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

JS:  No, we are not. Women aren't paid equally in most sports but there's not even a comparison in motocross. I'm not exactly sure why the pay is so bad for women. My guess would be there's a lot less of us, not any major exposure to give anyone incentive to pay, and the economy isn't the strongest to begin with.

 

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

JS: It's super tough. You really rely on the awesome, die hard, enthusiasts that support you and help you get to the rounds. Especially this year, they made the 2014 WMX schedule in the states a joke. Everyone's hands were tied. How could they offer support with little to no reward for them...

 

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

JS: The coverage needs to increase and I think that would elevate the interest, recognition, and bring along more sponsors. There also needs to be someone heading the organization that has the time and money to dedicate to our sport and help it improve. I'd just like to be able to race on the full gates that there used to be with actual pro women. There's little to no standards and guidelines anymore. They'll let any girl go pro but unfortunately I don't think it's helping the sport. Having MORE girls on a gate doesn't mean anything if they're not at a semi-competitive pro level. People notice the slowest in the pack almost as much as they notice the fastest in the pack, which results in people playing down the speed and athleticism of the true pro women. 

 

 

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

JS:  No. At this point in time, it is not possible for a woman to survive on a salary/bonuses from MX in the U.S.  There have been times, 2012 and earlier, when there were a handful of women making decent money in motocross here. Although, even when racing was at its prime here there was no more than 5-8 women making much. So it's nowhere near where it is career wise for the men.

 

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

JS: I do not have kids. When I was growing up I started home schooling in 8th grade to dedicate more time to racing. I actually worked ahead and graduated high school early, when I was 14, and began taking online college courses. I had a full time fitness trainer since the age of 12 and spent 2-4 days a week at the track. I've worked part-time since I was 16. Thankfully most of the places I've worked have been stoked on the motocross deal and very supportive. They've been kind enough to help me juggle my busy schedule. You have to do it all to be a serious player when it comes down to the real deal. 

 

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

JS: It has a motor, it can't require that much fitness.
 

 

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?

JS:  I think Ash and Jess definitely were game changers for motocross. They were always on point and elevated our sport to a new level. I've always respected Jess. She's done it all. Doesn't matter who's lined up, at what track, during any conditions... She always brings it. And I personally have always really liked Gieger's style. Super smooth and aggressive but it always looks so natural.

 

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?

JS:  I hope they can establish a thriving series that lasts more than a few years. Give the ladies somewhere they want to race, with sponsors that want to support it, and in front of people that want to see it. It's a tough task for sure. But at this rate, there's no incentive to become a female pro. You're better off racing local and/or venturing out into enduro, GNCC, freestyle, etc. Which is what basically everyone has done. The series isn't reputable as it is now in the states. That's why only one girl from the top 5, Mackenzie Tricker, did it this year. The support isn't there and nobody can afford to sacrifice all the time and money to do it just for fun with 12-18 girls. 

 

IM: Stefy Ban put a nail in the cuffin 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?

JS: I honestly don't know. I've heard many options have been voiced to revive WMX at the AMA nationals with no result. No idea what it would take but I'd be happy to help see it through if I could.
 

 

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

JS:  Personally, I think that's a bad idea at this stage. Most chicks would kill themselves in SX or would roll every single jump. Both are obviously not good options. It'd be better to take baby steps and see WMX at arenacross first and build to potentially racing supercross one day. But ultimately, no matter what indoor racing option is added for the women, the outdoor series is currently a joke and needs plenty of work before an additional series is tackled. You can't have a pro series, only at amateur events, with a measly purse, and expect it to thrive. The sponsors aren't into because they already have amateur riders racing at the same place in front of the same amount of people when you are. What good does it do them?