Inside the WMX Title Chase: An Interview with Mikayla “Kay Kay” Nielsen
With just three races left in the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Mikayla “Kay Kay” Nielsen is pushing hard for the WMX crown. Monster Energy sits down with the rising star to talk grit, goals, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
As the world’s hottest pro motocross tour, the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, begins its final three race push to crown the overall series champions, this weekend the women (WMX class) are back in action with the annual running of The Ironman, in Crawfordsville, Ind. And Monster Energy’s Mikayla Nielsen, affectionately known as “Kay Kay,” finds herself right in the thick of things in the overall WMX title chase.
A former Loretta’s champion (Girls 11-16 in 2019) and last year’s 3rd place podium finisher in WMX, Nielsen is well within striking distance (120-107, 13 points with three races remaining) of the overall AMA Pro Motocross Championship’s current points leader this summer, Lachlan “La La” Turner.
Kay Kay vs. La La has been the story within the women’s pro racing circles this summer here in the States, with Nielsen firing the first salvo in a 2-1 series opening round victory at her home track - Fox Raceway in Pala, Calif. Turner would grab the top spot at the next WMX round, Hangtown, Calif., to Nielsen’s 2nd place finish. A 4th place run at Lakewood MX (Colo.) would set Nielsen back a bit in the points, but she’s got three more rounds – beginning this weekend at The Ironman – to hack away at Turner’s points lead and put herself in the running for the title at the final race in Budds Creek, Md. (Aug. 22).
Monster Energy caught up with Kay Kay to get her take on what’s been going down this summer, how she got to where she is now, and how she trains to stay there – and the top of the WMX field.
Monster Energy: Kay Kay! Thank you for taking the time to get the Monster Army caught up on how your summer on your dirt bike has been going. You guys, the WMX in particular, have had a couple months off now from racing and get back after it this week (Aug. 8) at the Ironman National (Ind.). Gonna feel good to get back after it here?
Mikayla Nielsen: Yeah, I’m honestly really excited. The break has been good for recovery and getting some solid training in, but I’m ready to be back at the gate. There’s nothing like that race-day energy, especially with the WMX girls. It’s always competitive, but we have great friendships since we all have one goal which is trying to grow WMX together. I’m looking forward to seeing where we all stack up again at Ironman.
ME: You opened the 2025 WMX season just off the podium with a victory (2-1) at Fox Raceway (Calf.). Talk about that race and how it set the stage for your 2025 outdoor MX season.
MN: Fox Raceway was super special. It was my first WMX win ever and at my home track, which made it even better. I’ve grown up riding there, so I felt comfortable and confident heading into the weekend. Crossing the finish line knowing I had gone 2-1 for the overall was such a proud moment. It set the tone for my season and proved to me that I belong up front. Starting off with a win at home gave me momentum and motivation to keep pushing for that championship, knowing I can be a contender.
ME: You guys ran it right back the following week at the legendary Hangtown (Calif.) circuit. You raced to a 2nd place finish, one rung off the top of the podium behind your rival, Lachlan Turner. Talk about that event and the Kay Kay vs. La La rivalry in WMX.
MN: Hangtown was intense. Lachlan and I always push each other, but I would definitely consider her one of my best friends. We have that drive to beat one another which is healthy competition. I ended up second on the day, which is still good but I knew I could’ve done better. There’s no rivalry because I wouldn’t want to be swapping wins with anyone else.
ME: So when you’re at an MX National with Monster Energy’s Deegan, Tomac and those guys, do you take time to watch the men’s practice sessions and motos (when you can), looking at the lines they’re taking in certain areas of the track and working to adapt that to your races? Or do you just pretty much stick to what you know you can get done on the bike, working to your strengths rather than trying to adopt the men’s riding styles?
MN: For sure, I study the guys. They’re the best in the world, and there’s always something to learn especially with lines, rhythm and how they attack rough sections. But I try to adapt to what works for me. As a female racer, our strength and style can be different, so I take notes from the guys. But I always come back to what feels right on my bike.
ME: Makes sense. The third WMX race of the summer, at Lakewood MX (Colo.), was shortened due to weather – and you only got in one moto. You were able to pull a 4th place out of Lakewood, which kept you in 2nd place overall in the standings, 13 points back of Turner (120-107). Talk a bit about Lakewood, and what that did to motivate you these past couple months before you hit the track again at Ironman.
MN: Lakewood was tough. That elevation hits different while also being the last moto of the day after all 4 pro motos. I didn’t ride like myself, and finishing 4th definitely stung. But it gave me time to refocus and really work during the break. I’ve used this past month to get stronger, mentally and physically. I’m chasing that red plate, and I’m itching to get back.
ME: In addition to Monster Energy, your main sponsor this year is SLR Honda Racing. Talk about how that relationship came about. And are you motocross exclusive with them? Or do they try and talk you into riding some WORCS events?
MN: SLR Honda has been amazing. They really took a chance on me and they do so much for me to accomplish my dreams. We connected through NGPC (off road series), and they gave me a shot. Right now, I’m focused on chasing both off-road and motocross championships.
ME: Speaking of off-road, do you still get out and desert ride with your family and friends? Or is it all about motocross these days?
MN: Of course! We always take trips out to Ocotillo Wells during Thanksgiving, New Year, and Presidents weekend. We’ve been doing those trips since I first started on a motorcycle and have been going ever since.
ME: Take us through a typical training week. What are you doing off the bike to get faster, and where are you training on the bike? Who’s helping coach you?
MN: Usually I ride three times a week at the track and cycle or hit the gym two to three times a week, with Sunday as my rest day. My riding trainer is Robby Bell, a multi-time off-road champion who also qualified in AMA Pro Motocross races. It’s super helpful having a coach who’s done both disciplines like me. I also work with Tom Danielson, who raced the Tour de France. He’s been a huge part of my program, helping raise my fitness to the next level.
ME: When you’re not on a dirt bike, what other sports do you enjoy? Did you play any in high school?
MN: Growing up, I played so many different sports. In high school I played water polo, competed in track & field, and volleyball—all while racing dirt bikes. I love being active and always trying to be the best, so sometimes our family games get a little heated.
ME: Beyond dirt bikes and sports, do you have a regular job yet? College or online courses? Career goals outside of racing?
MN: I don’t have a regular job right now—racing is my job. But I’m also working on building something on the business side of the sport, especially for women in moto. I’m currently taking online college courses in business, sports management, and entertainment. My parents have always instilled in me that education comes first, so no homeschooling—I’m working toward a degree. My goal is to race professionally as long as I can and eventually help shape the future of the sport for girls coming up.
ME: That’s excellent. Looking at other sports Monster Energy’s involved with—NASCAR, F1, SCORE Trophy Truck—what would you want to try? Do you see yourself staying involved in motorsports long-term, like Sara Price?
MN: I’d love to try anything that gives me the opportunity. I’m always open to new things, especially in motorsports—Trophy Trucks, rally, maybe even NASCAR or UTV racing. If it has an engine and competition, I’m in. Long-term, I definitely see myself staying involved in the sport even after my pro motocross career. What Sara Price is doing is super inspiring—I’ve always looked up to her. I want to keep competing, building, and helping push the limits for women in motorsports—whether I’m on two wheels or four.
ME: Right on. Well thanks for your time here, Mikayla. Best of luck to you this week at the Ironman. We’ll be tuning in!
MN: Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got at Ironman—let’s go!
Up next: The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship returns to action on August 9th for the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National in Crawfordsville, Ind. For more information, visit http://www.promotocross.com/.
