Out of the Blue: Katy Hopkins
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Katy Hopkins
Birth Date: Dec 5, 1989
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
School & Grade or Occupation: Since graduating in 2007, I have been working in the moto industry for the most part. For many years I have been a parts woman at Leading Edge, a Kawasaki/Arctic Cat dealer.
Number: 89/554
Bike: Kickin’ it “old school” on my old faithful 2009 KX250f
Race Club: CMRC/GKMA
Classes: Women’s Pro/Ladies
Let’s get to know Kamloops, BC rider, Katy Hopkins. – Darren Eremko KDZMX photo @darren_eremko
How did you get started in racing?
I first noticed the sport on TV when I was around 13 and decided I wanted to try riding a dirt bike. My parents purchased my first bike that same year (a TTR125l) and a dozen rides later I upgraded to my first 250f!
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross racing?
No, actually growing up I wanted to be a professional boxer… not many people knew that! I was born a tomboy and was always hanging around mostly with guys so I guess it was a natural transition for me into male-dominated sports.
Do you think motocross racing is harder for a female to compete in?
I definitely feel it’s more challenging for women to compete in motocross. For example, my first few years racing there were no other girls in my town that raced and it was rare to run into other female riders, even on the trails. The sport has grown immensely since then.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Growing up it was the GOAT! Ricky (Carmichael) proved himself in the motocross scene that anything is possible and never to count out the underdog. In recent years, I have come to adore the rebels like Twitch (Jeremy Stenberg) and (Josh) Hansen. I like the type of guys who are their own person… stand out from the crowd and don’t really care what others think of them. Plus, their riding style is totally rad.
Katy admires FMX riders, Kyle Demelo and Kris Foster. – Darren Eremko KDMX photo @darren_eremko
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I’d have to say I look up to Vicki Golden and Tara Geiger as my two favourites. They both have proved to the world that women can ride like the boys, too! They both are amazing riders and any girl in this sport would dream of having their talent on a bike.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I’d have to base this question around to FMX rather than moto. I have always been awed by FXM and have dreamed of doing it ever since I began riding. I am a huge fan of Kyle Demelo and Kris Foster, two of my friends that are deep in the sport. They both have so much natural talent and are both humble down to earth guys. Watching them ride is like no other, they both make it look so effortless.
What is your favourite track and why?
Calgary! I rode it for the first time this summer and loved it. It’s fast paced with tons of big jumps, nice berms and a concrete start gate. I loved hitting the big step ups and launching the finish table. I had a blast there!
Who is your hero?
In this sport, I would have to say Travis Pastrana because he is constantly pushing the limits. Not only can he keep up with the fastest moto racers but is one of the top FMX riders of all-time. Who wouldn’t want to live his lifestyle… always having a great time with friends doing crazy stuff. That’s what dreams are made of!
What were your goals for this season?
My goal this year was to ride. I had been out of the sport for over 5 years and barely rode my bike…life happens! I wanted to compete, have fun and hopefully not get injured. However, early this season I had a close call and almost broke my neck and later in the season I broke my collar bone and damaged my hip pretty bad.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Being a positive role model for others girls and helping them out would be my biggest accomplishment. I love promoting women in a positive way and helping them build confidence, whether it be personal or riding. It’s humbling to know other females look up to you.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
I love seeing old friends and making new ones. Being around people with the same interests and passions is a a pretty cool feeling.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I love everything outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping or just spending time at home with my horses and other animals. I love fitness, running, hiking, travel and my new passion riding and racing snowmobiles.
Is it important to have a motocross as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
Bonus! I think it’s very important to have a relationship where you have someone that supports your goals and interests even if its not their own. Do what makes you happy and be you…the right person will love you for it.
Favourite track? “Calgary! I rode it for the first time this summer and loved it. It’s fast paced with tons of big jumps, nice berms and a concrete start gate. I loved hitting the big step ups and launching the finish table. I had a blast there!” – Darren Eremko KDZMX photo @darren_eremko
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Scary thought. I am sure I will have them on bikes at a young age but will leave it their decision. If they take after me and their father I am sure they will be racers or competing in some crazy sport!
Who do you want to thank?
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and stood behind me: Leading Edge Motorsports, my mechanics, Strikt Gear, my family and friends, Lil G, the Jenkins/Engel families, my riding crew for all the fun times this past season, my amazing and supportive other half, Jamie, M7 Designs who I am pumped to work with next moto season, and everyone else who has helped me over the years… you know who you are!!
