Rider Profile

 

               

                   Name:  Rochelle Charnowski    (Rolly)

    Age:  16

                   Home:  Cedar Rapids, IA

                   Bike(s):   2001 Yamaha YZ 125

                     What is your race number on your bike?  113

                   Years Riding:  10

                   Years Racing:   10

                   Classes:  125C and Women’s

                   Biggest Race Accomplishments:  Winning numerous overall championships and getting second place for the Distric 22 65cc class.

                   Race Goals:   To practice more often then what I do now, keeping up with the guys, travel around more.

                   Sponsors:  Pro Motorsports, Thor

                   Favorite Track:  Waterloo, IA

                  What's your worst crash?    It’s a toss up between when I was on an 80cc bike racing in the Women’s class along with a couple other classes.  I got ran into,  knocked unconscious, and ran over 5 times.  And last year the triple at Waterloo…I cleared it but went airbourne.  Whoops!

                  Who is your favorite rider nationally?   Jeremy McGrath

                  How many times a week do you practice?  Once or so.  Or when I’m at the races.

                  How do you train for a race?  Race the most I can and practice.

                  How do you keep fit in the off season?  I play Varsity Basketball and soccer for my school, lift weights and run.

                  How do you prepare  for a race?  I prepare myself mentally, then I focus on what I need to do,  them visualize myself racing.

                  Do you think that female and male riders should always race separate classes, or do you think people should not make a big deal when a woman races in the men's class?   I don’t think they make a big deal about it, I think they find it awesome that women do it.   If  women want to ride with the boys, then so be it…it’s also nice to have a separate women’s class.

                                Is there a lot of competition?  Around here, there’s usually about 5 other girls. 

 Who maintains your bike?    My dad, Kenny Walton helps us out a lot.  REP does my suspension and motor work.

 Do you do any freestyle tricks?  Haven’t tried.

On average, how many race events do you compete in during the year?     Probably 30.

 Have you ever had a male rider give you some rough riding?   If so, how did you react to it?

       Well when you race in the C class there’s always going to be rough riding,  I’ve had my share  with male rough riding though.  At first I get frustrated, then I try my best to beat  them…maybe they’ll learn.

 Do you find it difficult to obtain sponsors being a woman?  I’ve never really looked for sponsors until this year.  But I’m sure people probably don’t believe you when you ask them.

 Does your family provide you support, moral, etc.?   Yes, my dad is great.  He helps me get it out of my head that I can beat the guys and do better then what I do sometimes.   My mom however, is scared of me racing, but she still supports me in doing it.

 Do you find it hard to buy gear that actually fits?    No, I’ve worn Thor and Answer throughout most of my racing career and was comfortable.

 What is the brand of gear that fits you best, and why?  Thor, because they’re the right length for me and fit me perfect in the waist.

Is there a brand(s) of gear that doesn’t fit you comfortably, and why?  Nope.

 Is there anything else that you would like us to know about yourself?      If you ever see me, stop and talk to me…I like to meet new people.