Out of the Blue | Emma Wenzel | Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is brought to you by Schrader’s.
Name: Emma Wenzel
Birthday: October 12, 2001
Hometown: Dorchester, Ontario
School & Grade: Lord Dorchester SS, Grade 10
Number: 3
Bike: KX100
Race Club: Thames Valley Riders
Classes: Small Wheel Junior, Ladies A
This week’s ‘Out of the Blue’ features Dorchester, ON rider, Emma Wenzel | Makenzie Lee photo
How did you get started in racing?
I received a 4-wheeler for my 6th birthday. At our old house we rode at the neighbour’s track, everyone that rode there, including my parents, had dirt bikes and I wanted to try it too! Once I got a dirt bike I liked it better and started racing when I was 9 years old.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
No, being a little girl I liked the sport but I raced Tyke Beginner and 65 Beginner on the small track. I didn’t think there was any chance of my being where I am today. After a year on the big track I started winning some races. That made me happy and gave me confidence, so I continued and got bumped to Junior classes.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
There are definitely more boys in motocross than girls. In that respect it has a disadvantage because the boys get more support. Also, boys don’t like getting beat by a girl, so they tend to race harder when a girl is battling them.
I do think it’s pretty equal, both mentally and physically demanding for boys and girls. You need to be tough. If you work for it, it is possible.
Biggest accomplishments? “Getting 3rd overall in the Girls Under 16 class at Walton TransCan. Getting 10th overall in the Ladies Class at Walton TransCan.” | Juli Butler photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Ashley Fiolek because she is truly inspirational. Being deaf in a sport that is tough enough in itself but also winning so many WMX Championships, she makes it seem that dreams come true!
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Hannah Hodges, I think has given girls more confidence in motocross. She rips with the boys and shows them girls can do it too.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Big shout out all the women that participated in the Canadian Women’s Nationals! I look up to Kassie Boone. She has a great personality and amazes me with her heel clickers! She works hard at this sport and adds great style. The first time I saw her practicing (when I was about 9 years old), we were all packed up and ready to leave when we noticed this awesome rider. We sat and watched her, found out she was a girl and I have admired her ever since. I’ve since gotten to know her and this year she took me out riding. We loaded our bikes in the back of her truck, and both bikes having number 3 was pretty cool (hers a true number 3).
What is your favourite track and why?
Motopark in Chatsworth, Ontario, because I did a camp there this summer and started double jumping on that track. I used to find this track was difficult and challenging for me because I wasn’t jumping. Now I’m doing most of the jumps and love the track!
“My goals this season were to finish top 3 in Small Wheel Junior with the boys at TVR and to get top 5 in the Girls Under 16 class at Walton TransCan.” | Tyler Smith photo
Who is your hero?
My hero would be my step dad, Tim Maddox, because he does everything he can for me and my bike. We both race so he is always giving me advice about the bike and track conditions. He brings me to the races every weekend and is my biggest fan. He is so supportive of me and this sport.
What were your goals for this season?
My goals this season were to finish top 3 in Small Wheel Junior with the boys at TVR and to get top 5 in the Girls Under 16 class at Walton TransCan. I am extremely happy about reaching those goals!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Getting 3rd overall in the Girls Under 16 class at Walton TransCan (this was the first year they ran that class). Getting 10th overall in the Ladies Class at Walton TransCan. It was also cool to win $1500 with Team Green Kawasaki in 2015 as 1st place women’s mx.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Seeing my friends that I don’t usually see outside of the motocross environment. Some of my best friends are people I have met at the races. There is so much more to love — the other mx families, the adrenaline on the starting line and finishing races. It is the best feeling in the world and I get to do it almost every weekend!
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I try to get out and practice, and in the winter I play competitive ringette.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
It would be a huge bonus. It’s nice having someone who shares the passion of motocross with you. It would also be great to have someone to ride with.
“My hero would be my step dad, Tim Maddox, because he does everything he can for me and my bike. We both race so he is always giving me advice about the bike and track conditions. He brings me to the races every weekend and is my biggest fan.” | Brandon Rodwell photo
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
I would introduce my kids to motocross and hopefully they will love it so they can experience all the things I did.
Who do you want to thank?
I would like to thank DMX for the opportunity to do this interview, my parents for everything they do to make this possible, my sister for cheering me on, Snowline Sports, Jeff Ward, Inglis Cycle, TCD Suspensions, Kyle Swanson, Jay Thompson and everyone at TVR that supports me!
