Category Archives: Women in Motorcycling

Fim Africa News, Women in Motorcycling

FIM OCEANIA WOMEN’S MOTOCROSS CUP WELCOMES NEW TEAMS IN 2025

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The one-year-old FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup is already expanding into exciting new frontiers, with the 2025 edition to add teams from America and Africa to join founding members Australia and New Zealand.

To be held alongside round one of the 2025 Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores (ProMX) in Wonthaggi (Vic) on March 22-23, the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup will feature five-rider teams from three FIM federations – Australia, New Zealand and America – as well as FIM Africa.

Twenty riders will contest three motos over the weekend: the first one a standalone shootout on Saturday, and on Sunday as part of the two televised ProMX Championship MXW battles.

The best 14 results from each team (ie a team can drop its worst result) will determine the final standings.

The event will kickstart a huge year for women’s motocross in Australia, which will also include Australia hosting its first-ever round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship as part of the MXGP of Australia in Darwin from September 19-21.

Above: Team Australia was victorious in the inaugural FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup

The inaugural FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup was held in Woodville, New Zealand in January 2024, with Team Australia – Charli Cannon, Emma Milesevic, Madison Brown, Taylor Thompson, Tayla McCutcheon and Madi Healey – defeating New Zealand in a hard-fought battle.

In early 2025, all selected teams will be announced once confirmed by each federation and FIM Africa.

Above: Women’s ProMX action from Wonthaggi in 2024

FIM Oceania President, Peter Doyle:
“After such a thrilling start in Woodville, I’m delighted to see the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup returning in 2025 with two more teams. I’d like to thank the AMA and FIM Africa for agreeing to join us in Wonthaggi, adding even more spice and depth to the event. I’m looking forward to watching it all unfold.”

Team Australia representative, Mark Luksich:
“We are thrilled to to again participate in the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup. As the winner of the inaugural event we obviously want to back that up here in Australia in front of a home crowd.”

FIM Africa President, Marco Comana:
“FIM Africa is proud to be associated with the FIM Oceania’s Women’s Motocross Cup. Our riders are looking forward to upping their levels and making new friends. Team racing is exciting to watch, and the riders will be patriotically motivated.”

AMA President and CEO, Rob Dingman:
“The American Motorcyclist Association looks forward to supporting the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup in 2025. We’re excited for our women and expect them to be competitive in Australia.”

Motorcycling New Zealand President, Mac McLeod:
“Promoting women in motorcycling is a key goal of MNZ, and the opportunity to compete in the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup is a real highlight. It’s another opportunity for our women to pursue more international events and follow in the footsteps of our world motocross champions Courtney Duncan and Katherine Prumm.”

Motorcycling Australia is the national governing body for motorcycle sport in Australia. Committed to promoting and developing the sport, it oversees various disciplines, including road racing, motocross, trials, and more. With a focus on safety, fair play, and fostering a vibrant riding community, Motorcycling Australia drives the growth and success of motorcycle sport across the country.

FIM News, FMN News Kenya, Women in Motorcycling

MX INSTRUCTOR ANDRE DEARDEN IN KENYA TO CONDUCT MX TRAINING CAMP

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Motocross (MX) trainer Andre Dearden has arrived in the country to conduct Training the Trainers (TTT) for Kenyan off-road motorcycling sport instructors and coaches.

The training will take place at the Jamhuri MX Track on September 13,14 and 15.

This visit has been made possible by the Women in Motorcycling Commission of FIM Africa and also through the support of Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

The program is focused on enhancing the level of training and skill development of women in the sport both as trainers and riders.

The “Training of off-road trainers programme” is primarily aimed at educating and training more trainers on the African continent in developing motorcycling skills and coaching young riders and women in the sport.

The Training will also equip FIM member countries to be able to continue nurturing and developing new talent from grassroots level, and indeed promoting some of our top riders as trainers.

The programme is open to all qualified trainers in addition to the women who have been selected to attend.

Immediately following the this visit to Kenya, Andre will proceed to Uganda to conduct similar training as part of a programme that will see several African nations receive the same training under this programme.

This training comes hot off the heels of the FIM MX GP Academy held in Kenya at the beginning of August.

Organised by the Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya,the objective of the federation is to continue to uplift the standard of local coaches, trainers and athletes with the aim of growing the number of participants across the country involved in motorcycling sport and increasing the standard of riding across the board.

Andre who is responsible for training some of the most successful riders on the African continent will also take the opportunity while he is in Kenya to conduct some training for the the Kenya MX team in preparation for the upcoming MX of African Nations which will be held in Morocco in October, 2024.
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The event follows last month’s training in which Kenya hosted the MXGP Academy for the first time on the weekend of August 2-4.

The MXGP Academy is a worldwide project started 2015 in collaboration with MTC (the Motocross Training Club), the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and the local FMNs (national motorsport federations) – including the Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya.

Sharon Maingi, Julie Wahome , Grace Mwari, Amanya Kuchio – female trainers attending the Training of Off Road Trainers courtesy of WIM Commission and FIM Africa in Nairobi.

FMN News South Africa, Women in Motorcycling

NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN OVERCOMES CHALLENGES IN SECOND ROUND OF THE FIM WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT DONINGTON PARK

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Donington Park, UK – July 14, 2024 – Nicole van Aswegen faced challenging weather conditions and a new circuit at the second round of the Inaugural FIM Women’s World Championship held at Donington Park. Despite these obstacles, Nicole showcased her determination and skill, delivering commendable performances in both races over the weekend.

The changing weather during qualifying proved to be a significant challenge for Nicole, who had only practiced in dry conditions. This resulted in her starting 18th on the grid for the first race. Despite the setback, Nicole remained focused and ready to compete.

In the first race, Nicole had an impressive start, quickly gaining three positions. Unfortunately, the group she was in lost the tow with the front pack, and Nicole ultimately finished in 16th place. Considering this was her first-time racing at Donington Park, it was a solid result.

Starting 18th again for the second race, Nicole didn’t have as strong a start, losing a position initially. However, she quickly settled into a rhythm and worked her way up to 14th, demonstrating her resilience and determination.

Nicole reflected positively on the weekend, stating, “Racing at circuits where you have limited opportunities to practice is tough, but the experience of competing with the best in the world is truly amazing. Each race teaches me something new, and I’m excited to keep improving.”

Nicole extends her heartfelt thanks to Andalaft Racing for their incredible efforts throughout the weekend, as well as to all the sponsors who make her racing journey possible. She also expressed deep appreciation for everyone who sent messages of support.

“Your support means the world to me. Thank you for believing in me and cheering me on every step of the way,” Nicole said.

Nicole now sets her sights on the next round of the championship, which will take place at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal from August 9th to 11th. She is eager to apply the lessons learned from Donington Park and continue her journey in the FIM Women’s World Championship.

Published by: Motorsport Marketing Services

Picture Caption: Nicole van Aswegen

FMN News South Africa, Women in Motorcycling

NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN SHINES IN CHALLENGING FIRST ROUND OF THE INAUGURAL FIM WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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Misano Adriatico, Italy – June 16, 2024 – Nicole van Aswegen delivered a commendable performance in the first round of the Inaugural FIM Women’s World Championship, held at the Misano World Circuit. Despite challenging conditions and several on-track incidents, van Aswegen showcased her resilience and racing acumen over the weekend.

Race 1: Saturday Drama and Determination

The first race was marred by multiple accidents, reflecting the unfamiliarity many riders had with the track. Nicole started in 14th position and made an early move to 13th on lap 1. However, she briefly slipped back to 14th and subsequently to 15th and 16th as the race progressed. A red flag incident paused the race, offering a brief respite and a chance for strategic adjustments.

Upon the race’s restart, Nicole demonstrated her tenacity, steadily climbing back to 15th position and ultimately finishing 11th by the end of the day. Post-race, she expressed her mixed feelings about the result:

“I’m happy with the progress I made today, but I know I need to build more confidence in the bike. This is my first time racing this particular model, and it’s been a learning experience,” van Aswegen commented. She also acknowledged the difficult conditions and wished her fellow riders a swift recovery from any injuries sustained.

Race 2: Sunday’s Steady Performance

Sunday’s race saw Nicole starting again from 14th position in row 4. She had a remarkable start, quickly advancing to 11th place. Although she lost a position on lap 2, dropping to 12th, she maintained this position with consistency and skill for the remainder of the race, ultimately finishing in 13th place.

Nicole’s performance across the weekend was a testament to her adaptability and determination in the face of adversity. The opening round presented unique challenges, particularly with many riders, including Nicole, having no prior experience or testing at Misano.

Looking Ahead

As the championship progresses, Nicole van Aswegen is focused on building her confidence and familiarity with her bike. The experience gained from this weekend is invaluable as she prepares for the upcoming races.

“This weekend was tough but full of learning opportunities. I’m looking forward to refining my approach and coming back stronger,” she added.

Nicole extends her best wishes to all the injured riders for a speedy recovery and is eager to continue competing in this historic championship.

Massive thank you to everyone who has assisted Nicole on this journey whether through corporate sponsorships or through her Back-a-Buddy campaign. Including: ETL Group, Amalgum Welding Shop, Andalaft Racing, Bikewise, Department of Sports and Culture, MotorSport South Africa, FIM Africa, Hi-Tech Elements, ONE X, SBK official eyewear, Arai, Baker Baynes and Stefanutti Stocks

Published by: Motorsport Marketing Services

Picture Caption: Nicole van Aswegen

FMN News Zambia, Women in Motorcycling

LEAH HEYGATE SHINES AT THE FIM WMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN TEUTSCHENTHAL!

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For those who don’t know this past weekend, June 1st and 2nd, I headed to Germany to participate in the 4th round of the FIM WMX World Championship in Teutschenthal. Preparations were all last-minute as I wasn’t sure we would be able to arrange everything needed, like bike hire, pits, etc., but it all worked out. I wasn’t able to test ride the bike, but luckily, I was able to bring my front suspension with me and set the rear as best we could.

On Thursday, we went to the welcome office and picked up all the passes. This included the car pass, rider, and mechanic passes. Friday was busy, but overall, it was a good day. I got to set up my bike, put a sticker kit on it, walk the track, and do scrutineering. Overall, it was a great day and a wonderful experience.

The rain had arrived, which meant that the track preparations had to change. We watched the crew clear the track of mud and basically bulldoze all the mud they could off the track.

Saturday was when everything started: free practice, timed practice, and finally a race. I knew the track was going to be muddy as the ladies were first out, and my plan was just to learn the track—and that’s what I did. I came out with a P18 in free practice and a big smile on my face.

By timed practice, the track had dried out, but I let all the nerves get to me, and I rode terribly. Luckily, I was still able to qualify with a P33. Following this, I knew I had so much more in me and that I could do much better. The sun was out, and the track was completely different from the one I rode in the morning. With deep breaths and a lot of heart and belief, I raced heat 1 as well as I could. I got a great start and just kept consistent to work my way to 20th in heat 1, scoring my first-ever world championship point. I was filled with lots of emotion and gratitude that I was able to do this race, and I hoped I could do the same the next day.
Sunday was a later start, very different from what I’m used to. I only had to be at the track at 8 am. The track had been prepped again, but the rain had also fallen throughout the night, meaning the track was going to be completely different from the day before. I decided not to go out on the warm-up laps to keep the mud off my bike as much as possible.

I lined up, and it was cold and wet, but I wanted to give it everything. I got a good start and just put my head down, riding as best I could through all the mud. It was tough, and I felt like I was all over the place, but I pushed on, only to see the pit board on my last lap say P14. I was over the moon. I was so shocked and proud to have competed against the best women in the world and come out with an overall of P16.

This would have never been possible without all the companies, friends, family, and organizations that supported me. To everyone, my deepest thank you for letting me live my dream—I am so, so grateful.

Special thanks to:

• REMA TIP TOP
• JCB
• SPECTRA
• LINER INVESTMENTS and family
• Uncle Graham
• The Lubinkhof family
• Uncle Paul
• The Reeves family
• 12 Designs

To my family: my brother and dad for coming with me, and my mum for everything she does—I wish she could have been with us. Thank you for helping me follow my dreams and supporting me every moment.

To Carmen at MSA for organizing my license and everything so quickly, thank you.

To the Becker Racing team that welcomed me into the pits and made me feel like family, thank you for everything. And of course, my mechanic Lars—thank you for everything you did for me this weekend. It was so great working with you, and I had the best time.

Lastly, thank you to all the people that have sent messages and supported me from all over the world. I appreciate all of you and all the support.


Once again, thank you all.

Published by: Leah Heygate