Racer Profile: Naomi Findlay

Racing for Passion, Purpose, and the Next Generation of Riders

Naomi Findlay’s journey into motocross and desert racing wasn’t typical, and her story proves that it’s never too late to start chasing your dreams. At 25, she watched her then-boyfriend race in the prestigious Finke Desert Race, and in that moment, Naomi was hooked. With no background in motorsport, she borrowed gear and quickly learned the basics of riding. A year later, Naomi sold her first bike to travel overseas, but the fire to ride was never fully extinguished.

It wasn’t until Naomi’s father passed away from cancer at 30 that she had a real moment of clarity. “Losing my dad made me realise life was too short not to pursue what made me feel alive,” she says. Naomi bought her first full-size bike, a WR250F, and began learning to ride properly in a carpark. What started as a way to cope with grief soon transformed into a deep passion for the sport. “Riding became my therapy. I’d put my helmet on, and for those moments, I could forget everything and just live in the moment,” Naomi reflects.

What followed was a commitment to racing, a commitment that would see Naomi rise from a complete beginner to a competitive force in just a few years. With no previous motorsport experience, she dived straight into the challenge of racing Australia’s toughest desert race, the Finke Desert Race. Not only did she finish, but she was also inspired to show other women that they, too, could push past their limits. “I want to show girls that you can do anything if you put your mind to it,” Naomi explains.

Riding is about more than just racing for Naomi—it’s about growth, learning new skills, and exploring new terrains. “I thrive on the challenge. Every ride is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s a different track, new terrain, or even a new skill,” she says. As she spends nearly every weekend riding, or racing, Naomi has racked up an impressive number of events, including almost 50 weekends of racing over the last three seasons.

Her first few years were spent in Adelaide, travelling up to three hours to race in SA and further to race interstate. But in 2022, Naomi made a bold decision—she gave up having a home and chose to live full-time in a motorbike trailer that she built with some friends, to pursue racing full-time. She travelled 45,000 km last year, racing across the country, and this year she’s training in the Northern Territory for Finke. “Living on the road has been amazing,” Naomi says. “It’s freedom. I arrange work in remote areas between races, and I’ve never been more focused on my goals.”

Naomi’s weapon of choice is her 2023 Yamaha WR 250F, a bike she purchased with the support of her sponsor, Pitmans Motorcycles, at the end of 2022. While Naomi’s setup is fairly straightforward, she knows exactly how to adapt her bike to different types of racing. “I make small adjustments to my setup depending on the terrain and the style of racing,” she explains. “For example, I’ll remove the lights and number plate, fit the MX plate, adjust the suspension, and change the tyres as needed. But with my schedule, I don’t have a lot of time to play around with the setup—I just adapt.”

Some modifications, however, are non-negotiable for Naomi. “I absolutely love my Steg Pegz for all riding and racing—they’re a must for me,” she says. “I also use a steering damper for desert racing, and radiator guards have saved me from damage many times. It’s the little things that make a big difference.”

As for the speed, Naomi’s bike can reach 160 km/h on dirt, though during races, she typically averages 140 km/h for only a few seconds. “MX racing is the slowest, averaging around 30 km/h, while other types of racing can see me go at 40-65 km/h on average,” she adds.

Naomi’s dedication to racing reached new heights during the Finke Desert Race, where she competed not only for personal glory but also to raise over $12,000 for cancer research in memory of her father. “Racing Finke was emotional, especially on the first day when I didn’t know if I’d make the time limit. But I did, and my friends were there to meet me,” she recalls. “That race taught me so much about myself and my limits, but it’s also about the community of women who support each other in this sport.”

Though Naomi has faced her share of challenges, she continues to push forward. She recalls an unfortunate moment when a male competitor intentionally crashed into her during a race, damaging her bike. “That was a tough experience, but thankfully, it’s only happened once. Most guys in the sport are supportive, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie,” Naomi shares.

Naomi’s goal isn’t just to compete in races—she’s deeply committed to encouraging other women to enter the sport and learn how to ride safely. “I want to help other girls who are just starting out. I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, and I want to ensure they don’t make the same ones,” Naomi says. Her passion for coaching and empowering others led her to begin the journey to become a fully qualified moto coach. “I’ve completed my first level of qualification and I’m nearly signed off. It’s all about sharing my knowledge and helping others learn to ride safely and confidently.”

Her advice to anyone considering racing or getting involved in motorsport is simple: “Just go for it. If you believe in yourself and are prepared to put in the work, you can do it. Don’t let fear hold you back, and don’t worry about what others think. Just ride for yourself, have fun, and race for you.”

Through her journey, Naomi has found a deep connection to the sport, to the women she rides with, and to the natural beauty she experiences along the way. “Riding isn’t just about racing—it’s about finding freedom, pushing your limits, and making memories with people who inspire you,” she says.

With a strong sense of purpose, a desire to inspire the next generation of riders, and a dream to continue competing at the highest level, Naomi Findlay is proving that racing is about much more than just crossing the finish line—it’s about the journey, the community, and living life on your terms.