#124
The Desert Dames
Nykki and Ashley JUST MET end of June after Nykki’s previous potential teammate had to step out. After Ashley was sent Nykki’s call to action for a new teammate, a quick phone call took place and the rest is history. After finding out that the two had crossed paths on many occasions but never actually met (Lucky Dog Race at Willow Springs, Babes in the Dirt event in Johnson Valley), both riding the same dirt bikes as well as both having Miatas (Miatae? Miats? Hah!), there is no way these two couldn’t team up to make some magic happen! When you find someone that you click with, it feels easy. These two are already finishing each other’s thoughts before either says a word. Conversations flow, silences are comfortable and there is no need to pretend. Even though they are different people, everything just fits. The rollercoaster of rally prep has come so quick but being able to support each other without pressure, challenge each other without conflict and just enjoy the ride.
Bilstein, Dropstars, SuperPro, Pirelli, Pennzoil, AZ WrapsSupporters: Sweat Cycle, Le Meiux, Klim, Cardo ORV, Drift 101, World of Racing, Sweat Yoga, Breathwork with Shannon Lee Whalen, Body by Gabby, Kondor, The Spa at South Bay Plastic Surgeon, Thunder Road Cafe
What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?
I’m a stuntwoman and actress, and have had previous lives as a talent assistant, event producer and makeup artist. It’s important for me to call those things out because I think one of the things I’ve learned most, is to never settle and I'm so proud that I didn't. I kept pursuing until it “hit”. Not only that, having previous years in other professions gave me the tools to not only dream big but to execute those plans. I wanted to be an actress since I was a little girl, so it’s an absolute surreal feeling to be where I am today. Truthfully, I didn't know stunts was separate so as I stumbled into it, I was like "wow this is me!" It constantly gives me the opportunity to try new things and use my body to it's full potential. I broke my collarbone earlier this year. While resting and recovering, it really made me realize the appreciation I have for the ability to do what I love — to be physical, emotional, and creative, all while exploring the world. Wow. Plus, stunts came into my life when I needed it most and helped me rebuild my confidence and find myself.
Residence:
Sherman Oaks, CA
If you attended college or University where did you go and what was your major?
Indiana University, Kelley School of Business - B. S. Marketing
Favorite Quote:
"You're creative to the degree you're committed" — Grant Cardone
Fun Fact:
Why the Rebelle? Why now?
Why now.. well after grieving my father in 2023 a lot shifted in my life. The realization that work is not everything, that our time here exploring and loving our people in the flesh is limited, all that really came to the forefront. With grief and coming out of an abusive relationship, it's easy to feel lost, to second guess all your choices. I decided that living happens now, and the only way to do that, is by doing. So I'm doing the things that scare me, that excite me, that push me to live fully. It hurts my heart thinking my dad didn't get to and that my mama is so tied to work, I want to pull her out of that. But beyond the idea of "fully living", I want to develop a deep trust and love for myself, no more second guessing.
Who, or what, inspires you most?
Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows
Chris Williamson Podcast / “You’re a Badass” by Jen Sincero / “Money Heist” (Spanish or dubbed — I know right, even dubbed)
Greatest adventure to date?
Right now!! Each new adventure brings along something you're supposed to learn in that particular moment and gosh dang it, I know the Rebelle Rally is meant for that. It's not just about getting to the finish line, it's about who you become along the way.
What are your competition objectives and why?
Ashley and I teamed up at the end of June, so a shorter timeline than most. But dang, the amount of work and training we've done to get where we are has been really special. Our goal is to do as well as we can. Just getting to the start line is a win but of course we'd love to have a solid finish. From wrenching on the rig and doing upgrades to becoming precise with navigation all while understanding the game of the rally, it's a lot. The challenge has been more than I anticipated, so I'm excited to see who I become in this process. Growth is definitely upon me haha. I started training in 2024 so I'm hoping I can bring an element to level up our rookie team. The Rebelle has already opened my eyes so much and I'd love to do an international rally and keep exploring after. But I will say, a Rookie podium finish would truly be icing on the cake.
What makes you tick, outside of work?
I would say my biggest passion is learning. I’m so blessed to say that my career allows me to focus and try all these wild ideas of mine. “When you love what you do, you’re never really working.” I’m never really “chill” about the activities I try. I dive head first. From learning to snowboard and ski two years ago, I’m now stunt doubling on television for it (wild!) Not to mention, falling in love with motorsports and various martial arts. Adventure travel is for sure my new found obsession after riding motorcycles in Africa last year. What an experience! And I absolutely love pilates, escape rooms (67 rooms and counting), yoga, boxing and I HAVE to get coffee from every mom and pop cafe.
What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?
I ventured into the world of stunts right as the world shutdown due to covid, which led me to the world of motorsports as we couldn’t do fight practices (fight choreography and filming). I got my first dirt bike and was lucky to train with stunt folks, ride with them and slide their stunt cars. I’d say, it was love at first slide. I competed in the SWAP Moto Women’s Beginner series, wasn’t great at it but I went for it. From there I went to the Motion Picture Driving Clinic to begin learning stunt driving and became a Junior Instructor. Simultaneously, I started training at Drift 101 and helping out, which led me to get my first drift/stunt car, a stock Miata (I love that Ashley and I both have one!)! I just wanted to be in a car or ride, so I was training at Willow Springs, Apple Valley Speedway, LACR or Glen Helen as much as I could. I then started competing in Rallycross with Rodnoc Racing in a 2022 Subaru Forester (not a prepped vehicle that's for sure, but my wise friend once said, “any car is a race car” — so we’ll run with that). To autocross in the Miata to taking BMW’s course out at Thermal. It’s just the beginning and I couldn’t be more excited. (And I now have my eyes on international rallies hehe). None of the above mentioned things were easy to achieve. Starting stunts at 29 with no connections can be rather intimidating. You get really creative when you’re fully committed and have no choice but to figure it out and get outside your comfort zone, so that’s what I continue to do. From stunts to motorsports — it’s constant problem solving. A bit of breath work and decent amount of self pep-talks. A ton of “no’s”, for the one “yes”. So I'm bringing that to the Rebelle! Ashley and I teamed up a bit later in the game but dang, I feel like we both have this insane drive and are making things happen no matter what and it's really cool. We're getting creative with our ways of making it to the start line!
What kind of cool experiences do you have outside of the Rebelle?
I was in an epic commercial for Reese's for the 2025 Super Bowl! I was "Window Woman" jumping in and out of candy glass for the Reese's Caramel launch. It was one of the coolest experiences. My first national commercial and came during the toughest year.
Do you have any memorable moments with cars?
My first memory of what I called a "car" was riding in my dad's lap for the riding lawn mower, it was the absolute best thing ever. While we only had one, we couldn't "race" but we did do our best to get some solid lap times out in the lawn haha.
What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?
I currently work for Mazda North American Operations, previously as a vehicle dynamics engineer for 4 years and currently as a project manager for our Advanced Strategic Growth team. My goal since I started college was to work for Mazda after falling in love with the Miata. I’ve built my own Miata, changed the motor, raced it, fixed it, rinse and repeat. This car and the company behind it has led me to meet all of my close friends, race family, and beyond. Being able to work for Mazda and be a part of the process that brought my favorite sports car to life has been amazing.
Residence:
San Pedro, CA
If you attended college or University where did you go and what was your major?
California State University Fullerton, Mechanical Engineering
Favorite Quote:
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take."– Lewis Carroll (attributed)
Fun Fact:
I moved to rural Japan by myself for my engineering job in 2016, without being able to speak Japanese. I was out exploring every single weekend in my AZ1 and met one of my best friends and husband (both Australian) while traveling solo in Japan.
Why the Rebelle? Why now?
There are two main reasons: First, I had been wanting to compete in the Rebelle for years and have been waiting for the “right time”. The right time financially and health wise, hoping for my company to sponsor my team, or waiting for the perfect teammate. I have found the latter, and there was no way I was going to let this opportunity pass me by! Really stoked to team up with someone who is as excited and dedicated to making this event happen as myself. Second, I was diagnosed with transverse myelitis in 2020 and woke up with my arms totally paralyzed. With extensive PT and an insatiable need to get back into the driver's seat, I made almost a full recovery, all things considered. I don’t ever want to take any day or experience for granted, because nothing is ever guaranteed. I don’t want to have regrets when I get older and have any “what ifs”. No more waiting on other people to make the decision for me. Excited to do this event for my own satisfaction, learn and challenge myself in new ways, put my problem solving skills to the test, have some fun in nature and compete against some of the most badass women around!
Who, or what, inspires you most?
Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows
Greatest adventure to date?
THIS IS IT! It’s happening now!
What are your competition objectives and why?
I am extremely competitive when it comes to racing, but off-roading is fairly new to me, so I need to be a little more patient with myself as I learn how to navigate rally (literally and figuratively). I will be happy if we finish the race, shiny side up, smiles plastered on our faces. I will be over the moon if we place well but considering it’s our first year at the event, having a killer time and chasing checkpoints is a win in my book. I have a feeling after this event, I’m going to get hooked and want to build my own personal rig, like I need another hobby!
What makes you tick, outside of work?
How much time and space do I have to write? I like to say I’m a jack of all trades and master of none. Find me snowboarding in the winter time, dirt biking in the summer, downhill mountain biking, racing Miatas, rollerblading on the beach paths, and hiking to name a few. I do dedicate a lot of time to the Southern California Newfoundland Rescue, whether that’s through fostering, fundraising, event planning, etc. My newfoundland dog Jun is my wing-dog through and through. Huge fan of traveling and trying new food but also love a good stay at home weekend to garden and take care of my plant jungle.
What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?
It’s fair to say that my life has revolved a lot around cars, Mazdas specifically, and outside of work I love racing with my race “family”. We compete in the Lucky Dog Endurance Racing League and consistently podium at the top of our class. I’ve previously competed in NASA Sprint Racing and autocross when I was much younger. This experience has allowed me to stay calm under stressful situations, have great special awareness as well be able to make sound split second decisions to avoid any crazy racing conditions. These all directly translate into skills that are extremely beneficial for the Rebelle. Also I’ve previously worked for Yokohama, traveling with their Porsche GT3 Cup Car series in 2019. Learning about tire construction, how different compositions work for different applications and how much tire pressures affect performance are all also hugely beneficial in the Rebelle. Not to mention, quick tire changes!
What kind of cool experiences do you have outside of the Rebelle?
I was on Jay Leno’s Garage with my Autozam AZ1! Very surreal talking to Jay and having him drive my car through Burbank.
Do you have any memorable moments with cars?
When I was a young girl, my dad would take me out in his Aurora Cobra (AC Cobra replica) and I just remember LOVING it when my dad would “go fast”. I just loved that feeling of speed and the wind in my hair. When I was old enough to get my drivers license, my dad was *reluctantly* teaching me to drive a manual. We were at a stop light in his old 65 Mustang and he was telling me how to feel the slip point of the clutch and how to ease on the throttle. When the light turned green I got nervous and dropped the clutch and did a massive burnout! My dad joked that I left half the tires back on the road.
Vehicle
2007 Lexus GX 470
The GX470 was a journey. After going to a 4-day Rebelle U training in a Bone Stock 2022 Subaru Forester Sport, I decided 4x4s had more fun. It opened my world to off-roading and exploring. I wanted to upgrade to something that was reliable and strong enough to tow my drift/stunt car, be able to pack it up with stunt mats and car camp. It took me 6 months of Facebook marketplace searching (my ultimate hobby) to find and I flew to Vegas in September of 2024 to pick it up (ironically, flew to Vegas to get my Miata too.. and now the Rebelle ends in Vegas.. guess there's something about Vegas!!). This was the first vehicle I paid cash for. The first vehicle I got without the help of my dad and I finally ended up selling my Subaru on his birthday and somehow profited, my dad was definitely looking out -- Thanks Pops!! What a full circle experience. And I couldn't be more obsessed with everything about it and I'm so stoked to build it out with Ashley -- it literally just all feels meant to be. Plus it's super fun when people in the parking lot ask "who's Prado is this!?" And I get to grin and say, "oh it's mineee!" -- Nykki
