Thrill of Motorcycle Racing
There may be no greater thrill in life than racing motorcycles. It is full of excitement, danger, and drama. The spectacle of MotoGP, the most premiere class of motorcycle racing, captures the attention of millions of fans worldwide and visits the United States only once a year.
This year, for the first time, the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers racing class also joins the international paddock as a support class to showcase extraordinary V-twin racing machines and racing talent. At the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, we interview some of the incredible women who work in front and behind the scenes of the sport.
Patricia Fernandez-West
Patricia Ferdandez-West is the Director of Operations for Saddlemen Race Development and a professional racer
WRN: What attracts you to motorcycle racing?
Patricia: “Everything! I've been a pro racer for 11 years, and absolutely love the buzz of it all. This is my first year in management due to my pregnancy, but it's exciting to see the races from a different perspective.”
WRN: What is your favorite part of the job in the racing paddock?
Patricia: “Watching the comradery of the whole team while the racers battle on the track. Everyone screams, cusses, and makes noises as the racers fight for the lead. Plus, we all celebrate together at the podium, and it just makes all the blood and sweat worth it!”
WRN: What is one piece of advice you would give to other women aspiring to work in motorsports?
Patricia: “Confidence is a habit that you must practice regularly. You need to be confident to make your mark in a male-dominated field, but many women think you are born with it. This couldn’t be more wrong. I know because I used to have no confidence at all until I realized confidence is built by actions, going outside of your comfort zone, and learning what I’m capable of. Once you realize how strong, awesome, and powerful you really are... well you’re just unstoppable!”
Mallory Dobbs
Mallory Dobbs is a Project Engineer for Ardurra Group Inc. and the sole American racer in the Women’s World Championship Racing for the Sekhmet International Motorcycle Racing Team
WRN: What attracts you to motorcycle racing?
Mallory: “The challenge. I have been a competitive person my whole life in many different sports and competitions. Racing has honestly been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but I know that I can be better, so I keep pushing and putting in the work.”
WRN: What is your favorite part of the job in the racing paddock?
Mallory: “Meeting fans and striving to be a role model for people aspiring to get into motorsports. One of the highlights of my MotoAmerica season last year was walking around the pits at Laguna and hearing my name shouted. I was greeted by a teenage girl and her parents that had met me the year prior and brought out her dirt bike to have me sign. I was shocked! To realize that I am making an impact on girls like that just brings my racing purpose and fills my heart with so much joy.”
WRN: What is one piece of advice you would give to other women aspiring to work in motorsports?
Mallory: “It’s honestly hard to just pick one piece of advice as I feel like I have learned so much over the years. As corny as it may sound, ‘never give up’ is something that comes to mind. Surround yourself with people who will support you. As anything in life, there will be challenges, but having good people around you to support you and help you along the way shouldn’t be one of them.”
Chloé Lerin
Chloé Lerin is a Powertrain Performance Engineer for Harley-Davidson Motor Co., an owner of Unicornium Engineering, a race data analysis consulting company, and a Data engineer at Team Hammer
WRN: What attracts you to motorcycle racing?
Chloé: “I love motorcycles first and foremost. But as far as racing goes, I enjoy the fast-paced environment and quick development cycles, specifically in baggers. For example, there are instances where we are met with a challenge, and within a couple weeks we’ve designed a solution, produced a prototype, tested, and implemented the solution on the race bikes. We do not see this in the OEM world.”
“However, there is a big part in motorcycle racing that can’t be engineered which makes the racing exciting. For instance, at the highest level of car racing, a lot of the car can be simulated and therefore situations and strategies can be predicted. But on a motorcycle, the rider is moving around, the rider/vehicle weight ratio changes and the tires are extremely difficult to simulate. That leaves a lot of unknowns that only racing experience and good communication can attempt to solve. I also appreciate the fact that motorcycle racing is more affordable and approachable, and thus, even as a support crew, I, myself, can still race as a hobby. This allows me to relate and connect with the riders a little more.”
WRN: What is your favorite part of the job in the racing paddock?
Chloé: “Figuring things out. Taking data and rider feedback to make the riders and the bike better. The best feeling is when we unlock the potential of a rider and see them make strides in their riding and turn that into pole positions, wins, lap records, etc. Fixing problems also feels very gratifying!”
WRN: What is one piece of advice you would give to other women aspiring to work in motorsports?
Chloé: “If you have a skill set that can be applied to motorsports, go for it. In my experience, women have to prove themselves at the beginning, maybe more so than men, because our motivations can be questioned. But once we have proven that we’re there for the right reasons and demonstrated our skills, being a woman actually makes us more recognizable. So, first head down, then stand out!”
Friné Velilla
Friné Velilla is the MotoGP Media Manager for Dorna Sports
WRN: What attracts you to motorcycle racing?
Friné: “As part of Dorna Sports, the company that owns the rights to broadcast MotoGP, I get to witness the human aspect of the most exciting sport on Earth. This is what’s not seen on TV—what families have to go through to sit their kids on a bike, the hours mechanics put in after a day with a crash, the process of assembling and dismantling the paddock, a garage, and a bike.”
“Also, the passion attracts me. No one is in this for the money, we are all here because we love it. We watch the races holding our breath during our lunch break. We know how much blood, sweat, and tears goes into it, and no other sport requires such sacrifice and risk—financially, emotionally, and physically. Being able to experience this firsthand in 15 different countries every single year is a privilege I can’t get enough of.”
WRN: What is your favorite part of the job in the racing paddock?
Friné: “Problem solving is definitely my favorite part of the job. The fact that every day presents itself with new challenges like schedule conflicts, operational issues in the media center (which is where I’m based,) and specific requests of the media onsite keeps us busy every day when we are on and away from the track. I also love how many different people I get to interact with, mainly from the media, but also from the teams, local organizers, and departments within my own company.”
WRN: What is one piece of advice you would give to other women aspiring to work in motorsports?
Friné: “Go for it. If you don’t try, you’ll never get there. No one is going to come knock on your door, so lean in, step out, be present with a positive attitude and be ready. Network. Start small and make connections, build up your resume even if it’s just with volunteer work and learn English. If you’re a native English speaker, learn Italian or Spanish, as that will put you ahead of others.”
Raffaella Pasquino
Raffaella Pasquino is the Sponsorship Officer for Yamaha Motor Racing and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team
WRN: What attracts you to motorcycle racing?
Raffaella: “It's the combination of adrenaline, teamwork, and passion that keeps me engaged in the world of motorcycle racing after many years. It’s truly a rollercoaster of emotions that no other job can give.”
WRN: What is your favorite part of the job in the racing paddock?
Raffaella: “Working alongside dedicated professionals who are the best in motorsports and see how everyone’s effort and expertise contributes to achieve a common goal. Every member of the team plays a crucial role in the success of the team and being a part of that collective effort is very fulfilling. Nothing beats the pure joy you get from a successful race weekend.
I also love meeting so many different people as in my role I get to encounter many guests and fans and to witness their sheer passion is something truly special.”
WRN: What is one piece of advice you would give to other women aspiring to work in motorsports?
Raffaella: “Be passionate and determined as MotoGP is a demanding job and you need to love it to keep up with it. Attend races and connect with people working in the industry as that can open doors.”