Out of the Blue: Brittni Waddington|Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader’s.
Name: Brittni Waddington
Birthday: October 26, 1992
Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon
Occupation: Yukon Government Department of Finance
Number: 115
Bike: 2014 KX 250F
Race Club: We don’t really have a race club in Whitehorse…yet.
Classes: Ladies Open, 250 Novice (Alaska)
Whitehorse, Yukon, rider, #115 Brittni Waddington, is in the spotlight for this week’s ‘Out of the Blue’ column|Lissa Abel photo used with permission
How did you get started in racing?
A few of my friends hit ramps and I really wanted to get into freestyle but after crashing off a ramp I switched over to trying racing in Alaska.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
No not at all. Younger, I was more into team sports but moto has definitely taken over.
There aren’t many female riders who’ve completed a backflip, but Brittni is one of them! [correction: she hasn’t landed a bakclfip, yet, just launched into foam pit] |Jamie Holyk photo used with permission
No, I think it’s less competitive for women, but definitely growing. I just think there are less of us compared to the male riders. I am one of the few female riders in the Yukon and I only race against 5 or 6 in Alaska, so I usually race with the guys also.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I don’t think I have one favourite. I respect all the pro racers. I like Jeremy Stenberg because he has style for days. Kyle Demelo is an awesome rider and he’s really helped me progress with freestyle – always willing to help people progress. I also really like Emma McFerran the freestyle rider. She’s got an awesome attitude and the best female freestyler.
Brittni wanted to finish in the top 10 at Kamloops and Nanaimo, but “I crashed and sort of set those goals back until 2017.”|Bigwave photo
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I think Vicki Golden has started pushing limits for Moto and Emma McFerran for Freestyle. [I] definitely have lots of respect and look up to both of them.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I’m actually unsure about that one.
What is your favourite track and why?
I really enjoy the track in Anchorage, Alaska. It’s long and has lots of big jumps and rhythms. Also, it’s on the side of a cliff over looking the ocean.
Brittni’s favourite riders are Jeremy Stenberg, Kyle Demelo, and Emma McFerran|Bigwave photo
Who is your hero?
I’m not sure if I have a hero, but I definitely look up to Emma McFerran.
What are your goals for this season?
I wanted to get top ten in the Kamloops and Nanaimo West Nationals but I crashed and sort of set those goals back until 2017. I also have goals with freestyle and have a private compound set up in the Yukon. I will race in Alaska in August and hopefully I will place top 5 with the guys.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Back-flipping to a foam pit was cool. Hitting 60ft ramps consistently. Just going and competing in the Women’s Pro National was pretty cool for me. Running 14th my first moto until I crashed and ended up 19th. [I] need to work on a few things for sure!
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
It’s awesome to see all the girls come together and ride. We are competitive but we all support each other.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I work a lot, but other than riding, my spare time goes to boxing and sledding in the winter.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
It’s just a bonus. As long as they respect my riding then its all good.
In her spare time, she likes boxing and sledding|Bigwave photo
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
I would hope so, but if not, any sport will do.
Who do you want to thank?
I’d like to thank Eric at ECD Customs, Jarrid Davy at Bluewave Energy, Ray and Joey Cretien from RC Crane, Ross Mercer from Mercer Contracting, my Mom, Lissa, Step Dad, Clint, and Father, Kurt.
