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Remarks to the Womens Motocross League 1999 Boot Camp Awards Banquet
Adventure in Canada
Negotiating Contracts
Interview with MotoNews Guru-Steve Bruhn
2000 DM Sports Women's World MX Series Season Review
Interview with Jessica Patterson
Getting started in Women's racing
By Debbie Matthews
What is it like to be a woman in
the sport of motorcycling ? Do women possess
the same desires, drive , determination and skill as their male counterparts ? How do you get started in the sport if you are
female ? Are there any obstacles to overcome ? Where do you go to get started ? What kind of bike is best for you ? What kind of
gear will fit ? What is your price range? Where do you ride? Are there any female riders in your area ? Is your boyfriend, husband or other riding
partners supportive of your decision to ride? Are
there any schools specifically designed for women? Is
there a womens off road
organization that can help you get started and provide
information on womens events, ride areas, connect you with other riders? What kind of support is offered through
organizations such as the AMA, clubs, OEMs, and aftermarket companies? In short, HOW DO I GET STARTED ?
Getting started can be somewhat overwhelming and intimidating, but it doesnt have to be that way. There is a growing market of female riders eager to help you get started into the exciting world of off road riding.
You are not weird, masculine, or trying to prove something to the male gender, because you love riding. In fact the opposite is true. Riding is a sport that is best enjoyed by riding with others. Riding is one of the few sports in the world that almost anyone can do regardless of their age or gender. Riding is about families, friends, adrenaline, speed, trails, racing, laughter, and most of all fun ! The bottom line is if you have the desire, GO FOR IT !
Your first order of business should be learning to ride. Odds are good that you know someone who rides, who can teach you the basics of riding. Be sure to borrow safety equipment from them and wear it, before attempting riding. Your riding partner and teacher should be someone experienced and patient. Women riders learn on a different learning curve then men. You may need to gently remind them that they were once a first time rider. Be sure to start in an un-congested open area with easy terrain. It may not be the most exciting area for your tutor, but is the best place for you.! Start with the basics. One of the first things I like to do is lay the bike on its side. I know it sounds silly, but if you cant pick it up without assistance, its too big ! Next, go over the controls on the machine. Set the bars and levers for you in the proper positions. Check the suspension, and set the sag. As a general rule 95-105mm of sag or 3.5 to 4.0 " puts you in the ballpark. This is done, by measuring the distance between two points with the suspension unloaded. Translated this means, put your bike up on a stand and measure from say the fender edge to the center of the rear axle. Next sit on the bike off the stand in your riding gear. Bounce up and down on it a few times to settle the suspension. With your weight evenly distributed (full weight on the machine) have someone take the measurements again. The difference in the measurement is your sag discussed previously. It is critical that you get this right! Start the bike. Again, if you cant start it, its probably too big . Once you have the bike started, work on feeling the release of the clutch, smooth and easy. Next work on starting and stopping using the both brakes smoothly and controlled and shifting. Remember to look ahead and be aware of your surroundings. As you get comfortable on the bike, pay attention to how the suspension feels. Is it too stiff and hard? Is it too soft and wallowing? Does it try to kick you over the bars? In short does it inspire confidence, or terror? Work on mastering these basics before attempting more advanced riding. Always ride with a buddy and don't be afraid to ask questions! You have now opened the door to the freedom and excitement riding offers.
SCHOOLS
In recent years support for women riders is on the increase. Through the efforts of Debbie Matthews and
Elaine Ruff (co founders of the WML in 1995) and DM Sports-WSMX founded by
Matthews in 1999, information on women’s programs is being networked across the country. Dealers are becoming increasingly aware of the female market. Women riders are recognized by factory efforts including the Team Green program. Contingency programs
for women riders are also on the upswing, as well as support for deserving female riders. Women's clothing
companies are starting to crop up everywhere. There is even a chest protector designed especially for
women! AMA and Factory support is growing along with a strong surge from the aftermarket from
companies such as Bridgestone, Scott USA, Dunlop, FMF, Pro Action, Competition Direct,
Boyesen, Thor, Pro Circuit,
Ceet, Mothers, Answer, Fox, White Brothers, Motion Pro, IMS, Cyclelogic and RK, have also thrown their support
behind the growth of the women’s market.
WHO IS THE WML ?
For more information on riding areas, clubs, or support contact Debbie Matthews at DM Sports-WSMX,
Inc. at 949-837-2206.
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Remarks addressed to the Womens Motocross League 1999 Awards Banquet
April 16, 1999
I want to share some
thoughts this evening about the responsibility of competing. In this country we consider competition a very
good thing. We attach patriotism and national
pride to the achievements of our young athletes, and we constantly talk about competition
in the marketplace. We firmly believing that
our capitalistic economy is the best system on earth because it is based on vigorous
competition.. But I want to suggest also that
competition can be very destructive. It can
cause wounds to ourselves and to others both physical and emotional. It can spoil friendships, break up families, and
wreck careers. I've seen it happen among those who compete as AMA professionals.
So why are you here
and why are you doing this? Are you here
simply because you have and want to further develop a beautiful and satisfying
relationship with your motorcycle? Because
you love the physics of you and the machine functioning as a single entity? Because you love the ballet of it all?
This may be the most
legitimate reason of all for doing what you do, because every champion will tell you that
the only ones who make it to the top are those who love the game. In fact, the love of the game is the only thing
that will sustain you through injury, defeat, and self-doubt. If you don't
really love riding that motorcycle all by yourself when there is no one to compete against
and no one to beat then you should probably get out now and look for something you really
love. There's
no shame in that decision. Don't keep doing it because someone else wants you too, and least of all
your parents. Now don't get me wrong. I believe
parents should support the aspirations of their children, but parents also must know when
to let go. Parents, forcing their children to
do what they wish they could do themselves, invariably brings bad results for all
concerned.
So ask yourself why
you're doing this, and the answer must be because you
love what you are doing, and you are doing it for you.
If this is what you
have decided, I need not tell you that you will pay a high price, and whether you make it
will depend upon your strength of character; not your ability to ride a motorcycle. And whether or not you will succeed beyond your
years as a champion will depend upon the education, knowledge, and interpersonal skills
you have developed. As proof of this, take a
look at your male counterparts in the motorcycle sport.
Look at the number of champions who became nobody once their career began to
turn downward; some of whom discovered they could not hold a job. I can't tell you
the number of times during my years at the AMA I saw the professional licensing files of
young stars who were very nearly illiterate. It's a damned shame. I hope
you will never let your love of riding or your will to win get in the way of your
education or the education of your children.
For whatever reason
you have chosen to become a motocross rider; whether you're
here to be a world beater or just have fun, I want to suggest to you this evening that you
have taken on a big responsibility that you may never fully realize or understand. I say this because of what I experienced at the
Women and Motorcycling Conference in 1997. As
I told you earlier, the most popular sessions were the panel discussions featuring women
who race motorcycles. Once they had made
their statements and talked about their careers and the discussion portion of the program
began, one after another women came to the microphone and said basically the same thing: I
don't race and I never intend to race, but you women are
important role models to me. What you have
chosen to do is important to all of us who ride motorcycles.
So don't underestimate your importance or the seriousness of the
responsibility you have taken on. Like it or
not, you are role models, whether or not you become a champion. Others from young girls to older women are watching you and taking encouragement and power from your decision
to compete. You have a responsibility to
them. And you have a responsibility to the
sport. How you carry yourself, what you say,
and how you behave both on and off the track will have an impact on motorcycling and
whether other women want to follow in your footsteps.
Sports rise and fall on their role models.
Think about what a pitiful spectacle professional boxing has become, and how
those who follow it keep looking for the next Muhammad
Ali.
Boxing doesn't lack great athletes; it
lacks people of good character.
And if you really want to do something important
for both motorcycling and your gender, I urge you to look beyond your career as a racer. Racing may be important to you now, but it is only
the groundwork for what you need to achieve. Motorcycling
badly needs more women in executive positions. It
needs more women designing and marketing products. It
needs more women running dealerships. And,
especially, it badly needs more skilled and competent female journalists. The attitudes and prejudices will not change
until more of you have filled the decision-making and opinion-leading positions in our
industry.
Thank you for your attention this evening. I want to wish you the best of luck in your motorcycling career, or in whatever you may choose to do.
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| Interview with Shelly
"Scooby Snacks" Kann
11/25/1998 - by Debbie Matthews |
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DMSports
Congratulations on your very successful season in 1998. Could you give a quick recap?
SHELLY
Thank you.
In 1998 I earned the number one plate at the Ladies International Cup and
the AMA Amateur National Championships and finished out the year with fourth in
the WML/AMA National Championship Series.
DMSports
First question is obviously,
How did you do it ?
SHELLY
Actually this year I settled
down and just decided that I wanted to do it.
I just put in all my heart and desire and I went for it and I did it.
DMSports
Who or what do you credit
your success to?
SHELLY
Mostly my parents for
supporting me all these years, Frank Gallo for letting me train with him and Pro
Action for being there for me and supporting me through everything.
DMSports
A lot of people don't seem to
realize that you have been a part of the WML since almost the beginning.
Can you tell us a little about that ?
SHELLY
My first experience with the
WML was during the 1995 Stadiumcross Series that Debbie Matthews organized with Mickey Thompson Entertainment.
We raced Supercross and Ultracross.
That was a good experience. It
worked out really well for the women and it just seems that from there we have
progressed more and more. I like
the direction that it is going in and it seems to be working out really good.
DMSports
You're racing career is
filled with a lot of firsts. You
were the 1995 WML Stadiumcross Champion, the 1996 WML/AMA Outdoor National MX
Champion and became the first female competitor recognized at the AMA Pro Awards
banquet that same year for your WML/AMA National title. How do you do this ?
SHELLY
I guess I just have the need
for speed. I live to race and race
to live. I just really like to
ride. Sometimes I just think I am
at the right place at the right time.
DMSports
What motivates you to be the
best ?
SHELLY
I'd have to say myself
motivates me, but there are other factors that help me like I don't like to
lose. It's a combination of many things…. My dad helped me
through the years, with "You can do it." "You can do anything you
want to do just as long as you put your mind to it."
DMSports
Do you feel that women are
beginning to get into the spotlight a little bit more in the industry ?
SHELLY
Yes, I do.
I feel that a lot of the top women are getting recognized. You can say one of the top women's names to a lot of the
people and they respond with, "Yeah, I remember I saw her at one of the
National races like Unadilla during the series."
It just seems like the word is spreading and it's looking good.
DMSports
What are the pressures or
responsibilities and demands of being one of the most recognized female athlete
figures in the sport?
SHELLY
Mainly just keeping your mind
straight. Don't do anything crazy,
or make a bad scene for yourself. Keep
a level head and keep in touch with the people that you want to keep in touch
with.
DMSports
What about being a role model
? Are the women riders now in a position of being role models ?
And how and why is that important ?
SHELLY
A lot of the mom's love the
women riders. They look up to them.
Even the little girls… They look up to us too.
I think our responsibility is to talk to them… tell them if they want
to get out there and ride, tell them they can do it.
Sure, they're not going to be as fast as us right away, but we all
practiced and we all got better. Everyone
else can too !
DMSports
Is your example as a rider
important to those that are watching, be it sponsors, spectators, or potential
women riders ?
SHELLY
Yes, of course !
When I pick a role model, I stick with them.
Someone will pick a role model such as one of the women racers and stick
with us, follow us and get more people to follow us. You more or less do it yourself, but you must be able to
stand up to the role model status.
DMSports
What do you define the role
model status as being ?
SHELLY
To be friendly and easy to
talk to. To get along with other
riders, have good sportsmanlike conduct, and get along with and be accessible to
the fans.
DMSports
In a sport that has been slow
to recognize and embrace it's female champions and riders, what has kept you
going all these years ?
SHELLY
The desire to race, the
desire to win, desire to just keep going. It's
all heart and desire.
DMSports
Do you see the sport growing
?
SHELLY
Yes, I do.
Since 1995, and that's only been a couple of years.
I've seen a lot more women come out and the women are riding a lot
faster. There is more competition,
and it's growing quickly. I like
how it looks.
DMSports
What is your role in that
growth ?
SHELLY
I think it is important that we keep our audience (the fans) happy with good
competition and good races and that we have fun.
DMSports
What legacy would you like to
pass on to future riders ?
SHELLY
Attitude….. The importance
of having a good attitude, being sportsmanlike and friendly.
Also it's important to be there for the other riders.
Right now there is not as many women as there are men riders, so we need
to stick together. It will all work
out eventually. Maybe someday when
I have a kid ( a girl) and she goes out there and she races… we are paving the
way for them.
DMSports
We sometimes see ourselves as
being out there with the machetes hacking out a trail …. Because there has
never been a trail that existed before.
SHELLY
That's right.
DMSports
How did you get started ?
SHELLY
I was 3 or 4 years old.
I was very young. I got my
first dirt bike in the winter. The
first thing I did was get on that thing and run right into a snow bank !
(laughs) I still have the pictures
with my head sticking right into the snow bank.
DMSports
It would be really fun to
have access to those pictures…. we could always put it up on the website….
SHELLY
That would be really great.
DMSports
Word is that you are
attending school. What is your
course of study ?
SHELLY
(Pause) I'm not attending
school….
DMSports
Oh, you're not attending
school….
SHELLY
(Laughs)
No, not yet
DMSports
Oh, it's a fib….
Good rumor to start. (laughs)
DMSports
Is it important for women to
pursue their racing as well as their school ?
SHELLY
For me, I made the choice to
race. I knew that if I made the choice to go to school and race
that I could only do each half way. Since
I wanted to race, I decided to hold off school, since there is no rush right now
for me. As long as I still feel
like I want to race, I might as well do it because I'm not going to have that
feeling all my life. I can go back
to school, but I need to take advantage of the opportunities that I have today.
DMSports
How do you keep it in
balance, I know you are working…. with
work, racing and training ?
SHELLY
This summer all I did was work and train and ride. Nobody else saw me except for the guy that I train with and a few other friends. That's when you know that you want it…. When that's all that you do. That's the way I feel. I don't think there is any way to juggle it around, other than just doing it. You don't juggle it around. If you focus, it will all fall into place. If you try to incorporate anything else into your program it gets out of control.
DMSports
Yes, you start making trade
offs which affect reaching your ultimate
goal.
SHELLY
Exactly !
DMSports
What is the biggest lesson
that racing has taught you ? (Besides running headfirst into snow banks…)
SHELLY
(Laughs)
Ambition…. Aggressiveness …. Knowing
that if you want something, you go after it and you get it.
To go after it with all your heart.
DMSports
What is the most important
lesson for a rider to learn ?
SHELLY
The lesson of finding
yourself. When you realize that you are your own person .
That there are not a lot of girls that race… and
you know that you are one of the few…. and
you realize that you are just there by yourself … to race
and have fun.
DMSports
You
are saying that you do it for you…. To
have fun at it regardless of what anyone else says or thinks….
SHELLY
Yes, exactly…. That's
exactly what I was trying to say…
DMSports
Lets talk about sponsorship
for riders…. Any advice on how to
get and keep sponsors ?
SHELLY
The best way that ever worked
for me is to go up and talk to them. Sure,
they are busy sometimes, but you can go up and introduce yourself to them and
tell them a little about yourself and find out if they can do anything for you.
Don't just go up and ask for something, but see what they have for
programs. Send out resumes... You
have to get your name out there.
DMSports
You are talking about
building a relationship with them.
SHELLY
Exactly.
They need to know that you are there and for you to know that they are
there.
DMSports
It's definitely a two way
street. That's one of the biggest things a rider has to learn.
It's not just what they can give you, but what you can give back to them
as a rider.
DMSports
Who was the biggest influence
in your racing ?
SHELLY
I'd have to say my parents.
Definitely ! They brought me
everywhere ! I raced from six years
old to now…. Racing almost every weekend during the summer.
Obviously, I didn't race during the winter….because it's snowing.
DMSports
You didn't want to run into
any more snow banks.
SHELLY
(laughs)
No, but…. They would bring me to races.
I have been to Loretta Lynn's for 13 years …. They brought me there
every year. My dad always told me
"You can do it. If you want to
do it Shell, ya gotta do it. " More
or less he just kinda let me do it by myself this past year, because he wasn't
with me because I was in Pennsylvania. He
kinda left me alone and I ended up doing it myself.
Which is what he always told me… "If you want to do it, you have
to do it yourself, nobody else can do it for you. "
DMSports
I have
spoken to your dad recently, and he is very, very proud of you.
SHELLY
What it is for one, is that
they like to go to the races. They
support me all the way. Sure, I've
had bad races, but it's not like… what did you do ?
They just know that maybe it just wasn't my day.
Other days when I have good days, it's good job.
They are always with me no matter what happens.
I just feel really good to know that they will always be there for me
whatever happens.
DMSports
You are from Minnesota.
You knew Donny Schmidt ?
SHELLY
Yes, I did.
DMSports
How did he affect your life
and career ?
SHELLY
Everyone called him Peanut in
Minnesota. When he raced in
Minnesota he would just annihilate the 125 and 250cc A classes before he went
Pro. I was little at the time.
The first time I mainly met him face to face was at a banquet in
Minnesota for district 23. I was
fooling around and I asked him to dance. That's when we started talking.
He always wanted to help me and said whenever I needed help he would be
glad to help. He's a pretty busy
man … He helped me more than he thought he did.
Every time I saw him he would always give me good words of encouragement,
and I went to a few of his schools. He always used me as an example.
I always felt really proud just to be a part of
what he had to say because every one knows he is a legend.
DMSports
Did you ever get to ride his
famous Snow Supercross track ?
SHELLY
No, actually not…. I
wish…
DMSports
Sounds like you could use a
little experience racing in the snow….
SHELLY
Yeah, those snow banks really
jump out at ya.
DMSports
What do you think about when
you are racing ?
SHELLY
Well, this last year I was
pretty focused on what I had to do. When
I got out there I was pretty intense.
DMSports
I can vouch for that.
This year I got to really watch and I learned a lot watching about your
mentality and in essence kinda what goes on in your head.
If you ride long enough you can look at a rider and almost tell what is
going on in their head just by their body language and how they attack the
track.
DMSports
What's your biggest complaint
about racing ?
SHELLY
Wow, I have to be honest with
you, I don't see why I would have any. Racing
has given me nothing but good as far as life lessons.
I don't have any complaints. I
just like to race.
DMSports
How do you stay so relaxed at
the races ?
SHELLY
(laughs)
oh, I'm glad I looked relaxed…. Honestly,
all in all I'm pretty relaxed compared to some of the girls.
When I get on the starting line, I think in my head that this is what you
came here for…. Actually, I'm pretty nervous, but still all my years of
experience being at big races almost all my life pays off.
I have experience. I don't
get as nervous. I know what I have
to do and I just go out and do it.
DMSports
I'm going to give you some
words, which have been given to describe you , based on what people see at the
races…. Intense, fun, crazy, moody, driven, cool…. Are
they accurate and would you like to add anything ?
SHELLY
I like crazy.
Crazy is good. That pretty
much says it. Moody I noticed right
away. I have to admit, I probably
am a little at the races when I'm tuned into the races.
I try not to let that stuff get the best of me and a lot of times I can
shake it off right away, but sometimes it gets the best of me.
DMSports
You missed the Washougal
National, which in reality probably cost you the 98 WML National Championship
title. Why did you miss the National and was it worth it ?
SHELLY
In the whole outlook of
everything, no, it wasn't worth it. But,
yes it was….. It wasn't worth it
, but a big goal of mine was to win Loretta's, and when I found out how much the
plane ticket would be to get from Pennsylvania
to Washougal to Tennessee to Pennsylvania, It was a little over my budget
and I had to make a choice. It's
one of those things. You win some,
you lose some.
DMSports
Those races are very close,
they are literally just a few days apart. It
has to be very tough to make both. You
still ended up with a 4th in the National Series, narrowly missing
the top 3. What are your plans for 99, since it looks like the schedule
is going to be very similar ? Does
it look like your support may be increasing a little bit to where you might be
able to make both, or are you going to take it as it comes ?
SHELLY
It's looking better as far as
my support, that they will help me get to all the events.
But also, I've always played it as it comes.
That's kinda my style.
DMSports
What do you think of the
venues for the nationals ?
SHELLY
I like the places that we go. I think that they help us out as far as letting us race on a
National track. It's really not
that easy of an accomplishment to have us race out there. I appreciate them letting us come out there and I love the
track.
DMSports
You understand that, because
your dad is a promoter. It's a
little bit of a different perspective from that of a rider.
As a rider you look at it as why can't they do it, but from a promoter's
standpoint, when you are trying to get 1800 riders through a course in a day or
two it is a challenge.
SHELLY
For sure !
DMSports
What do you think of the
women's purses at the events ?
SHELLY
Honestly,
I enjoy them. Of course I like the
money, everyone does. I don't
complain about the money one bit, especially if I win.
Who would ?
DMSports
They are still small.
SHELLY
Yes, you can say small, but
there are different types of small. They
are small obviously compared to the guys, but we are not quite to that status
yet. That is what we are working
toward.
DMSports
A few years ago purses for
women didn't even exist. As an
organization, this is one of our concerns to get the purse money up to cover at
least some of the traveling expenses to follow the circuit… But the flip side
is it is a fairly new program and it takes time to get them where we feel they
need to be.
SHELLY
Exactly.
I think the purses are good, and will get better as the series grows.
DMSports
Women's racing seems to be
getting bigger and bigger. Why do
you see it growing as opposed to
years past ?
SHELLY
I think the word is out.
A lot of girls are talking to other girls that race or seeing it on TV.
Or they go to a race with their boyfriend and they like it and they end
up getting a bike or riding a friends for a little bit to see if they like it
and they do. Everybody is
interested and everyone is having fun at it.
DMSports
The Women's events have had
several different
winners for the last two years running. How come one rider isn't dominating as in years past ?
SHELLY
Honestly, I kinda like that. That's pretty cool. It
keeps the points close, the suspense up. You
just can't get on the starting line and say " I got this race made."
You know you have to be focused. You
know there're other girls ready to beat you and it's pretty cool.
It's a good thing.
DMSports
Why doesn't any one rider
dominate ?
SHELLY
(laughs) I don't know !
I could be because of the different style of the tracks, they are
not in their hometown, and there
are a lot of different factors that go into it.
DMSports
By going to different places
you are going to bring in new and different riders and new skill sets that are
going to elevate the racing and again you have created that excitement
of I want to do this and I want to see how I rank.
We are taking the races to the women as opposed to having the women go to
the races.
DMSports
Any sponsors you would like
to thank ?
SHELLY
Of course !
Pro Action, Yamaha, Scott Goggles, Racer X for the awesome article,
Wiseco, Cometic gaskets, Fox racing, FMF, Pirelli…. I don't want to forget
anyone…
DMSports
What is you favorite National track ?
SHELLY
Wow, You are putting me on
the spot ! I like them all ! They are all very cool !
You can't complain.
You get to race on a National caliber track.
I like the way they are prepped. But
if I have to choose…. I'd have to say Binghamton. (NY).
It's a fun track.
DMSports
That was a brand new track
this year for us. And a good one
for you. A Binghamton you wrapped
up the Ladies International crown and narrowly missed the win in the final
national of the year !
DMSports
How do you train ?
SHELLY
Let me count the ways ……
(laughs) This summer I
worked really hard. Mainly I worked
with Frank. The guy that helped me
train…God bless him. He's
the man, the myth, and the legend. He
had me hit the heavy bag… 3 minutes on 2 minutes off and then we would run 2-5
miles any day that I wasn't riding, and sometimes, we would go riding and come
home and run a couple of miles. Not
once did I ever complain. That was
weird to me. But you know, that 's
when you know that you really want it. I
just went out and I did it. Whatever
he told me to do I did it. It was
pretty intense. I was pretty pumped
because I felt good this year.
DMSports
There was a definite
difference this year watching. You're
whole demeanor on and off the track. As
well as the obvious physical differences … you could tell before you ever
swung a leg over a motorcycle that you had been training.
SHELLY
I even felt it.
I can get on the starting line and feel good.
All right ! I'm ready ! It
helped so much with my confidence. I
know that I can go to the line and I am
ready to race. That's the one thing
that I think that a lot of the girls don't realize yet.
They haven't hit the spot where it snaps for them.
Once they do, and once they feel confident… Wow !
It's gonna make all the difference in the world.
DMSports
You obviously feel your
training has helped. Do you feel
training is important for Amateur riders ?
SHELLY
Yes.
I told my brother… He believes me, he knows… You train, you run, you
do whatever suits your needs as far as training.
It's not going to be the same for everyone.
You go and train ! And when
you get on that track on race day especially, you just feel so much better.
You can sit on that line and know…. You will do better.
Your mind plays a big part in how you do in these races.
DMSports
Training also plays a big
part in your concentration during a race, as well as you are less prone to get
injured….
SHELLY
Exactly.
Those are good factors to consider.
DMSports
Last question….
What do you think about the training opportunities opening for women
riders ?
SHELLY
OOOHHHH
! It's great ! I'm there !! (laughter)
The availability for
women for an advanced course for them to be with other girls and train and not
have to be with the guys at the school is going to help them. Their confidence level will increase. It will be a big moral booster going into the remaining
events.
DMSports
Any final thoughts….
SHELLY
Live to race, and race to
live.
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Interview
with Stefy Bau
1999
WML/AMA Ladies International Cup Champion
By:
Debbie Matthews
DMSports Stefy, first of all welcome to America !
STEFY
Thank you very much.
I have been made to feel very welcome here.
DMSports
First off we want to give the readers a little background about you.
Can you tell us a little about your accomplishments?
STEFY
Yes, I just won the WML/AMA Ladies International Championship Cup in both
the 125 and 250cc Pro class,
so I am World Champion!
In 1998, I took second at the Cup.
There was a 3-way tie for 2nd.
!
In
1994, I finished third at the Cup.
In 1992 I was the Women's World Cup Champion in Italy, and I have been
ranked as the top woman rider in Italy for many years now.
DMSports We understand that your goal this year in the United States is to go for
the Triple Crown of Women's racing.
(Ladies International Cup, WML/AMA National Championships and the AMA
Amateur National Championships).
What are your chances ?
STEFY
Well, I think they are good, although the racing here is very hard.
There is a lot more competition for me here than in Italy.
So far, I feel good.
I won the Cup, and the first two rounds of the Nationals, so it is very
good for me now.
DMSports Who is your biggest competition?
STEFY
Everyone !!!
In Europe we do not have concrete start areas, so this is difficult for
me.
My biggest worry is probably Kristy Shealy (4 time AMA Amateur National
Champion and former International Cup Champion) and Tania Satchwell (New Zealand
National Champion).
Shelly Kann (current AMA Amateur National Champion and 1998-Cup Champion)
can also be difficult.
DMSports What challenges do you face coming to race in the USA ?
STEFY
The only challenge for me is to travel from Italy to here.
In Italy I am paid by Yamaha Italy to race and win championships.
I race in women's class and also men's national pro class.
So, I must travel back and forth to USA and Italy to race in all the
races.
The trip is ten hours each way and it is very boring!
I like the USA, the people are very good, and I would like to stay here,
but I make my money in Italy.
DMSports
Who supports you in you’re your racing efforts?
STEFY
Well as I said, in Italy I am a factory rider.
Yamaha Italy pays me to train and race.
When I come to the USA to race I have a contract with Team Green
Kawasaki, and Eric at Crossroads Kawasaki
in Pennsylvania gives me a motor home to go to the races.
UFO supports me In Italy with money and clothing.
It is the best.
DMSports
You have two contracts with competing factories ?
STEFY
Yes, I signed two contracts so if the American's don't want me I can
still go home and race in Italy.
Since I race in two different countries the factories have no problem.
DMSports This is a very unusual arrangement for this industry.
STEFY
Yes, but it works for me.
I hope the American people like me and I can get paid next year in
America.
I like it here and I would like to stay.
DMSports
How does women's racing in America compare to Europe ?
STEFY
In America the magazines and TV give more space to the women's events,
but not women riders individually.
In Europe, only I am considered because I am champion. I beat all the
other women riders and I have fans.
If you are number two, nobody knows you.
I am on the cover of cooking magazines and on television.
In the USA, if you are the number one, you are very good but if you are 2nd,
people still know you.
This is better, because you can have more opportunity.
DMSports
Are there a lot of women racing in Europe, or is it small ?
STEFY
In Europe there are not a lot of women.
In Italy we have the Championship, so we have plenty of women for race.
I know of two women riders in France and England, but not many like in
Italy.
I think the best thing would be to move all the riders from Europe to
ride here in the USA.
In the USA you have the DMSports and DMSports that make races for women and do a very, very
good job for the women.
DMSports Is that what motivates you to race in the USA ?
STEFY
Yes, I think the more women that come to the USA to race, is better
competition.
The women from England, Sweden, and France are very fast, and it could be
a very, very good Championship for the women here in the USA.
But I only think this is possible in the USA.
In Europe and other countries we do not have organizations like the USA
has to help us.
DMSports Do you have any advantage or disadvantage coming to the USA to race ?
STEFY
Now, no. Except now, I pay for all the tickets to fly back and forth to
Italy and it is very expensive.
In Europe I win very much, so I want to be here.
I want to do a very good job here racing and then I want to move here and
raise a family.
Motocross is my job.
I want to be an example for the other women.
I want to make the sport better for them.
I want the American women to see that there is another woman who rides
very fast.
I want to help them get to where they can make this their job in the USA
too.
DMSports What is you opinion of
racing in America ?
STEFY I think that it is a very, very good thing. I raced the Cup in Italy in 1992, when there was only the 4-woman team from the USA. When I came to the USA in 1994 for the Cup, the TEAM effort had grown. Now when I came back, the TEAM has become a League. This is very important.
STEFY
In Europe there isn't a large league for women riders.
When I am in Europe I talk about the opportunities available in the USA.
They are very excited.
They hope that maybe in the future there will be a league or branch in Europe for them as well.
DMSports What are the differences between the tracks here and in Europe ?
STEFY
The tracks are very similar.
As far as the riders, the top 4 or five in Europe rider very much like
the top 5 American riders.
In Europe, in the women's class, you have only Amateur and Pro.
Here in the USA, you have many classes, Pro, Amateur, Novice, 60, 80.
In Italy you have only one class for women.
I would like to stay here !
DMSports What do you like about America ?
STEFY
I like America, because in America you have more opportunities to do the
job you want to do.
I am a rider.
I want to ride for a few more years.
I am 22.
I think I can be competitive until I am 29.
In Europe there is not many opportunities for riders.
DMSports Do you get paid in Europe to race ?
STEFY
Yes, but only because I am number one woman rider.
In 1995, I won an Amateur Championship with the men in Italy.
I am the only woman to ever do this.
DMSports What do you dislike about America ?
STEFY
The food !
(laughs)
I do not like the food in America because I am Italian and Italian food
is the best food in the world I think.
I don't like the food, but I like the people.
DMSports What is the best track in Italy ?
STEFY
The best track I think is ASTI.
DMSports Why is that ?
STEFY
It is in Northern Italy.
It is the best for me because it is similar to Budds Creek, MD, ASTI has big tabletops and big doubles.
The people that run the track are very, very good.
They work very hard for Motocross.
DMSports
That’s, it.
We wish you good luck.
STEFY
Thank you very much.
See you at Budds !
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Adventure in Canada

By: Debbie Matthews
Oct 2-3, 1997-Thurs, Friday
A TRIP TO THE AMA
My Canadian adventure began with a trip to AMA headquarters to address the AMA congress for the addition of an "A" class for women in motocross. I boarded the plane excited and nervous. This would be my first visit to the Congress and I would have 5 minutes to convey to 38 delegates, the need for revisions in the way AMA, districts and promoters perceive, recognize and promote women’s motocross events. As I headed out the door of my hotel room, I was overwhelmed with the enormity of the task. I literally almost lost my breakfast, and I hadn’t even eaten yet ! With a few moments of video education and discussion, the AMA off road rule committee unanimously voted to institute a Women’s "A" class effective 1998, and to review the rule book and revise any rules which may discourage participation by female riders. This is a huge victory for women riders. By recognizing women with "A" rider abilities, the AMA has paved the way for future women’s professional teams, riders and recognized AMA Pro Championships.
On a huge high from the AMA congress I boarded a plane from Ohio to Colorado, and from Colorado to Canada, where I hooked up with Lisa Gallo, (96 AMA Ladies World Cup Vet Champion), and the Reed’s (Tiffany and Dave) from Ohio. My racing buddy and rival of 15 years ago, "Krazy Kay Attwood" was there to greet us in Canada and offer us shelter for the night.

Oct 4-Friday
THE TRACK
Following a 3 1/2 hour majestic romp spotting elk and ram horned sheep along the way, we arrived at the track at 9am. The air is a crisp 12 degrees and the skies have opened up for 4 days prior, turning the pristine track into a sea of mud. Undaunted the world cup riders, don their helmets and slither around in the muck. Even with the poor conditions the riders smile through their helmets and echo the statement, "This track is awesome."
Rain begins to fall steadily. Despite the conditions, several riders clear the monstrous 90’ table, double doubles and slimy hills. Canadian spectators anxious to get a glimpse of the riders shake their heads in disbelief at the abilities displayed by the world cup contenders. The current LWC champion Dee Wood (TX) is still without her bike for practice. A local rider loans her his bike, but the set up is too soft, and Dee cases a jump badly and decides to wait for her ride.
12:30-Practice ends... Riders scrape off 300 pounds of mud, gas up and head back on to the track for the MX school. The rain falls heavily. 20 minutes into the school, the track officials offer to end the school due to the poor conditions. One competitor pipes out, "Screw the rain !" Silently all heads bob in agreement and the school continues...
At 2:30 the school ends. Still no sign of Wood's ride for the weekend... Riders and spectators wait anxious to get a glimpse of the champion.3:00- Wood’s bike finally arrives. Rain continues to fall steadily. The champ mounts her bike, pulls on to the track and despite the conditions, vaults easily over the 90’ table. Eyes pop out of their sockets, as respect for the women competitors grows. One Canadian rider pointed and said," I can’t do that." I replied, "Yes you can ! The mere fact that we are here, and several riders have cleared it, proves you can do it!" "These riders are showing the world that female riders are talented and gifted athletes."
SO JUST WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF RUSTIC?
5:00- We secure the bikes for the night and head to our "rustic" cabins. When they say rustic,