Laurette Nicoll

Laurette Nicoll is a motocross rider, sidecar enthusiast, and one of motorsports’ most recognizable voices, bringing twenty-plus years of reporting, hosting, and producing experience to Formula DRIFT, Formula 1, AMA Supercross, and beyond.

EARLY YEARS

Details about Nicoll’s birthdate and early childhood remain private, but what’s clear is that motorcycles were in her DNA from the start. She’s married to Kurt Nicoll, a former British motocross champion who launched ChampionMX, a Southern California motocross vacation business. The couple lives in Temecula, California, and shares a life built around two-wheeled passion—one that includes not just racing and riding, but a genuine commitment to the motorcycle community.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not trackside with a microphone, Nicoll is all about dogs and giving back. She’s a foster parent for Hope Ranch Animal Sanctuary, opening her home to rescue dogs in need. On her 40th birthday, Kurt surprised her with a 2016 2WD Gear Up motorcycle—a moment that perfectly captures the couple’s shared love of adventure. Nicoll is also passionate about supporting women in motorcycling, frequently contributing to Woman Rider magazine and participating in events like Babes in the Dirt, an off-road training camp at MotoVentures designed to get more women comfortable in the dirt. She’s not just talking the talk; she’s out there riding, learning, and championing the next generation of female riders.

EARLY SUCCESS

Nicoll carved out her niche not as a professional racer, but as a journalist and broadcaster who truly understood the sports she covered. Her career spans more than two decades, and she’s become a trusted voice in motorsports and action sports. Whether it’s the high-octane drama of Formula DRIFT, the precision of Formula 1, or the dirt-slinging chaos of AMA Supercross, Nicoll brings energy, knowledge, and credibility to every broadcast. She started building her reputation as a pit reporter and sideline journalist, earning respect from fans and competitors alike for her genuine enthusiasm and her ability to ask the questions that matter.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Emceed the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame ceremony alongside Kevin Kelly, honoring champions and award winners including Pat Smage as AMA Athlete of the Year[1].
• 2021: Co-hosted the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony featuring Ryan Villopoto and seven other legendary inductees[2].
• 2024: Co-hosted the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony with actor Perry King, celebrating five legendary riders and advocates[3].
• 2025: Returned as co-host with Perry King for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction of six new members[4].
• Ongoing: Serves as pit reporter for Formula DRIFT, capturing the freestyle, high-energy nature of the sport and building a loyal following[5].
• Ongoing: Provides sideline reporting for Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship broadcasts on FS1, working alongside commentators Trace Worthington and others[6].
• Ongoing: Moderates panels and stages at AIMExpo, including the Dealer Evolution Stage and Disruptive Thinking Stage, bringing her polished, joyous energy to industry events[7].
• Ongoing: Contributes to Woman Rider and Rider Magazine, covering events like Babes in the Dirt and sharing stories that inspire more women to ride[8].

INSPIRATIONS

Nicoll faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with cancer. In a podcast interview, she opened up about the experience with remarkable candor: “The biggest thing I’ve learnt, after this whole cancer experience, is to not sweat the small stuff.” It’s a philosophy that defines her approach to life and work—grateful, grounded, and focused on what truly matters. Her husband Kurt has been a constant source of support and challenge, pushing her to take on new adventures and never settle. The broader motorcycle community, especially the women breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport, also fuels her passion and drive.

REPUTATION

Laurette Nicoll is known for being highly experienced, well-researched, and flexible—a broadcaster who brings a grateful, joyous, and polished energy to every assignment. She’s described by industry insiders as someone who genuinely loves the sports she covers, and it shows. Drift Enthusiast Magazine recognized her as one of the “First Ladies of Drift,” noting that she and fellow broadcaster Becky Evans are “not only engaging audiences but making history themselves.” Nicoll, in particular, has paved the way for women in motorsports media, proving that credibility and personality aren’t mutually exclusive. She’s the kind of reporter who makes fans feel like they’re getting the inside scoop, not just a sanitized soundbite.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

While Nicoll hasn’t publicly outlined specific goals for 2025 and beyond, her trajectory suggests she’ll continue expanding her reach across multiple motorsports platforms. With her ongoing involvement in Formula DRIFT, Formula 1, AMA Supercross, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame ceremonies, she’s positioned as one of the most versatile voices in the industry. Expect her to keep championing women in motorcycling, supporting animal rescue efforts, and bringing that signature blend of professionalism and passion to every project she touches.

REFERENCES

American Motorcyclist Association honors 2019 champions and award winners
Villopoto Inducted into AMA Hall of Fame
2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Inducts Five Legendary Riders and Advocates
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Welcomes Six New Inductees in 2025
Laurette Nicoll’s Story – Special eBay offer
Red Bull Crashed Ice returns to Munich with American leading the pack
Education Speaker Biographies – AIMExpo
Babes in the Dirt at MotoVentures – Rider Magazine
The biggest thing I’ve learnt, after this whole cancer experience
FIRST LADIES OF DRIFT – Drift Enthusiast Magazine
Motorcycling with Dogs: Callie and Georgia On the Open Road
Hope Ranch Animal Sanctuary
Kurt Nicoll launches SoCal motocross holiday business
Laurette Nicoll – Reporter at Formula DRIFT
The Outerzone Podcast – FD Sideline Reporter Laurette Nicoll