Out of the Blue | Lilly Turner | Brought to You by Schrader’s

This week, we feature #753 Lilly Turner from Claremont, Ontario, in our Out of the Blue #WMX column brought to you by Schrader’s.

By Jensen Amyotte

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Name: Lilly Turner

Date of Birth: March 5th, 2012

Hometown: Claremont, Ontario

Grade: Grade 7

Race Number: 753

Bike: KTM 85

Race Club: AMO / OCMC 

Classes: Girls (9-16), Ladies B, 85 (7-11)

This week, we feature #753 Lilly Turner from Claremont, Ontario. | Mad Moose photo

Who/what inspired you to get into the sport of motocross and how long have you been racing/riding?

My dad basically rode his whole life and he brought me to the track with him when I was a baby, so I basically grew up at the track and that grew my love for the sport. When I was 3, my dad got me into riding and I started racing when I was 4, so have been riding for 9 years.

When not on a dirt bike, how do you keep yourself busy? Are you involved in any other sports or extracurricular activities?

When I’m not riding, I have lots of other sports I do at school, like volleyball, basketball, football, rugby, and more. Other than school sports in the winter I race snowboards (Snowboardcross). 

Lilly has been racing since she was 4. | Bigwave photo

As a racer, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?

Not really, but I feel there are less opportunities for girls like factory rides and spots on teams.

From your first ride to where you are now, what is something you never thought you would be able to overcome but have?

When going from a KTM 50 to a KTM 65, it was a big change getting a clutch. At the time I thought it was impossible to use, but now I’m as comfortable as ever.

What is your favourite track and why?

My favourite track is Auburn Hills because there are lots of jumps that I can clear and the corners usually shape up good and get good ruts, but the only thing is the roost hurts with all those rocks in the dirt.

What events do you look forward to most every year? What are the ones you don’t ever want to miss?

I look forward to the Area 51 Can Am and the Walton TransCan every year. I would never want to miss them because the tracks are so fun to ride and the events that go on after the races are fun. 

Lilly looks forward to the Area 51 Can Am race and the TransCan at Walton Raceway. | Donny T photo

Who has been your biggest inspiration/hero on and off the track?

My biggest inspiration would have to be Eve Broduer because ever since I was little I have seen Eve winning titles and getting pro numbers in the 250 class and that inspires me to keep getting better and reach that level of riding.

Do you have any pre-moto rituals?

Before motos, I watch videos of my holeshots to help me get more.

What are your plans for this upcoming season? Any specific events you’re looking forward to?

I plan to try and chase another top three in one of my classes for the AMO Provincial Series. I am looking forward to the east and west series events to see where I end up.

Lilly’s dad is pro racer Donald Turner, better known as “Donny T.” | Bigwave photo

What are your biggest accomplishments to date?

Getting a top 3 in Girls (9-16) overall for the weekend at AMO Provincials. I always thought I would never do good in that class with some of the riders being very good. 

What is the biggest lesson that motocross racing has taught you so far?

Mistakes happen, and you have to put them behind you and move on. 

What kind of track/dirt do you feel you excel at most and why?

I like hard pack dirt the most because there is usually ruts and I like having somewhere to put my tire and grip to help me go faster. 

Lilly hopes to race the Canadian Triple Crown Series WMX Nationals. | Sandra Bain photo

Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series?

Yes, definitely, I look forward to competing in the WMX.

Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank my dad for taking me to all the races and all my friends at the track cheering me on, and FXR.

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