Honda Red Bull Racing’s Ashley Fiolek is one inspirational athlete. At just 16 years of age, Fiolek chased down her dream of winning a pro women’s motocross title—captured in her rookie season—and since then has set about breaking all boundaries and surpassing all expectations. In 2009, she made AMA Motocross history when she became the first female athlete to join the Honda Red Bull Racing team to defend her Women’s Motocross Championship aboard Honda’s CRF250R race machine. And she has proven why she deserved that coveted ride, grabbing holeshots and posting a perfect overall win record five rounds into the championship.
At the opening round of the Women’s Motocross Championship at Glen Helen Raceway, all eyes were on the now 17-year-old deaf racer to see what she could do aboard her factory prepared CRF250R. Fiolek didn’t disappoint, launching from the start gate to dominate both motos for her first overall win of the season. Since then, Fiolek’s gone on to win every moto in the championship except two, and leads the title chase by a huge point margin. At Washougal in late July, she traded wins with fellow Honda CRF250R racer Jessica Patterson, and finished second overall—her first overall defeat this season.
“We couldn’t have asked for a nicer, more motivated person to join the factory operation this season,” said Honda Red Bull Racing Team Manager, Erik Kehoe. “We are proud of the way she’s executed her perfect round wins score. Ashley is one determined racer, a willing learner and great women to represent Honda.”
Competing on the toughest race tracks in the U.S., Fiolek quickly earned the respect of her teammates—Andrew Short, Ivan Tedesco and Davi Millsaps, who all compete on Honda’s CRF450R in the Motocross class.
“I am very lucky to have such an inspirational person as a teammate,” said Short. “Having the opportunity to work alongside Ashley and to see her enthusiasm for what she does—always with a big smile on her face—is very motivating.”
Racing against a barrage of fiercely competitive women all wanting to win, Fiolek remained level-headed in her approach to the 2009 season.
“Coming into the season, many said the pressure was on me because I’m the defending champ and now I’m on the factory team. But my goal is to do the best I can in every race and ultimately win another championship. Of course all women in the series have the same goal, so I’m giving it 100 percent. The competition is tough, especially having five-time women’s champion Jessica Patterson racing; we all want to win. The battles are great!”
Achieving her goal of making it onto the factory team, Fiolek embraces every opportunity to learn from the best Honda riders and technicians.
“When I found out I was on the team all I could think about was how amazing my race bike would be. Being a member of the Honda Red Bull Racing team makes me calmer and more comfortable when I show up for a race because Erik and the team take care of my bike and I can ask anyone for help or assistance. If I have questions about jumps, lines or sections on the track, I ask the boys and they help me out. I’m working with some of the best people and I know I’m on the best race bike, so that’s definitely an advantage!”
Working with the experienced Honda team was daunting at first, especially the often technical post-race debriefings, but Fiolek quickly adapted to factory team life and now embraces the opportunity to be directly involved in the ongoing development of her CRF250R race bike.
“Sitting in the truck with the team for the first time after the Glen Helen Motocross was scary; my mom came with me to interpret. But after that first race, it got a lot easier because I know everyone’s just helping me. I didn't realize how involved I’d actually be with team briefings, testing, bike set-up, etc. I now see how important it is for a rider to be involved in all of their bike’s development.
“On my bike, we’ve lowered the subframe to suit my height and the seat has been cut to fit me. Some changes obviously had to be made to the shock to make it lower but since its initial set-up not too much has had to be changed other than some suspension changes.”
In 2009, women’s motocross racing is enjoying significant growth as racing fans and the media embrace its mainstream appeal.
“It’s great that people are starting to look at women's motocross in a different light and I’m proud that I’ve been able to be a part of it. I’ve interviewed with ESPN and on TV shows, and now Lucas Oils is doing a 30-minute show on the women's series. These are all positives and will help to make mainstream media more aware of our sport in general.”
Being deaf certainly has its challenges but Fiolek enjoys being seen as a role model.
“There are pros and cons to being deaf and I have just learned to work with them and adapt. But having the team behind me definitely gives me a lot of confidence. I appreciate the fans that come and talk to me at the races and I try to be the best role model I can be. I’d like to help out anyone who wants to become involved in the sport. Meeting new and different people has helped me grow and influenced my life.”
We often see and hear about you being involved in deaf community projects. Can you tell us about your involvement?
“I have been working with a group in Florida that helps out deaf people young and old with whatever they might need, like interpreters or hearing aids or just help in general. I was nominated for a “dream bigger” award through a deaf communications company who tries to help deaf people realize they have the potential to do anything. I have also went to one deaf school and I am planning a visit to a second after Southwick. I just want the kids that are still in school to realize that they can do and be whatever they want.”
Heading onto the 2009 Women’s Motocross Championship home straight, Fiolek sees no reason to change her approach toward the final races.
“At the remaining rounds, I want keep doing what I’ve been doing all season. I always put my heart into each race and I’ll continue to do so. I will try to ride as smart and stay consistent like I’ve been at the previous races.”
Always smiling yet fiercely competitive, Fiolek is well on the way to capturing her second consecutive Women’s Motocross national title.