Mikayla Nielsen

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  Mikayla Nielsen is the fastest 18-year-old female dirt bike racer making waves in professional motocross, having claimed the 2023 AMA NGPC Women’s Championship in her rookie pro year and secured her first WMX victory in 2025.

  EARLY YEARS

  Born around 2006 in Riverside, California, Mikayla Nielsen was practically born with dirt under her fingernails. At just 3 years old, she was already tearing through the California desert on a dirt bike with her family, turning what most kids would consider terrifying into pure joy. Her father Michael Nielsen recognized his daughter’s fearless spirit early on and became her biggest supporter in what would become a meteoric rise through the ranks. By age 7, she had transitioned from desert play rides to competitive racing, setting the stage for a career that would redefine what’s possible for young women in motocross.

  OTHER INTERESTS

  When she’s not dominating dirt tracks, Mikayla keeps active with other sports, though racing clearly claims the lion’s share of her attention and passion. Her focus remains laser-sharp on her racing career, with recreational sports serving as a way to stay in shape and maintain the competitive edge that’s made her such a formidable force on the track.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  Nielsen’s talent was undeniable from the start, racking up victories in youth competitions like the Mini Major and Seven MX Mini Major while still in elementary school. Her progression through the AMA Amateur Nationals and NEPG Off Road series was nothing short of spectacular, earning her six off-road championships by 2021. Racing exclusively on KTM bikes through her junior years, she developed the technical skills and racing instincts that would later make her transition to professional competition look effortless. At just 11 years old, she caught the attention of Downs Energy, who signed her as a sponsor in 2017—a clear indication that industry insiders recognized her potential early on.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2017: Signed sponsorship deal with Downs Energy at age 11.
  • 2021: Achieved six-time off-road champion status.
  • 2023: Won AMA NGPC Women’s Championship in rookie professional year.
  • 2024: Signed with Mark Samuels’ SLR Honda team, transitioning from lifelong KTM rider.
  • 2025: Secured first career WMX victory and leads the series with the red plate.

  INSPIRATIONS

  While Nielsen hasn’t publicly named specific racing heroes, her father Michael stands as her most influential figure, providing unwavering support from those first desert rides to her current professional success. Her approach to racing emphasizes safety and gradual skill development, reflecting the solid foundation her family provided during her formative years in the sport.

  REPUTATION

  Nielsen has earned recognition as a rising star and trailblazer in off-road and motocross racing, consistently praised by media outlets like Swapmoto Live and Cycledrag for her riding skill and unwavering consistency. Her transition from KTM to Honda in 2024 generated significant buzz in the racing community, with Nielsen herself stating she feels “better than ever on my new red rocket.” Industry peers and media recognize her as a barrier-breaker, achieving professional-level success at an age when most racers are still figuring out their potential. Her partnership with Fly Racing to promote their women’s line demonstrates her growing influence in encouraging female participation in the sport.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  Nielsen continues competing in both the WMX series and NEPG Off Road series in 2025, focused on defending her titles and building her professional racing career with the SLR Honda team. Her philosophy of steady improvement combined with safety-first riding suggests a long-term approach to her career development, positioning herself for sustained success in professional motocross. With strong sponsor support from Downs Energy, Fly Racing, and her Honda team, she appears well-positioned to continue her upward trajectory in the sport.

  References:

  Swapmoto Race Series Profile
  Cycledrag Racing News
  Fly Racing Blog Feature
  WMX Racing Official Results
  Downs Energy Rider Profile