The motocross riding duo, who live on a sheep station 50km out of Yass, will use the money to help pursue their dreams of one day becoming world champions.

Aim for the stars foundation assists aspiring female athletes in fulfilling their goals. The Nesbitts are the first motocross competitors to successfully apply for assistance.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time for us,” says Sophie, 16, a year 12 school student at Yass High School. In July 2007 Sophie underwent surgery to correct damage sustained to medial, lateral and anterior cruciate ligaments in her left knee.

To make matters worse, Sophie had to undergo a second lot of surgery in February this year to correct problems in her opposite knee.

It’s been a long road back to the race track for Sophie. “I competed for the first time in around twelve months on the weekend. I was excited… I knew was ready.”

While so similar in many ways – age, interests and personality – the sisters have their own sense of individualism on and off the track.

“Sophie’s a very radical rider… all arms and legs everywhere,” Jessica, 17, explained. “She [Sophie] is very tall, around six-foot. Me, I’m probably seen as more ‘smooth’ on the bike.”

In September Jessica and Sophie will travel to Sydney to meet Layne Beachley, the seven times world surfing champion, face-to-face. Both are extremely grateful of the opportunity given to them by a person who was once in a very similar position.

“It was very surprising,” Jessica said. “I even shed a few tears… It came at a point when we were probably struggling.”

Even as a young woman with the surfing world as her oyster, Beachley struggled to make ends meet. Her battle to put female surfing on the map inspired her to start helping others who struggle with the underlying sexism in sport.

“I was the number two ranked surfer in the world in 1995. Yet, I was living off $8000 and working three jobs,” Layne reflects.

The Nesbitts’ sunny personalities, great talent, strong desire and remote surroundings, won them over in Layne’s mind. “When we got their application, we saw such amazing opportunities. Considering they’re country girls and have disadvantages in many ways, we saw we could help.”

The Wee Jasper ‘twins’ will compete together for only the second time in nearly 12months, when they head to Barnsdale for the Victorian State Championships. With a little more money to cover bike maintenance and race fees, a whole new range of doors open for the motocross flyers.