Out of the Blue: Kim Normandin
By Jeff McConkey
Let’s get to know 2016 #2 rider, Kim Normandin. – Bigwave photo
‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader Motors. Give them a click.
Direct Motocross: Hi, Kim, how’s it going?
Kim Normandin: I am good, thank you.
For the people who don’t know you, can you tell us about yourself?
I’m Kim Normandin, I’m 19 years old. I’m in school to finish my accounting class and also graduated from pastry. I love doing cake, especially.
When Kim was a child she did “normal” sports like soccer and gymnastics…but she’s since found the cure. – Bigwave photo
At what age did you start riding and racing motocross?
I started racing and riding a real motocross bike at twelve years old.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
No, we are four children in my house so I never think someday I’ll racing motocross because it’s really expensive sport. When I was young we did “normal sports” children do like soccer or gymnastics.
Kim’s favourite track is Gopher Dunes. – Bigwave photo
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
It depends on the side of the question. It’ easier to prove ourselves than the boys but it’s harder to be sponsored by the big companies. We are more exposed on the websites in the last 2-3 years, so it help.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
No, the difference it’s just we got more visibility. Every one do it good 🙂
What is your favourite track and why?
Gopher dunes. I really love the sand and rough track there. I’m a sand lover and everything there it’s perfect. There’s not 2 time the same jump and all the track it’s different.
Kim lists #265 Brittany Gagné and #8 Allie Argue as some of her toughest competition. – Bigwave photo
Who is your hero?
My dad. The last five years he gave me a lot of time, a lot of tricks and also always be there if I did good or not. He was my biggest fan.
In 2015 you finished a very impressive 2nd overall for the season in a very stacked field. Who were your toughest competitors?
The starts (Laughs). You know with my stock 250 I hate every long start we got. I think it’s Britany Gagné and Allie Argue. Theses girls are consistent and ride really well.
Does it bother you that fast American girls come up and race our series or does it motivate you to work harder?
It motivates me to work more hard and focus more on every little thing can help me to be on top again. They are girl like us and I just need to focus on why I’m here and I think I’ll get the results I’ll work for.
What is it going to take for you to become champion?
Doing bike everyday and not work (laughs). Seriously, to keep my mind on my goals. I worked all the week, so I train myself and I do bike after my shift. Stay focused on what I want and work hard everyday single day.
You will most likely be the only girl lining up on a 450cc bike. What made you choose the bigger bike?
I pay for everything so I didn’t have money to buy a new 250f, and also a big set-up to put on my motor and all the equipment. I think 450 is the best way to get the power for the same price of a new 250 and I have to get in shape to ride my 450. It’ll help me out with my season.
Kim finished 2nd in the Women’s East Nationals in 2015. Her goal for this season is to remain on the podium (Left to right: Kim Normandin, Eve Brodeur, Kassie Boone). – Bigwave photo
What are your goals for this season?
Keep my mind on my goals. I’ll work to stay on the top three and make podium every race. Also, race some friendly races here in Quebec.
What have you been doing to prepare for the bigger bike and the tougher competition for 2016?
Keep the same winter training in my basement. This summer I’ll do the same as last year. 2 times a week practice and the 2 other days doing bicycle or fitness.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
To have finished 2nd last year. Really I impress myself.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
The family you have there. It’s wonderful, all the love and the positive vibe we got here and the ice cream when we got back home!
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Passing time with my family, but I really love going practice with my boyfriend and his friends to do some social and to be less stress.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
Yeah, he understand more our situation and it’s someone more behind you. He’ll always be happy and you’ll always be the champ for him so it help to push harder. And we can have more time together because we practice the same sport.
Having a partner who’s into motocross means more time together. – Bigwave photo
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
If they want, yes, but I’ll never force them to love this sport.
Who do you want to thank?
Honda Canada, Laliberte Motosport, Importation Thibault, Twice Production, Axxel Suspension, Gearne, les entreprises, p.e denis, Smith Optic, Direct Motocross, and every one behind me in every way and Samuel to be the best fan, Porky Bike.
