Page 17 - Lady Rider June.cdr

actionable programs designed to
support women at every stage of
their motorcycling journey.
Rider Development and Safety
Clinics
One of the core pillars of Basadi's
s t r a t e g y i s t o o ff e r
development programs and safety
workshops. These clinics provide
practical skills training, safety
techniques, and confidence-
building exercises tailored
especially for women.
Mo emphasizes the importance of
safety, “Many women buy
motorcycles but don't receive
proper training. We want to change
that by equipping female riders with
the skills needed to handle their
bikes safely on the road and the
track.”
Tr a c k D a y s a n d R a c i n g
Opportunities
Basadi plans to organise track days
and entry-level racing events that
are welcoming and accessible to
female riders. The idea is to create a
supportive environment where
women can experience the thrill of
racing without the usual barriers.
The Motorcycle Racing Series of
South Africa (MRSSA) is one of the
upcoming ventures aligned with
this vision. The series aims to
reintroduce fun and simplicity to
competitive racing with minimal
rules, affordable entry, and
inclusive categories.
Nicole explains, “MRSSA is a
series by riders, for riders. It
welcomes all ages, skill levels, and
bike types. It's an affordable way for
riders to start or progress in racing.”
From Simulator to Superbike
Recognising that jumping straight
into competitive racing can be
daunting, Basadi offers a staged
approach:
· Race simulators provide a
s a f e , l o w - p r e s s u r e
environment to learn racing
d y n a m i c s a n d t r a c k
awareness.
· Progression to small tracks
on smaller motorcycles
Lady Rider Magazine
builds skills and confidence. governing body for motorsport.
· CEO Adrian Scholtz has expressed
Finally, moving to full-
sized circuits prepares
riders for the competitive
world of superbike racing.
This thoughtful, graduated pathway
r i d e r helps women overcome fears and
d e v e l o p t h e i r a b i l i t i e s
progressively.
Overcoming Stereotypes and
Barriers
Motorsport is still very much a
male-dominated arena, but Mo and
Nicole view this not as a
disadvantage, but as motivation.
“Women should never feel less than
men,” says Mo. “We want to prove
that with determination and skill,
women can compete at the highest
level. Basadi is proof of that.”
Nicole adds, “Our participation is
the best way to inspire other
women. We want to show them
what's possible.”
Busting Myths About Motorsport
The duo also confronts widespread
misconceptions:
· Racing isn't safe — While
any motorsport carries risk,
p r o f e s s i o n a l r a c i n g
environments have strict
safety protocols. In fact,
they argue that road riding is
o f t e n r i s k i e r d u e
unpredictable factors.
· Motorsport is for 'rich,
white men' — Mo and
Nicole challenge this
s t e r e o t y p e h e a d - o n ,
pointing out the sport's
growing diversity and
opportunities for all
backgrounds.
· Racing is too expensive
and not a real career —
They highlight the varied
career paths motorsport
offers, from mechanics and
engineers to media and
brand ambassadors.
Endorsements and Support
Their dedication has caught the
attention of Motorsport South
Africa (MSA), the country's
17
strong support for Basadi's vision
and work.
“Basadi brings fresh energy and a
unique perspective as active female
racers. Their efforts to increase
female participation could have a
huge impact on the sport,” Scholtz
said.
MSA's backing is crucial, helping
Basadi gain credibility, resources,
and access to the wider motorsport
community.
Balancing Racing and Life
Both Mo and Nicole juggle the
demands of competitive racing with
family life. Mo is a mother of three
daughters, and Nicole is also a
mom.
Their families are supportive and
often join them at the racetrack,
reinforcing the message that
motorsport can be a family-friendly
passion.
The Road Ahead: Inspiring the
Next Generation
Mo and Nicole's journey is just
beginning. Through Basadi in
Motorsport, they hope to inspire
countless women and girls to pick
up a helmet, mount a bike, and
rewrite the story of women in South
African motorsport.
t o
Follow their journey and support
their mission on Instagram:
· @basadiinmotorsport
· @momahope83 (Mo)
· @nicole.vanaswegen /
@Nix21 (Nicole)
Why Their Story Matters
Mo and Nicole's story is more than
racing results and podiums. It's a
powerful narrative about breaking
down barriers, creating inclusive
communities, and empowering
women to claim their space in a
traditionally male sport.
Their journey embodies resilience,
passion, and vision — qualities
every rider, regardless of gender,
can admire and aspire to. BR
June 2025