Healing, Racing, and Raising the Bar

How Motocross Became My Post-Natal Lifeline

Natasha Sky’s journey into motorsport reads like a thrilling adventure, one that began long before she even realised it. Born into a family steeped in the world of motorbikes, Natasha’s grandfather was a solo and sidecar racer, and her father was equally passionate about bikes. Natasha’s first taste of two-wheeled freedom came at the age of three when she learned to ride a PW50 before even mastering a pushbike. “Motorbikes were in my blood,” Natasha says.

Her early years were spent racing motocross and dabbling in enduro, but financial constraints put a pause on her racing career at the age of 12. As a teenager, she drifted away from the sport and, for a time, focussed on a completely different pursuit: becoming a professional Muay Thai fighter. But the world of dirt bikes was never far behind. After a 13-year hiatus, Natasha returned to her passion in 2020, when life had taken a different turn. Following the birth of her two children, Natasha found herself battling severe post-natal anxiety and depression. The pressures of motherhood and life began to weigh heavily on her, and it was at this moment that she made a life-changing decision.

“I had my first baby in 2019 and another in 2020, both by C-section. I was struggling with anxiety and depression, and I realised I needed something to help me feel alive again,” Natasha explains. “So, I bought a bike and started riding. That was the best decision I ever made. It saved me, it cured my post-natal anxiety, and I haven’t looked back since.”

What began as a personal escape soon transformed into a competitive fire. After just 11 months of riding, Natasha participated in the brutal Hattah Desert Race. “It was wild,” she recalls. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but once I got out there, the challenge was something I just couldn’t resist. I finished it, and I was hooked. That feeling was like nothing else.”

But Natasha didn’t stop there. Her thirst for adventure and challenge led her to sidecar racing in 2023. “Sidecar racing is crazy,” she admits with a laugh. “It’s insane, but I love it so much. Every race is a new test of skill, endurance, and trust with your partner. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before.”

For Natasha, racing is about more than just the thrill of the track; it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. “The mental health impact is life-changing. When I’m on the bike, the world turns off. The moment my helmet goes on, everything else fades away,” she says. “The adrenaline from racing, especially as a sidecar passenger, is next level. It’s tough, but when you cross the finish line, it’s all worth it. I love how this sport brings people together, and I absolutely love seeing other women conquer their fears and achieve their goals.”

Her journey has led to some remarkable achievements, but Natasha remains grounded and focused on what truly matters: progress, safety, and the community. “I’m not out here to be the best. My main goal is to always make it back safely. I’ve got two little kids to get home to,” she says. “I’m not smashing myself up for a plastic trophy. It’s all about improving my technique and becoming a safer rider. My aspirations are about gaining more skills and encouraging other girls to get out on the track, create more events for women, and just be there to support and empower others.”

Natasha’s commitment to lifting up other women in the sport was realised in 2023 when she organised an all-female motocross event for International Women’s Day with her sister’s help. “Everyone told us it wouldn’t work and that we wouldn’t get enough entries,” she recalls. “But we worked our butts off, and we ended up with 90 entries across all classes. There were 17 women in the complete beginner class, and many had never even been on a track before. It was the most rewarding experience, and it showed the power of what we can achieve when we support each other.”

Throughout her journey, Natasha has been fortunate to have the backing of several key sponsors who have played an essential role in helping her achieve her goals. “I couldn’t do this without the incredible support of Lees Spot On Motorcycles in Mount Pleasant,” Natasha shares. “They’ve been with me for years, and the team there has always looked after my bikes. They are the best bunch of guys.”

In addition, Natasha’s partnership with MWMX Giveaways has also been instrumental. “Kale from MWMX gave me the opportunity to earn commissions and helped fund my racing. It’s made such a difference, and I can’t thank him enough for the support.”

With her passion for sidecar racing taking off, Natasha is grateful for the continued support from these brands, alongside her other sponsors Lee’s Spot on Motorcycles, and new sponsors Sticky Pixels, Rythum Motorsports, Throttle Girls, and all those who have believed in her journey. “Every sponsor has played a part in my story, and I’m truly thankful for the faith they’ve put in me,” she says.

Her racing career, although still relatively young, is already marked by a series of memorable moments, each one a testament to her growth as a rider. But the journey hasn’t always been easy. From battling her inner demons to being thrown off a sidecar mid-air, Natasha’s story is filled with the highs and lows that come with racing. “The worst moment would probably be my first 24-hour solo event,” she says. “The rain made the track super slippery, I kept crashing, and my bike was broken. It was frustrating, but I was determined to finish. I ended up missing the cut-off by four minutes, and they retired me after 13.5 hours. It was devastating, but I was still proud of how far I pushed myself.”

While Natasha’s journey has had its fair share of challenges, it’s the community and the love for the sport that keep her moving forward. “The people I’ve met, the friends I’ve made, and the support I get from my family—it’s all what keeps me going,” she shares. “And my husband, who always watches the kids while I race, is a huge part of this. Without his support, I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

But Natasha also credits a number of other incredible individuals who have been instrumental in her journey. “My mum has been a constant support,” Natasha says. “She’s always there at events, helping with the kids when my husband can’t, taking photos, and assisting at pit stops. I’m also so grateful to the amazing sidecar riders I’ve teamed with—Caroline, Rob, Nick, and Eliza—who put in hundreds of hours preparing their sidecars, handling entries, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to experience the thrill of sidecar racing.”

Natasha is equally grateful for the sidecar community itself. “They’ve welcomed me with open arms and have shared so much knowledge. And of course, I can’t forget all the volunteers who dedicate so much time and effort to making these events possible for all of us. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

When asked for advice for others looking to follow in her footsteps, Natasha has one simple yet powerful message: “The moment you stop caring about what others think is when you’ll truly start living your best moto life. Don’t worry about being fast, don’t worry about falling off. Just get out there and have fun. As long as you’re giving it a go, that’s all that matters.”

Natasha Sky’s story is one of courage, determination, and a passion for motorsport that’s both contagious and inspiring. Whether she’s racing solo or as a sidecar passenger, she continues to push her limits, support other women in the sport, and show her children that girls can do hard things.