Advice from Women
This is a sport that can bring joy to anyone seeking that adrenaline rush and who won't mind getting dirty. And in spite of the difficulties facing female racers, the opportunities for women pondering lining up and trying out a race or even making a career of it are better than ever before, thanks to those who paved the way. In fact, the novice can learn a lot from these pioneering women. "Don't be bashful, give it a try and see what happens," was the advice from Jennifer Albright, who recently began her fourth season of racing. Three-time Women's champion Parton also encourages women to give it a try, and if it's your cup of tea, "Practice hard and try your best to improve each race. It takes time and patience."
Persistence is likely the hardest skill to manage. Everyone has bad days and races they'd rather pretend never happened, but if the mud-slinging lifestyle is calling, then it's important not to get discouraged after one race. Up-and-comer Ashlie Whaley echoed this dogma, "Try your hardest and never give up." Most people who enter their first race are disappointed by their results. Bad finishes are often the result of a lack of conditioning and experience. Both of these are curable. It just takes a little time, lots of practice, hitting the gym and seat time to gain that all-important track know-how. Armed with an action plan that includes these elements, women racers can appear as if they have been doing this their whole life-Byrd, Cecco and Parton are a few examples.
A Bright Future
Thanks to the crowd-engaging battles between these talented ladies and their intense professionalism, women's racing is no longer a sideshow class so grim of any advancement opportunities. As the ranks swell, the aftermarket companies chime in and manufacturers sign women to race their products; it's a good time to be a female racer. And we don't expect any slowdown in its progress as fans are piling in to witness these hard-core ladies in action like never before-complete with autograph lines usually reserved for pro men and umbrella girls. The best part is women are getting their slice of the renewed and escalating factory support. "I couldn't be happier about the factory support I've gained from Polaris Industries this season," Parton exclaimed. She added, "We have even been able to pick up our first outside sponsorship from Phantom Energy Drink." And with the pro women racing separately from the pro men at most national ATV events, the fans get the best bang for the buck because these girls have all the fire, talent and heart as their male counterparts. The result is twice the fierce competition and good racing-just what you came to see, unless they're passing you on the track, of course.