Check out these articles and interviews!!!

Scroll down or click the hyperlinks below to be magically transported to corresponding article!

• Getting started in Women's Racing

• Remarks to the Women’s Motocross League 1999 Boot Camp Awards Banquet

• Interview with Shelly "Scooby Snacks" Kann

• Interview with Stefy Bau

• 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 women’s off road organization that can help you get started and provide information on women’s events, ride areas, connect you with other riders?  What kind of support is offered through organizations such as the AMA, clubs, OEM’s, and aftermarket companies?  In short, HOW DO I GET STARTED ? 

Getting started can be somewhat overwhelming and intimidating, but it doesn’t 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.

BREAKING OUT 

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 !

GETTING STARTED 

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 it’s side.  I know it sounds silly, but if you can’t pick it up without assistance, it’s 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 can’t start it, it’s 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.

VISIT YOUR DEALER

With the basics mastered and a desire to ride, your next stop is a visit to your local dealer.  They are your best source for information, set up and equipment needed to make your riding experience enjoyable.  Take someone with you to your dealer who is an experienced rider and has your best interests at heart.   Find out what bikes are available, that fit your height, ability. Be sure you can handle the weight of the machine, and that the controls are easy to reach and operate.  Once you have some idea, what bike cc is best for you, go out riding with some friends and try out the bike types and sizes you are interested in.  This will give you hands on experience about what your needs as a rider are, which will allow you to make a educated decision on what bike is best for you, before you buy. 

While you are in the dealership take time to try on all the equipment you will need.   Make note of the brands and sizes that fit you best.  Price the items you will need.  Ask the dealer to assist you with their knowledge of the products for value, durability and warranties.   This will help you make the best choice for you.  Don’t just go by the lowest price.  While these items can save you money getting started, they also have a tendency to wear out quickly.   Try to purchase the best quality equipment at a fair price.  Remember, the dealer wants your business.  Establish an open and honest association with them.  If they aren’t willing to answer your questions or educate you on the best value for your purchases, take your business to someone who will.

SO YOU WANT TO RACE

Where do you start?  Be sure that you have mastered the basics of riding before you attempt to race.  The best way to start is by attending open practice days at a track.   Call the track and find out what days and times they practice.  What is their track like?  Does it fit your skill level ?  Do they have a track area available for beginning riders?  Do you need to practice more before going to the track?  The last thing you want to do is go out and have a poor experience because you were not ready or you picked a Supercross track to start on instead of a wide, flatter style course with rolling jumps.

Some of the tracks that Beginning riders prefer for their rolling, flatter design are LACR, Perris, Glen Helen (some hills).  These tracks offer obstacles easier for the beginner rider while still offering a challenge for the advanced rider, when negotiating at speed.  Tracks such as Carlsbad, Lemon Grove, Glen Helen, Starwest, Castaic offer more hilly terrain, Supercross or advanced obstacles.  All are loaded for fun and waiting for you.  Most tracks require you to join a club, or pay a few dollars more to race with them if you are not a member.  Fees to join average about $ 35.00.  Average race fee is between $ 20-35.00, and gate fees vary between $10-15.00.   Your dealer, Cycle News and other publications can be a great source of information on tracks, legal riding areas, and equipment. 

SCHOOLS

WSMX ( Women's School of Motocross) is the only School to offer Motocross, Desert, Off Road and Cross Country training for women, men and children on a weekly basis across the country. WSMX offers private or group instruction, from learn to ride to advanced.  WSMX utilizes a staff of Championship Pro Women trainers in 6 states and will travel anywhere in the country to teach. Prior to opening the WSMX schools, Debbie Matthews organized Women only Motocross Schools offered once a year hosted by a factory rider. Previous schools have been taught by Doug Dubach, Mike Kiedrowski, and Greg Albertyn. The WML hosts a boot camp once a year. Other schools are readily available with mixed classes, such as the Gary Bailey school, Marty Smith schools and Gary Semics school, as well as others. Do your research and determine which one best fits your needs.

SUPPORT 

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 ?

The WML is the U.S. Women’s Motorcycle League.  Debbie Matthews co founded the WML and created as Race Director for the WML, (1994-1999) the first Women’s Stadium-cross Championship, AMA Women’s Outdoor National Motocross Championship Series and promoted several AMA Ladies World Cup MX Championships, Motocross Schools, and contributed articles and photos for the newsletter, before retiring as an officer to Found DM Sports-WSMX, Inc.  

WHO DO I CONTACT? 

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 Women’s Motocross League 1999 Awards Banquet

April 16, 1999 by Ed Youngblood                   

Good evening.  I am very pleased to be here, though I don't mind telling you I feel a bit intimidated and out of my element.  I am following some remarkable experts and speakers.  I have never competed in motocross and I am certainly not a woman, so what am I going to tell you?  Well, I accepted this speaking engagement because the Women's Motocross League is an organization I believe is important to the future of motorcycling.  Not just to the future of women in motorcycling, but to the future of motorcycling, period!

I first met Debbie and Elaine at a meeting in Las Vegas, I think in 1995.  I learned more about the WML when we were planning for the First National Conference on Women and Motorcycling that took place in July, 1997.   Probably 95 percent of the women who attended that conference were street riders with no experience or aspirations toward racing motorcycles.  However, the most popular and electrifying sessions at the conference were those that featured women who race.  I have some ideas on why those sessions were so exciting to an audience of non-racers, but I'll return to that issue later on.

Because I feel so personally unqualified to tell you anything about yourselves as women who race motorcycles, a lot of what I have to say this evening will not be gender-specific.  It can apply both to males and females who decide to race, and it comes not from having raced, but from my observations about racers and racing during my 28 years with the AMA. 

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.

Whether the decision to compete brings positive or negative results depends largely upon the attitude with which each of us approaches competition.  So you need to ask yourself, why am I doing this?  It is not a frivolous question.  It is a critically important question, and if you fail to ask and honestly answer it for yourselves, the chances are that you're doing it for all the wrong reasons. 

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.

Once you have that understanding in place, you need to decide how far you want to go.  Maybe you just love it and want to stay fit, have some fun, and collect some trophies and titles along the way.  That is an honorable pursuit and you should never be ashamed of it.  Even at the amateur level, you are important to others in ways you may never know.

Or perhaps you have the fire in your belly to be the best in the nation or the best in the world.  If that is the case, chances are you decided that long before you ever threw a leg over a motorcycle.  When she was only five years old Billie Jean King told her mother she intended to be the best in the world at something.  It would be another six years before she discovered Tennis.

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.

Good character will figure prominently in the kind of role model you become.   It is important that you keep your racing in perspective and try to confine your competition to the race track.  Don't let the rivalry of competition spill over into your personal life.  Don't let the desire to win destroy your friendships.  Maintain courtesy, civility, and your respect for one another.   Don't ever forget to say thanks to those who made it possible, and even to those who didn't, because there are far more people behind you and what you are doing than you can possibly realize.  You'll never meet many of them or even learn their names.  And even if it is your desire to be a world champion, I hope you won't decide to win at all costs.  Winning at all costs is precisely and literally what it says it is.  It will cost you everything.

Competing can seem like a lonely endeavor.  When you are out there on the track it is up to you and you alone.  But many, many others have made that moment possible.  Remember that you are a small but important part of a big community; a community of competitors, a community of motorcyclists, and a community of women.

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.

The fact that you have participated in this boot camp this week sets you apart and demonstrates that you have the will to make a difference.  You may think this evening that you have come here to improve your skills and prove yourself in motorcycle competition.  I promise you, that isn't where it ends.  You have the ability to build upon your experiences and skills as a racer to make contributions to motorcycling far beyond what you may imagine at this moment.  I hope you will understand and embrace that responsibility.   The motorcycle industry in America will never reach its full potential until a higher percentage of the leadership positions are held by women.  And motorcycling will never be accepted in America the way it should be until many more women are conspicuously involved, whether that's racing, road riding, or earning a living in the business.   I am absolutely convinced of that.

In closing, let me point out that I am wearing my 1999 Boot Camp dog tag, and I want to tell you why.  Please look around you.  Look at who you are sitting with, and think about the people you have met this week.  You are making history.  There has been nothing like this boot camp in American motorcycling.  I believe it is an event that will have a strong impact on the future, and some of you will have a big influence.  You will bring about change.  Keep that dog tag.  Take it home and put it wherever you keep your valuable keepsakes.  I promise you, 30 years from now you will look back and you will say, I was there and I was among the people who made things change.  I firmly believe that will happen. 

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

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)  (Note-As of 2000-Shelly is attending school to have a career in Radio)

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.  How did they help and inspire you ?  Why do you think they made the difference for you to help you become a champion ? 

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 4^th 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…  A special thanks to my mom and dad and Frank Gallo for letting me train with him and keeping me focused.  My brother… The WML and DM Sports for having series events and making it more available to women.  Everyone ! 

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.    Just a few days with  isn't gonna do them wonders, but as they assimilate and apply what they have learned, it will pave the way for them to learn what they need to know to go faster. 

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 2^nd.  !  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 2^nd, 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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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.