If you’re a motorcycle racer you’ve probably heard of Moto America. You also know that being a rider in any Moto America race is a big deal. Each race there’s a mix of full-time riders and everyone else doing what they can to get to full-time.

So what is Moto America? Moto America is officially sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and features seven classes of motorcycle road racing: Superbike, Supersport, Junior Cup, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, King Of The Baggers, and Mini Cup.

Local Pacific Northwest rider Mallory Dobbs is looking to make her mark in her debut race in Moto America this weekend at the Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA. The event is happening June 24-26. We were able to chat with Mallory about her journey and what she’s been doing to get ready for her debut.

Tell us a little bit about your racing journey so far?

Dobbs: I started racing in 2017 as novice for two years. I had never raced motorcycles before that, but got into it right away. When Moto America came to the Ridge two years ago I got inspired. It was at that point I decided I wanted to invest in and take racing more seriously. In the beginning I focused on racing for fun. Once I made this commitment I started doing the things needed to get to this level. Over the last year I decided to take it a step further by training, and racing nonstop traveling down to California in the winter to improve my riding. I’m ready and excited for Moto America to come to the Ridge.

Do you feel you have a little home field advantage racing at the Ridge?

Dobbs: I’m hoping so, but I don’t know that it will give me that much of an advantage. My times right now are just getting to qualifying times for Moto America. That’s how crazy it is to get to this level.

What’s the impact of racing in Moto America; and how do you inspire other girls, and women to race?

Dobbs: That’s a lot of why I’m doing this. I’m here to compete and be competitive on the track. However, if I can be a role model for other people I’m happy to do that. I’m just an average person with a day job. I’m trying to do this, have fun, and show other women to not be intimidated to race, or compete in a largely male dominated sport. I want to do this for me, but also show others that they can do this.

What are you hoping to get out of the races this weekend, and going forward?

Dobbs: I’d love to do some more races, but that’s not going to work out this year. I’m hoping to make it to more track days at other locations on the circuit, and from there try to get in a couple more rounds for next season. I’d love to do more Moto America rounds in the future, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens. I would love to travel the country racing with the big kids.

A big thank you to Mallory Dobbs for taking the time in between races training for Moto America to chat with us.

We’re excited to be covering Moto America at the Ridge Motorsports Park June 24-26th, and we’ll be cheering for her and other local PNW riders competing at this event.

Tickets are still available for races through Ridge Motorsports Park. (Purchase Tickets)