Name: Leslie Cuthill
Birthday: May 29, 1992
Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB
Occupation: Student
Number: 92
Bike: 2012 Suzuki RMZ250
Race Club: Alberta Dirt Riders Association
Classes: Ladies A, Junior GP
Let’s get to know Leslie Cuthill a little better. | Myrna Hansen photo supplied by Cuthill
How did you get started in racing?
I started trail riding with my dad and older brother when I was 13. I started to gravitate to moto around 17, as I had more interest in going faster.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Not really, as I started racing in my later teens. In all honesty, I didn’t have any involvement with dirt bikes until I was 13.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
No, I don’t think so. We have a ladies class just for us, and in Alberta we also have Ladies A and B, so that definitely spreads it out.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
RV2 (Ryan Villopoto) because he continues to show incredible skill and determination to continue to improve. I’m excited to see how he does in the GPs this year.
Is there any lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I’m going to have to go with Ashley Fiolek on this one. She has showed on so many aspects that certain limitations should not hold you back from doing what you love. Being deaf and shredding moto is pretty incredible.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to?
Colton Facciotti because year after year he comes back no matter what to do his best. He has speed and talent, and proved that this year being near the top of the box all year long, and winning the #1 over (Mike) Alessi.
What is your favourite track and why?
For this one I am going to go with Lethal Racing Motorsports Facility, a new track built by Dreamtraxx near Lloydminster, AB. I love the flow and recommend checking it out if you’re ever in the area.
Who is your hero?
To be honest, I don’t really have one certain hero. Someone in moto I look up to as stated above is Ashley Fiolek, because of what she has accomplished so far.
Someone Leslie looks up to is Ashley Fiolek because of what she’s accomplished so far. | Fleeting Moments photo supplied by Cuthill
What are your goals for next season?
Stay healthy all season and continue to learn and grow. I didn’t have the year I was hoping to last season, so I’m hoping to ride with the boys more in 2015 to pick up some speed.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
After a short provincial series here in Alberta for 2014, I ended up 5th in the series with some close battles all year long.
What is your favourite part of going to the races?
Getting to the track and seeing all the moto family is definitely what I look forward to. The friendships developed are great, and week in and week out you can count on showing up to the races to see familiar faces which makes for fun racing and a fun weekend.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Hang out with friends and family. Spend time with my boyfriend and our two pitbulls.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a BF/husband, or just a bonus?
A bonus. It is nice to have similar interests and a passion for moto. Lance and I do our best to get there on weekends and make the most out of it. It would be a lot more work if I was doing it all alone, but thankfully we help each other out week in and week out.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
If I do have kids, one can hope they will love moto, but at the end of the day it is their choice. I wouldn’t force it for sure, but I hope the influence would rub off on them (Laughs).
Who do you want to thank?
Camrose Cycle, JB909 for the help keeping me looking fresh, and of course my boyfriend/mechanic/motivator Lance who still packed up and drove me to every race this year with a busted leg. Here’s to a fun-filled healthy season for 2015!
