Name: Leah Ricard
Birthday: June 25, 1999
Hometown: Oshawa, Ontario
School & Grade: Msgr Paul Dwyer C.H.S
Number: 72
Bike: CRF 250R
Race Club: MMRS, BRMXS
Classes: Ladies A, Junior
Let’s get to know #72 Oshawa, Ontario’s Leah Ricard. | Bigwave photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad used to ride, and he got my brother and me into motocross at a very young age. When I was 5 my dad got me a KDX 50 and I rode the thing around the block on training wheels. I finally began racing when I was 6.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Well, my brother was always a good rider so I always looked up to him and wanted to be like him. Motocross was my passion from the very beginning!
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
In some ways yes, in some ways no. We have our own class and most clubs have an “A” and “B” class which is great, but I think Women’s motocross still has a lot of developing to do.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Trey Canard. He’s such a passionate and just overall great person and rider. He’s definitely earned everything he has and I look up to him.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Ashley Fiolek, for sure. But Hannah Hodges is definitely paving the way for women’s motocross right now with her success in all the boys’ classes at such a young age.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Colton Facciotti. He’s such a smooth rider and he definitely proved himself when he won the #1 over Mike Alessi.
What is your favourite track and why?
Monster Mountain in Alabama. Such a fun, wide-open track and I love the dirt!
Who is your hero?
I’ve gotta say my dad here (Laughs). He’s a great guy who’s willing to do anything and everything for his kids, and I appreciate that!
What are your goals for next season?
I really hope to get down south and do a few Loretta’s qualifiers. As far as Canada goes, my goals are to do top 3 at Walton and top 3 at the MMRS National.
#72 Ricard hopes for a top 3 finish at both the Parts Canada TransCan and the MMRS Madoc National in 2015. | Bigwave photo
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment was getting 6th place at Loretta’s back in 2011, and getting 7th at the Walton TransCan last year.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Getting to hang out with all my friends and racing with them!
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I’m usually hanging out with friends or doing homework.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/husband, or just a bonus?
It’s definitely a bonus (Laughs).
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Of course!
Who do you want to thank?
I’d like to thank my dad & my brother, the Cemovic family, Oshawa Cycle, Loyal Contracting, Oneal, X Brand Goggles, and Atlas Brace.
