Out of the Blue: Natasha Lachapelle
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Natasha Lachapelle
Birthday: June 13, 1994
Hometown: Bolton Center, Quebec
Occupation: D.E.P in Esthetics, eyelash technician and Mary Kay consultant.
Number: 199
Bike: 200wxc KTM 2015
Race Club: FMSQ, GNCC
Classes: Womens Pro (WXC)
Let’s get to know Quebec off-road racer, Natasha Lachapelle. – Lachapelle photo
How did you get started in racing?
Dirt biking and racing has been apart of my life since the day I was born. My father, Allan Lachapelle, was a multi-time Provincial and National, enduro and hare scrambles champion. He taught me everything I needed to know to being the best rider I could be.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
I’ve been doing this since I was 4 years old and it’s been my passion ever since, so I guess I could say I expected it. (Laughs)
Do you think motorcross is harder for a female to compete in?
It’s a challenge that we as female riders need to work harder and prove to not only ourselves but to others that we are able to compete in a sport that is rough!
Natasha’s favourite rider is Travis Pastrana but she looks up to her boyfriend, Philippe Chainé. – Lachapelle photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
There are so many amazing talented riders out there! It’s hard to pick just one, but I have to say it’s Travis Pastrana, (hence my number 199); he’s the type of rider that allows you to see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and you work hard at it.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Kacy Martinez, who is the WXC GNCC champion and a Factory rider for KTM USA. She is by far really successful in her career and I believe she’s opened a lot of doors proving that women across the world can be successful in this sport and she kills it out there on the track. She’s an amazing talented rider.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I have two Canadian Pros that I look up to: my dad and my boyfriend Philippe Chainé because they are both determined to fight until the end and they have amazing technique that I have the privilege to learn from.
Natasha’s favourite tracks are Victoriaville in Quebec and the Ironman track in Indiana. – Pascal Laroche photo submitted with permission from Lachapelle
What is your favourite track and why?
Victoriaville, Qc and Ironman, Indiana, are my two favourite tracks because [they are] fast and technical at the same time and a mix of everything.
Who is your hero?
My dad because I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
What were your goals for this season?
My goal for this season was to finish on the podium for the provincial FMSQ series but, unfortunately, I had a foot injury and I wasn’t able to finish the season.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment was winning the East Canadian National Championship in 2014.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favourite part is being around my family and friends sharing the same passion.
She lists winning the East Canadian National Championships in 2014 as her biggest racing accomplishment to date. – Pascal Laroche photo submitted with permission from Lachapelle
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I love being outside and playing sports.
Is it important to have a endurocross racer as a boyfriend/partner or just a bonus?
It’s of course a bonus!
If you ever have children, will they be endurocross/motocross racers?
Racing will definitely be apart of their lives but, in the end, they will decide if they want it to be something more.
Who do you want to thank?
I would like to thank all my amazing sponsors: ALDO Racing, Lachapelle Racing Products, Ladies Class, Kutvek, JPF Racing, Forma Boots, Deft Family, Factory Connection, Philippe Chainé, my parents and everyone who cheers me on at the race tracks!
