar. She first got on the grid in 2005, taking part in her first motocross event. What began as a thrill quickly grew into a lifelong passion for offroad, enduro, and adventure riding. Almost twenty years later she is still out there, helmet on, making her mark on the track and in the way the sport is understood.

Motorcycling gave her more than speed. It gave her a mission. In 2025 she graduated from the FIM Future Leaders Programme, an experience that gave her the tools to push harder for women in motorcycling and for sustainability in the sport. She has long believed that motorcycles can be both adventurous and responsible, showing that competition and care for the environment do not have to be opposites.

In Madagascar’s offroad scene, Lalà has become a strong voice for change. She has promoted sustainable practices in motocross and enduro events, while also using adventure tourism to connect motorbiking with culture and landscapes. Since 2005 she has run Au Bivouac Guesthouse in Antsirabe, where she designs tours that mix motorcycling with hiking and local discovery.

Her path has also taken her into public service. Between 2022 and 2024 she was Regional Director of Tourism and Crafts, using her role to bring sport and tourism closer together. Before that she led the Environmental Department in Vakinankaratra, driving reforestation and conservation work. And through community projects like “Sauver Andraikiba,” which aims to protect Lake Andraikiba, she has shown how the values of riding discipline, responsibility, and passion can spill over into everyday life

Academically, she has a background in economics, management, and social sciences, and she speaks four languages. But ask her what has shaped her most and she will point back to the motorcycle. The discipline, the camaraderie, the sheer thrill of it that is where her leadership was forged.

For Lalà, the bike is more than a machine. It is a symbol of opportunity. She wants young people, especially women, to see that they have a place in motorcycling, not just as riders but as leaders. Her journey shows that every ride can open doors, spark change, and build stronger communities.

BREAKING BARRIERS, LEADING WITH PURPOSE: NOELLA BLICK’S JOURNEY IN MOTORSPORT LEADERSHIP

Motorsport is often described as a high speed arena where precision, passion, and perseverance collide. For Noella Blick, the journey began 23 years ago in the co-driver’s seat, but her path soon accelerated beyond the rally stages into leadership roles that have left an indelible mark on African motorsport.

In 2010, Noella transitioned into officiating as a Technical Delegate, a role she continues to uphold with distinction. Two years later, she was appointed as the FMU Women in Motorcycling (WIM) Commission Representative for Uganda, championing inclusivity and representation in the sport. Her leadership trajectory has since soared. From 2022 to 2024, she served as the first female Vice President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), before taking on the prestigious role of Chair of the FIM Africa Women in Motorcycling Commission in 2023.

Her dedication extends across commissions, where she serves not only in the FMU WIM Commission but also in the FMU Safety and Medical Commission, advocating for both equality and rider safety.

While technical training prepares one for officiating, leadership, Noella believes, requires vision and resilience. Her participation in the FIM Future Leaders Programme proved transformative. The eight-month initiative gathered 20 emerging leaders an equal number of women and men from across the globe. “Interacting with and learning from other FMNs was both eye opening and deeply inspiring,” she reflects.

Throughout her journey, Noella has drawn strength from the pioneering women of African motorsport, including the late Beaulah Shoeman, Jacqui Montero, Julie Wahome, Gilly Dykes, and Sheryl Kibaki. She also acknowledges the support of the FIM team-Barbara Vincitini, Chloé Vermot, Ganna Dumont, and Damiano Zamana as well as FIM President Jorge Viegas, whose leadership insights left a lasting impression.

Her pride extends to the four women from her CONU who stood alongside her during the leadership program: Catherine Ozeros (Morocco), Judy Luyo (Kenya), Lala Rasajison (Madagascar), and Fiona Tsiranana (Madagascar).

As her facilitator, Nadia Bonjour, wisely remarked: “Seeds have been planted and we are empowered to harvest them one step at a time.” For Noella, this is more than a metaphor. It is a mission.

Today, she looks forward with unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in motorcycling across Africa, ensuring that the sport not only thrives but evolves into a space where every competitor, official, and leader can find their rightful place on the track of opportunity.

WINGFIELD MOTORS POWER SERIES 8 – JESSICA RATTLES MALE EGO’S

Clubmans, Classic & Breakfast Run Motorcycles 2x8Laps


Pole position went to Jessica Howden aboard her class A Ducati Panagale V2 with a time of 1min18:311, edging out veteran Hilton Redelinghuys and his Classic 888 Motorcycles Kawasaki ZX7R by 0.650 sec and Deon Ebel slotting into third aboard his Clubmans Class A Maui Jim Honda CBR1000RR.


The little lady then really rubbed salt into the frail male ego’s by dominating the first heat, taking a well deserved victory from Deon Ebel and Motorcycle chairman, Wayne Arendse aboard his JJ Smith Trust Clubmans Class A Kawasaki ZX10R. Reginald Seale hot on his heels with Nasief Smart, Yamaha YZF1000 Clubmans Class A, fifth and Zobair Adams, EVS Ventilation Service Clubmans Class A Suzuki GSXR750, home sixth.


Mechanical maladies forced the withdrawal of Hilton Redelinghuys from the first heat but heat two seemed to be going his way after the Ducati spat Jessica Howden off with a rather mean highside coming out of Turn 1 (leading  to a red flag). Fortunately she was (in motorcycle terms) not injured and it was the Classic machine heading the tussle for the lead after the restart.


Then, coming up to turn five for the sixth and final time it was Reginald Seale in command aboard his CX International Clubmans Class A Yamaha YZF R1 with Jamie Hall, Master Glass Clubmans Class B Yamaha R1, 0.620 seconds later and Nick Benn, Two Wheel Solutions Clubmans Class B Suzuki GSXR1000,  third by another 0.690. Hilton Redelinghuys fourth, just 0.034 seconds adrift. Wayne Arendse fifth and Wayne Gresse, Breakfast Run Kawasaki ZX10, sixth.  


Overall Reginald Seale pulled off a somewhat surprising victory from Jamie Hall, Nick benn, Wayne Arendse, Rob de Vos and Wayne Gresse.


Class A Reginald Seale (CX International Yamaha YZF R1) from Wayne Arendse (JJ Smith Trust Kawasaki ZX10R), Zobair Adams (EVS Ventilation Services Suzuki GSXR750), Nasief Smart (Yamaha YZF1000), Deon Ebel (Maui Jim Honda CBR1000RR) and Jessica Howden (Ducati Panagale V2).


Class B Jamie Hall (Master Glass Yamaha R1) from Nick Benn (Two Wheel Solutions Suzuki GSXR1000), Rob de Vos (Hillbilly Racing Buell 1125R), Derek Hendricks, Douw Coetzee (Suzuki GSXR 1000) and Willem Louw (Kawasaki ZX6R).


Breakfast Run Wayne Gresse (Kawasaki ZX10R) from Nicho Venter (Yamaha R1), Wesley Hendricks (Maxicool Kawasaki ZX10R) and Keagan Stuart-DeLange (All Plum Plumbing Honda CBR1000).


Classic going to the only entry Hilton Redelinghuys (888 Motorcycles Kawasaki ZX7R).

Published by:  Patrick Vermaak