“NOT TO DIVIDE, BUT TO BRIDGE”: HOW DIRT TRACK GIRLS FOUNDER ASHLEA BATES IS REWRITING THE FEMALE MOTORSPORT PIPELINE

When Motorcycling NSW hosted its landmark female-focused La Femme event, the objective extended far beyond lap times and basic cornering technique. For Ashlea Bates, the driving force behind Dirt Track Girls, stepping onto the track as a coach represented a full-circle evolution for Australian dirt sports.

Growing up in a discipline traditionally dominated by male entries, rising female riders rarely had access to female-led coaching environments or tailored grassroots pipelines. Bates addressed this shift directly when reflecting on her role trackside:

"Growing up in motorsport, we didn't have days like this. You turned up, raced, learnt from whoever was there and found your way... Female-focused events aren't about separating females from males or taking anything away from the incredible men who coach, race, volunteer and support our sport. They're about creating opportunity."

Building Confidence Beyond the Podium

For young girls stepping into the paddock, a crowded pit lane can feel overwhelming. Bates highlighted that La Femmeserves as a vital staging ground, instilling confidence before riders transition into broader competition:

"Some girls are confident jumping straight into predominantly male classes, coaches and environments. Others aren't there yet — and that's okay. Sometimes one day surrounded by like-minded girls, a female coach they can relate to, a new friendship or simply someone saying 'you can do this' is what gives them the confidence to take that next step."

Her coaching philosophy focuses heavily on paddock resilience, using her own career setbacks to prepare riders for the realities of racing:

"Coaching isn't just about teaching someone how to ride. It's passing on what years in this sport have taught me — including the mistakes... Sometimes the most important thing we can pass on isn't how to win — it's how to keep going."

Why 'La Femme' Matters to the Community

The La Femme initiative strengthens the grassroots pipeline by ensuring female participation isn't a brief trend, but a permanent structural fixture across Australian tracks.

"That's also a huge part of why Dirt Track Girls exists. Not to create a divide — to create a bridge," Bates concluded. "We didn't have days like this growing up. Now we get to help create them for the ones coming through. Pass on the knowledge. Share the lessons. Celebrate the wins. Help them back up after the falls. We go further together."

Media & Sourcing Credits

• Featured Founder/Coach: Ashlea Bates (Dirt Track Girls)

• Sanctioning Body & Event: Motorcycling NSW — La Femme Festival

• Photo Sourcing: Courtesy of Motorcycling NSW (@motorcyclingnsw) and Dirt Track Girls (@dirt_track_girls)

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