
Maddi Patterson
Motorcycle racing // Australian
When the visor goes down, nothing else matters. This is racing.
Maddi Patterson is an Australian motorsports entrepreneur and Team Principal of Sekhmet International Motorcycle Team who transformed from an umbrella girl to a pioneering force for women in motorcycle racing.
EARLY YEARS
Though specific details of her early family life are limited, Maddi’s journey in motorsports began unexpectedly when she was offered a job holding an umbrella at a MotoGP event. Unlike many in the industry, she didn’t come from a racing family background, but developed her passion through exposure to the sport.
EARLY SUCCESS
Patterson’s initial success came through her ability to work her way up through various roles in sales, marketing, and presentation within the motorsports industry. Her determination and business acumen allowed her to navigate a male-dominated field and eventually position herself to launch her own racing team.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2019: Obtained her ACU license to compete on larger motorcycles at circuits like Donington[1].
- 2020: Survived a life-changing accident that resulted in burns covering 60% of her body, marking a pivotal moment in her career[1][2].
- 2020: Following her recovery, made the decision to form Sekhmet International Racing Team[1].
- 2023/2024: Successfully launched Sekhmet Racing to compete in the inaugural FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship[1][4].
- 2024: Recruited riders Mallory Dobbs (USA) and Lissy Whitmore (UK) to represent Sekhmet in the championship[4].
REPUTATION
Maddi has established herself as a trailblazer challenging perceptions about women’s capabilities in motorsport. Her resilience following her 2020 accident has reinforced her reputation as a determined leader, while her commitment to creating opportunities extends beyond riders to include female engineers, mechanics, and marketing managers. The name of her team, Sekhmet, reflects her personal journey—like the Egyptian deity who is reborn from fire, Patterson rebuilt her identity and career after her accident[2].
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Looking beyond 2024, Patterson aims to continue creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in motorsport, with long-term aspirations to develop the next generation of female talent in the sport[1]. She intends to build on Sekhmet’s debut season in the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship to expand the team’s influence and success both on and off the track[4].
References:
Autogear – Exclusive Maddi Patterson Interview
The Female Drive Podcast – Maddi Patterson
Females in Motorsport – Maddi Patterson Interview
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Upcoming races, appearances, launches, etc.