Out of the Blue | Jessica Pepin | Brought to You by Schrader’s
This week, we feature #25 Jessica Pepin from Ste-Julie, QC in our ‘Out of the Blue’ WMX column brought to you by Schrader’s
Name: Jessica Pepin
Date of Birth: 14 Dec, 1991
Hometown: Ste-Julie, Quebec
Occupations: DSM for Kimpex, Track/Event Promoter, Podcaster, Mother
Race Number: 25
Bike: Stark Varg
Race Club: Challenge Québec
Classes: Women
Who/what inspired you to get onto a dirt bike and how long have you been racing/riding?
I was not only born on a track into a racing family but also into the family that promotes the oldest motocross track in Canada that’s still operating. So, it just made sense for me to get into the sport as well. That said, I actually only started riding when I was 20.
When not on a dirt bike, how do you keep yourself busy? Are you involved in any other sports or extracurricular activities?
It’s not that I lack activities—it’s that I lack the time to do everything I want! I train, travel in my van, mountain bike, go hiking, sew, read and work a lot. Also, this year we are getting the Canadian Triple Crown Series MX National back at Ste-Julie after 13 years, so that’s a big task and we’ll make it awesome, rain or shine! Oh, and like that’s not enough, we also have Motocoach media and podcast to take care of!
As a racer, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?
The biggest obstacle I faced as a woman was that my dad didn’t take my desire to ride seriously. I had to wait until I was an adult to buy my own gear and start riding on my own.
Who is your all-time favourite rider and why?
Like many women, my favourite rider is Eve Brodeur. I have a lot of admiration for someone so dedicated, hardworking, and able to balance school with the sport. She has brought a lot of professionalism to the sport and has inspired many women over the years.
What is your favourite track and why?
Ste-Julie, of course! It’s my backyard, it’s where I learned to ride, so I’ve always been a fan of clay tracks. The layout is amazing, and the natural valleys that the track is built in make it a unique and technical circuit compared to other tracks. Also, it’s the only track that offers a view of all sections of the circuit at the same time.
What are your plans for this upcoming season? Any specific events you’re looking forward to?
I bought a camper van so I can travel to more events outside my region and even try different disciplines.
What is the biggest lesson that racing has taught you so far?
That you don’t get better by practicing what’s easy—you improve by spending time on what’s difficult.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I’ll be the promoter of the biggest motocross racing event in Canada!
What kind of track/dirt/terrain do you feel you excel at most and why?
Definitely, clay. Since clay tracks are rare in my area, a lot of riders struggle with them—but that’s what I grew up riding on. I love a technical track with deep, rutted corners! I miss Ulverton, it’s where I competed in a national for the first time.
If you ever have children, will you give them the option to race as well?
Of course! I already have one and I really hope my daughter will want to ride with me. It’s such a great family sport. Sometimes I wonder what kind of moto mom I’ll be—will I be biting my nails in the stands or yelling loudly from the sidelines?
If you could give one piece of advice to a female of any age who wants to start riding, what would it be?
Tracks are full of people who are willing to help. When I first started and showed up alone for practice, I needed help unloading my bike from the truck, and I never even had to ask—people would just offer. So don’t be afraid! The hardest part is just getting yourself to the track. Once you’re there, you’ll meet amazing people and get tons of support and advice.
What was your first race number, and how did you choose it?
I’ve always ridden with number 25—it was my dog Jack’s birthday. Plus, my dad and brothers all had numbers in the 20s, so it just felt right to keep the tradition going.
Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series? Or have you competed in the WMX Triple Crown Series? What are your thoughts on the series?
I raced several rounds of the national series back when Sylvain Brodeur was working hard to get more women on the gate. Since then, I feel like a lot of amateur women don’t see it as a place for them, even though the gates aren’t full and it’s such a great experience. Maybe I’ll get the chance to give it another shot—on my home track this time!
Who would you like to thank?
Thank you for this opportunity and thanks to Kimpex, Leatt, Motocoach, Technikem, Stark Futures, Guts, Pwr Graphics, Dspec motosport and Nrtec.
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