The official launch of the first POWR (Professional Organization of Women's Racing) Women's Pro Shootout was presented by Answer/Pro Taper in Hog Heaven MX Park in Godwin (North Carolina). The fastest female riders met there where 15.000$ were offered for the winners.
 It made me think about this reality, being a woman in the industry, in a male dominant sport. How do women make their way? Let's ask the girls what they think about it.

 

 

IM: Is female victory paid like male victory? If not, why?

 

CB:  Not even close, especially the last couple years it has been really tough. A lot of the local women pro riders don't even race the series in Colorado anymore because the reward is not worth what its costs to get to the track. I know the younger girls look up to us and it's gotta be discouraging for them to only see a couple pro's on the gate at each event.

 

IM: If the costs are very close but the rewards are not the same, how do you survive?

 

CB: It's hard for sure, I can really only go to a few races a year because of the economic situation. Mostly we rely on support from the moto industry like Pro Taper and Answer did at the POWR Pro Shootout. That support and recognition from big businesses like that makes it worth it.

 

IM: What do woman would need from the industry in terms of sponsoring, recognition, interest and coverage? What support are you still dreaming of?

 

CB: Being able to get factory support would definitely be a game changer, back in WMX's prime a few years ago a handful of girls got factory backing because they started showing more of the women's races on TV and giving us more acknowledgement. Getting full coverage again and in turn more interest from companies, that's what I'm hoping for.

 

IM: Do women athletes have the same opportunities to have viable careers in MX like men?

 

CB: I would say no because we don't get factory rides, we don't get paid evenly, we don't get shown on TV, we aren't even a part of the AMA pro series anymore, the list goes on. I know some companies that refuse to sponsor female athletes. On the other hand, females have the upper hand for things like advertising. I don't personally agree with posing next to your dirt bike wearing skimpy little outfits. Showing athleticism is one thing but there are lines that shouldn't be crossed and I think it sends the wrong message to the younger generation of female riders that they have to do that in order to be valid in the motocross field.

 

IM: How do you maximize your athletic potential and how do you survive between training/job/travel/kids maybe?

 

CB: I was struggling with maintaining a high GPA and making time to do everything I needed to do to stay competitive at a pro level, I had to make the decision if I wanted to go after a career in motocross that wasn't guaranteed or stay in school and go down the path most people follow. I've never been one to follow the crowd, and I am currently doing online school so I can be in the gym everyday and ride as much as I can. My dad and I have a deal that if he sees I'm putting all my effort into trying to be the best I don't have to get a job so I'm definitely blessed to be where I'm at.

 

IM: What is the worst line you hear at the gate or at the track?

 

CB: It's not really what people say to us, it's how they act. I race in 250 B and college-boy as well as woman pro, and when I pull up to a gate full of guys I get a lot of dirty looks because they have the mentality that motocross is a mans sport. Some will even go so far as to try and take us out if we try and race with them, doing everything they can to not get passed by a girl.  The one thing they don't expect is when we give it right back to them haha. I normally like to throw a little look-back in the air if they're really stubborn about getting out of the way.

 

IM: Ashley Fiolek, Jessica Patterson, Tarah Gieger, Sarah Whitmore, Sherri Cruse or Jolene Van Vugt... All these ladies gave a new light to the sport for female motocross racers. Do you agree? Why? Which female rider was a real inspiration for you?

 

CB: Oh yeah, for sure. Those are the first names that come up when talking about women's racing and each of them have given the sport something new. Ashley Fiolek was always my favorite growing up, she was such an inspiration to me and I love her riding style.

 

IM: One thing is obvious, women are not giving up and they make names for themselves in competitions, what do you personally wish for the evolution of female riders?

 

CB: I'd be happy with equality. We work just as hard day in and day out as the guys and we barely get any of the same rewards.

 

IM: Stefy Ban put a nail in the coffin turning pro in the USA amongst men in 2000, but the women are no longer a part of the AMA Men's pro circuit. What can make a change?

 

CB: Riders like Vicki Golden and Hannah Hodges, branching out to new things like competing in the X Games and MEC. I think it's really cool that they both took a leap of faith (and kicked ass) cause a lot of girls don't want to try and get sideways in the air or line up next to 39 guys. Style is a big part of motocross, you always hear guys talking about how sick that scrub was or how low he got in that rut. Women need to start riding like guys and proving to the industry that we have what it takes. We are not dainty little flowers, we get down and dirty every weekend at the track and if not at the track then in the gym. I go to the gym everyday and it sucks but I do it because I wanna be the next big change for womens racing, and that's what motivates me.

 

IM: What exposure will be the best? Do women need to compete next to the men in a SX to be seen?

CB: I think that a lot more women would race if we were apart of the AMA series and TV coverage just the same as the men or at least being able to talk on the podium on TV to promote the people that are helping us. Unfortunately I dont see that happening anytime soon. That would for sure bring more respect and exposure for us girls. I've actually been really considering switching gears to try and race in the arenacross series. It's something only a handful of women have done and I think it would spark more interest in women riders.