Bikeland's Jessica Lee wins in Orlando

2006-12-27 12:19
For a while women and motocross were just like oil and water; they didn't mix. Until recently there has been hardly any support for women trying their hand at a mostly male dominated sport. Motocross tracks around the country are now beginning to support women who want to race by making a special women's class. The mini-motocross track at Orlando Water Sports Complex (OWC) is one of these racetracks.


(16 year old Jessica on left)

On Sunday November 5th, OWC held their 2nd Annual Orlando Open that had 15 racing classes including the Women's 16" max open class. The race was held in a Supercross format; each rider went through practice and 2 motos including the main event. The winner of the first moto got first gate pick but the main event decided the winner. Since it was an open class with a 16" max back wheel any motor size was legal.

At 11:00 am racing began. The Women's class was the 2nd race of the day. The race for 1st during the 1st moto was tight; two young ladies Samantha Malik and Jessica Lee were racing neck and neck. Ironically, this was both Samantha, and Jessica's first race. Samantha got the holeshot and won the first moto and Jessica finished 2nd place. Right before the start of the main event Samantha picked her place on the gate. In total there were about 9 girls on the starting line. OWC uses the rubber band start instead of a normal gate but as soon as that rubber ban fell in the main event Jessica Lee took off and made it into the first corner before any one else.

Jessica was on the throttle and focused during the whole race. Her lead was quite large. Samantha Malik also made her lead over 3rd place pretty big by keeping her mind on the race. Third place went to Alicia Dietz.

Jessica said, "I am so happy I had the chance to race today! When I first heard about this race, I had no clue that there was a Women's class and I am so glad there was. I am not sure I would have raced if there wasn't. I have been training for a while but I haven't really had the confidence to race but after today I am positive that racing will become a regular thing for me!"

Both Jessica and Samantha are two to watch out for!

At the end of a great race day OWC handed out trophies and awards. SPY Optics was a major sponsor of the event and provided the holeshot award. The holeshot winner of each class was able to choose between a t-shirt, sunglasses, new goggles or a SPY hat. The next race will be held at OWC on December 10th 2006 and will have another women's open class!

If you are interested in riding or racing at OWC more information can be found at orlandommx.com. The track has open practice days along with private motocross lessons that are available by appointment only.

Source: Bikeland.org


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