Out of the Blue: Maia Kerr
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Maia Kerr
Birth Date: February 12, 1996
Hometown: Pemberton, BC
School & Grade or Occupation: Thompson Rivers University for Sport Event Management
Number: 727
Bike: 2013 KX250F
Race Club: CMRC, Canadian Arenacross, Future West Moto
Classes: Ladies & Open Beginner
Let’s get to know Pemberton, BC’s Maia Kerr. – John Bowman photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad has been riding dirt bikes for… well… as long as I can remember, and I thought it was super cool! I kept asking for a dirt bike and then for Christmas when I was in grade 7, I got my first dirt bike. I started out riding trails and goofing around, always breaking stuff… I really dug it. A few years later, one of my friends was going to the track and said I should come, so I went and I really wasn’t good at all, but I fell in love. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I actually got into racing, I’m not the most competitive person out there but I really like going to the races and having fun.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross ?
At the end of elementary school we had to answer what we wanted to be when we grew up. My answer was to be “a professional at a sport” so I guess I wanted to be, just didn’t really expect to be. When I was younger I definitely didn’t think that I would be this in love with a dirt bike, but now that I am where I am it makes me so happy to say that I’m pretty much living my dream.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
No, I just think girls have to believe in themselves and not worry about what anyone else says. Life’s short so grip it and rip it … that’s my motto.
Maia’s motto? “Life’s short, so grip it and rip it!” – Kevin Lefebvre photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Ryan Villopoto is my favourite rider because he’s just so smooth and comfortable on his bike, it blows me away, and he was always consistent in his races. So sad that he’s retired. I also really like Broc Tickle because I have watched him ride for such a long time and seen all of his improvements, which is really encouraging. But Justin Barcia is freaking amazing. Have you seen those scrubs and whips? Holy shiii…
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I think that Ashley Fiolek is an absolute amazing role model. Overcoming the challenges she is faced with and being able to be so determined and amazing at riding is crazy. It gives riders hope and knowledge that if you set your heart to something you love anything is possible.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Oh no. There are way too many. I’m going to have to say Shawn Maffenbeier. He’s the first Canadian Pro I remember seeing and he’s come a long way since then.
What is your favourite track and why?
I would have to say that Pemberton MX is my favourite track because it’s where I learned to ride on a track and just have so many great memories there. But since I have been to more tracks, Williams Lake and Kelowna are super-fun tracks too! I love how flowy they are.
Maia’s hero is actually Spider Man. – Maddy photo
Who is your hero?
To be honest, Spider-Man is my hero… he’s been through a lot and he keeps on going no matter what. His determination is something I look up to and the way I look at it he is always helping others. He is just overall an inspiration to me. You too, dad.
What were your goals for this season?
I didn’t really have any goals for this season since I started university in September and was a little bit nervous. So, I focused on the BC South Series hoping to podium at the end. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to all of the rounds but finished 4th place in ladies and 6th in beginner at the end of the series and am still happy with the outcome.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
In May of 2014 I broke my arm pretty badly right before the moto season even started, but I managed to heal up for Arenacross. It was my first ever season racing Arenacross and I finished the series as ladies Champion. The year before, I finished 2nd overall in ladies in the Future West Fall Shootout.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Everything! I love getting geared up and cracking jokes at the start line. Once I’m on my bike I am in a completely different mind set and nothing else matters. My absolute favourite part is when I am at the start gate with my dad (and sometimes another buddy) and I get the pep talks and the “Have fun! I love you!”s right before they gotta get out of my freakin’ way so that I can get the holeshot!
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I like to hang out with friends and laugh… and do a lot of talking about riding.
Maia loves absolutely everything about being at the races. – Kevin Lefebvre photo
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
I wouldn’t say that it is “important,” but having someone who can go rip around with you and give you pointers or even tell you how proud they are of you is a good self-esteem booster. So, I would say it is a bonus.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Yeah, I mean, they’ll probably be on bikes before they can run.
Who do you want to thank?
I want to thank my friends and family who encourage me and ride with me, especially my mom and dad, I wouldn’t be able to do it without either one of them, DeCal Works, LifeProof and BTO Sports for keeping me in style, Dr. Zarkadas for giving me a 3rd wrist in my elbow so that I can keep pushing my limits! (Laughs)
