Classifying Women

By Nikki Weis

Developing different classes for the different skilled levels of riding in the Women’s motocross class is a growing concern. This class is one of the faster growing classes across the U.S. And just like almost all other motocross classes, there is a need to break apart riders into their appropriate classes, such as A, B, and C. Along with this concern, I have another issue that is closely related. My issue is that the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) needs to recognize women Pro riders. For example, Stefy Bau, Jessica Patterson, and numerous other WML (Women’s Motocross League) Pro riders need to be recognized to the AMA world as Pros. This would then establish a Pro from an Amateur for women, just like the men. These women would then be unable to participate in the AMA National Championships as Amateur riders, and be forced into a Pro class. This would make it fair for the amateur riders, and allow that many more opportunities for amateurs to compete in the amateur class.

I believe that creating these new classes would not only make racing fair to all women, but it would also increase the number of women rider participants. I’m sure that many more women would try racing if they knew that there were different classes to choose from. I say this because I have personally been told by potential women riders that they don’t want to have to race against the top riders in the women’s class here in Cedar Rapids or Waterloo, IA like myself and local rider Rochelle Charnowski #113. I don’t blame them a bit, most of them can just about tell you exactly who will place where in the race before it even starts. What fun is that? I recently asked local rider Rose Mickel why she thought there should be different classes for women. Here’s what Rose said, “Like men racers, they have different levels of racers to make it fair to the different skilled riders. It’s hard to keep coming to a race as a beginner going up against an A rider and knowing your going to lose because of the lack of skill. Having different level classes would enable the women to ride against someone at their level and giving them the confidence that they could keep up with the pack.” I think that all women riders would agree with Rose, including myself.

Then we have the issue of how to determine who is in what level. This is a problem with racing in general, there will always be sandbaggers. Rose and I both agree that the same criteria used by the AMA, should be used to determine this also. Rose had another suggestion, “If you are continuously winning at a track or a continuous series winner for two years, you should move up to the next level and let someone else win.” This could work also, at this time there are not a whole lot of women racing and everyone would end up in the same class at one point or another. I believe that having an A (cash class) for women would also increase rider participation. Women are not given the opportunity to “make” money racing. There are only trophy classes available at this time. After awhile, trophies get old, take up room, and lose their meaning.

Will the local tracks support these ideas? My answer is no, not for the time being, at least here in Iowa. There isn’t enough women rider participation at this time, so I don’t think the tracks can justify these changes. I asked Rose Mickel the same question, and here’s what she said, “As of right now, I don’t believe they will. Women riders are growing in numbers, but not enough to make a difference at this time.” But I feel that we should try to test this idea once. Have the local tracks announce this idea for a few weeks, and try it at one race. Then we could see if it would draw in more women riders or not. Why not? It can’t hurt to try, nothing will be lost. As for the AMA themselves changing, I think it would be a good idea. Here’s Roses opinion, “Why not, as I said, women riders are growing in numbers and I believe it is time to be recognized as equal riders. We pay dues too.” She’s right, we pay our dues too, we should have the same recognition as the guys get.

Times are changing and more and more women are entering the motocross arena. As the numbers grow, the AMA and the local tracks will be forced to change their format on the Women’s class. The only question that remains is, when. I think this will make racing in the women’s class fair, and encourage riders to keep coming back. I personally chose not to race women’s class that much this year to allow other riders the opportunity to trophy and I think that it was time for me to move on, but I thought that I would drop in from time to time to keep them honest. And riding with up to thirty other riders in 250C was more of a challenge for me. I would encourage you readers to bring this topic up at your local track, the only way this will change is if our voices are heard.