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Thanks to an initiative promoted by the TT Circuit Assen, women and girls in the local area were invited to register for the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the opening round of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship. Aged between 11 and 37, a group of twelve received an exclusive ‘backstage pass’, visiting Assen on the first day of WorldWCR action to see exactly what this ground-breaking women-only Championship is all about.

Arriving at the Dutch circuit bright and early on Friday 11 April, the women enjoyed a guided tour of the WorldWCR Village, watching on as teams worked to ready the riders’ Yamaha R7 bikes for the day’s track action. The group was thrilled to be able to meet with 2024 Championship runner-up Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) and American rider Mallory Dobbs (Diva Racing). Two of the visitors even had the chance to interview Maria and Mallory and seized the opportunity to delve into the riders’ motivations, their training methods, riding style, and even what they eat before a race. An additional one-to-one saw Northern Talent Cup rider Anina Urlass interview fellow German and WorldWCR entry Lucy Michel.

The women then enjoyed a front-row seat as the track action got underway, watching Free Practice from the unique vantage point of the podium, right above pit lane! Now in its second season, the WorldWCR series provides a high-profile platform for women. Challenging existing norms and stereotypes, it aims to engage and inspire fans and future generations of female racers. Role models to so many, the WorldWCR riders recognise and value the impact they can have, particularly on younger enthusiasts, at a time when female interest in motorsport is at an all-time high.

The visiting women, many of whom are riders themselves, are driven by a similar energy and spirit, and jumped at the chance to spend time with like-minded women who are passionate about their sport. Young Daylin was particularly excited to meet with these trailblazing riders who clearly embody her own personal motto, “in a field of roses, be a wildflower”. Just 13 years of age, Daylin already competes and considers motorcycling a way of life, travelling to tracks most weekends with her family. Equally keen to pick up tips from the WorldWCR field were experienced riders Bo and Cindy and racer Mariska, who combine their passion for riding with careers in fields as diverse as healthcare and HR. The group also included Pleun, who has her own female-focused motorcycle business specializing in apparel and accessories for women riders. At the other end of the scale, nursing student Nikita does not ride a motorcycle but is nonetheless an avid fan, watching all the racing she can when not studying.

Connected by a shared passion for all that motorcycling represents, the twelve women gained real insight and inspiration during their time at the track, and their enthusiasm clearly proved infectious, spurring Spanish rider Maria Herrera on to a nail-biting Race 1 win at the Assen WorldWCR round!

Don’t miss the second WorldWCR Championship round, set to play out at the Cremona Circuit in Italy over the weekend of 2-4 May and follow the Championship on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook, and watch every race FREE on YouTube!