Out of the Blue: Lexi Pechout
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Lexi Pechout
Birth Date: May 27, 1997
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Occupation: Blackfoot Direct parts lady
Number: 151
Bike: Sherco 300
Race Club: SGC /CMRC / AMA Gieco Endurocross
Classes: Expert & Ladies A
Get to know Lexi Pechout. – Kande Imaging photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad raced tons of cross-countries when he moved here from Germany and he fell in love with the sport. Shortly after, I was born and he couldn’t wait to get me on a bike. At two years old I got my fist bike, a PW50 with a sidecar (yes, my father is extremely European). Long story short, I have be riding dirt bikes ever since!
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross racing?
I always thought that I would be deeply involved; my parents being a large part in putting on Second Gear Club events meant I was always out at the races. But when I was younger it was just a hobby and a great thing to do as a family on the weekends. Never did I think I would be traveling the world racing dirt bikes.
Do you think motocross racing is harder for a female to compete in?
I don’t think so. Sometimes we have disadvantages but that just means we have to work a little harder.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Matt Coonfer. He is a local rider that throws down! Have you seen that guy’s no-footers? They are next level!
Lexi’s biggest accomplishments? “Winning the 2014 AMA Women’s Endurocross Championship and my silver medal at the 2013 ISDE in Italy.” – Fox Head Canada/Drew Ruiz photo
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I don’t think there is one lady racer, I think there are many. It takes a lot of courage to get out there and race; it can be intimidating especially if you are new to the sport. I’ve seen tons of girls this year pushing each other and encouraging each other to go out and get better!
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
This one is hard! There are so many! I would say Jared Stock. Not only does Jared shred the moto track but he also translates his motocross skills to off-road. And when Jared isn’t racing he is doing something to give back to the racing community, like lap scoring or giving riding tips to people at the track.
What is your favourite track and why?
Calgary (Wild Rose MX Park)! We are extremely lucky to host Red Bull Rocks & Logs here every year. Shane Cuthbertson and his team do an awesome job building new tracks and coming up with new obstacles for this extreme event. Being able to train and practice here every day has improved my riding drastically over the last couple years.
Who is your hero?
Colton Haaker is my favourite rider. I think the last couple years he has really been pushing the boundaries of Endurocross. I love watching the videos of him doing back flips off logs at the track!
What were your goals for this season?
My goal was to win the 2015 AMA Women’s Endurocross Championship again.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Winning the 2014 AMA Women’s Endurocross Championship and my silver medal at the 2013 ISDE in Italy.
When we asked Lexi what she likes to do when she isn’t racing she thought it was a joke! – Fox Head Canada/Drew Ruiz photo
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
I get to do it with my family! Going on looooong road trips with them across the country to go to races is a lot of fun. I love going to the local races with them too; camping out all weekend and racing with my friends and family definitely makes for a great weekend at the races.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Aren’t racing? Is that a real thing? (Laughs) I like to go camping and riding with family and friends whenever possible.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
Definitely a bonus, as long as they support you and are okay with spending most nights at the track, that is all that matters. (Laughs)
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Absolutely!
Who do you want to thank?
Sherco Canada, Blackfoot Direct, FoxHead Canada, Proaction Suspension, 100 percent, Dunlop, Mika Handlebars, DT1 filters, Glow Health and Vitality. AND of course mom & dad! Thank you guys for the support over the years. You guys are awesome!!
