Out of the Blue | Hailey Johnson | Presented by Schrader’s

Out of the Blue | Hailey Johnson | Presented by Schrader’s

By Jeff McConkey

‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader’s.

Name: Hailey Johnson 

Birthday: June 4th, 2001

Hometown: Courtice, ON

School & Grade: Courtice Secondary School, Grade 10

Number: 145

Bike: 2016 YZ 125

Race Club: MMRS/AMO

Classes: Ladies A & Under 30 junior/beginner

This week’s ‘Out of the Blue’ column features Courtice, ON rider, #145 Hailey Johnson | Bigwave photo

How did you get started in racing?

Westen and Cameron Wrozyna used to be my neighbours when we were younger, and they were already into the sport. One day, my brother and I went over and just sat on their bikes, until one day my dad came home with one for me and my brother to share and that’s where it all began.

As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?

No, not at all, because all of my life I’ve been into so many sports until one day I got more into motocross. Ever since then, it’s been a big thing that’s a part of my life and will be forever now.

Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?

No, I don’t. We put just as much work and time into the sport as boys do, but we just may not show it as much as they do. There are less ladies that are into it, so I guess it makes it a little easier for us.

“My biggest accomplishments would have to be getting top 15 in the MMRS Nationals because I was in the A class this year which was a jump for me…” | Bigwave photo

Who is your favourite rider and why?

My favourite rider would have to be Davi Millsaps because he’s such a great rider and I love watching him.

Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?

No, I don’t think there is. I think we all can show how it’s done and pave the way for more girls to be a part of it. I truly believe we all show our best and how successful we can all be.

What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?

I look up to Dylan Wright as a Canadian Pro because he’s such a good rider and I think he has a lot of potential.

Hailey first got interested in motocross after sitting on her neighbours’ (Westen and Cameron Wrozyna) bikes. | Bigwave photo

What is your favourite track and why?

My favourite track is probably Muttco Mountain because I tend to always do my best there and the sand is always challenging you.

Who is your hero?

My hero is my dad. He’s always there for me, always making me happy and smile. He takes me to the track every weekend. He enjoys racing just as much as I do, and always has my bike ready to go.

What were your goals for this season?

I made a jump from the Ladies B class to the Ladies A class this year, so it was a little more challenging for me. But my goal was to make top 15 at the MMRS National and top 5 in the 6 Foot Trophies Series. I’ll just practice more, push myself and never give up.

What are your biggest accomplishments?

My biggest accomplishments would have to be getting top 15 in the MMRS Nationals because I was in the A class this year which was a jump for me and also being top 5 in the series at MMRS.

What is your favourite part about going to the races?

My favourite part about going to the races would have to be spending time with my family/friends because we all get along and it’s such a great place to be and always meeting new people.

Like everyone we ask, Hailey’s favourite part about going to the races is hanging out with family and friends (shown here with Kelcey Jones) | Bigwave photo

What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?

I like to get as much practice in on my bike as I can, hanging out with friends, shopping, and in the winter skiing and snowmobiling.

Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?

I don’t think it’s important but it would definitely be a bonus because sharing a sport you love with someone is always a great benefit.

If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?

Most definitely, because this sport will always be apart of me so I’d love it to be apart of their life as well.

Who do you want to thank?

I’d like to thank my mom and dad for everything they do – I wouldn’t be here without them, my brother, CJ Customs, Mitchy’s Speed Shop, John and Jean Maguire, and everyone else, thank you.