Nicole Van Aswegen
Motorcycle racing // Johannesburg, South Africa
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Nicole Van Aswegen is a South African motorsports racer with a nearly two-decade career, achieving numerous domestic and international accolades.
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Nicole Van Aswegen is a trailblazing South African motorcycle racer who became the first female to compete in a National Superbike Race in South Africa and the first woman to podium in a national championship on a Supersport 600cc.
EARLY YEARS
Growing up in a family immersed in motorsports, Nicole was influenced by her parents who were into drag racing. Her passion for motorcycles ignited when her father surprised her with a Yamaha TZR 50, which he brought home on his red bakkie (pick-up truck). Despite also being involved in gymnastics and serving as a cheerleading captain at school, she developed a strong interest in motorcycles after watching her friends race superbikes every weekend. Her supportive father asked her to finish school first before pursuing her racing dreams.
EARLY SUCCESS
Nicole began her competitive racing journey in 2006, initially introduced to the sport through a boyfriend who competed in the powersport class on two-stroke bikes. She progressed through various racing categories, starting with the 300cc and 400cc South African national championships before moving to the 600cc class. Despite challenges due to her smaller physique, she compensated with rigorous training and proper nutrition to enhance her racing strength.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2005: Started competing in motorcycle racing[1].
- 2009: First female motorcycle racer to compete in the 600cc South African National Championship[1].
- 2010: Won the South African Female 600cc Championship[2][4].
- 2015: First female to podium in a National SuperSport race in South Africa[1][2].
- 2021: Competed in the 1000cc class with a Ducati 1000 V4R and came second in her first race[4].
- 2023: Appointed as BMW South Africa Brand Ambassador and Motorsport South Africa Brand Ambassador, finished 4th overall in the Superbike 1000 class[1].
- 2024: Qualified to represent South Africa at the FIM Women’s Super Bike Championship in Europe[1].
REPUTATION
Over her 15+ year career, Nicole has established herself as a ground-breaking figure in South African motorsports, consistently breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her appointments as both BMW South Africa Brand Ambassador and Motorsport South Africa Brand Ambassador in 2023 highlight her significant influence and reputation within the industry. Her selection to represent South Africa in the inaugural FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship further cements her status as one of her country’s premier female racers.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Looking ahead, Nicole aims to inspire others in South Africa who face financial struggles in pursuing motorsports careers, showing that with hard work and dedication, reaching the top is possible[1]. Her participation in international championships represents a significant step toward achieving broader recognition for women in motorcycle racing globally.
References:
Motul Powersport – Nicole van Aswegen Interview
WorldSBK – HER STORY: Meet Nicole Van Aswegen
Motor Rider World – Her Story: Meet Nicole Van Aswegen
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