Out of the Blue: Mariah Gauthier|Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader’s. Schrader’s has a long history of supporting Women’s Motocross, so be sure to check them out.
Name: Mariah Gauthier
Birthday: March 26th, 1999
Hometown: Chapleau, Ontario
School & Grade: ESCT, grade 11
Number: 138
Bike: YZ 250
Race Club: CMRC, Moto Mania, AMA.
Classes: Ladies & Junior
This week, we get to know Chapleau, Ontario, rider, #138 Mariah Gautier|Bigwave photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad has been racing since he was young. Once my brothers got involved with riding, I quickly followed in their footsteps.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Not at all. I never really thought I would be dedicating my whole life to a sport, but I’m glad I have the opportunity to do so.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
There are so many different opinions on this subject. Personally, I don’t think it’s harder, just less popular.
Mariah’s favourite rider is her dad. “I can’t thank him enough for everything that he does for my brothers and me. He’s always been the one to push me towards what is best for me. The smile on his face when I get back from my motos is something I deeply admire and will cherish forever.”|Bigwave photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My dad. He has done so much for me; from getting me in to this sport, to supporting me through everything. I can’t thank him enough for everything that he does for my brothers and me. He’s always been the one to push me towards what is best for me. The smile on his face when I get back from my motos is something I deeply admire and will cherish forever.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
There are so many girls that have made an impact on women’s motocross. Sarah Whitmore and Ashley Fiolek have always been girls that have inspired me to continue doing what I love.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Blair Morgan and Marco Dubé have always been rider’s I’ve looked up to, for obvious reasons.
The Canadian Pro riders she looks up to are Blair Morgan and Marco Dubé, “for obvious reasons.”|Bigwave photo
What is your favourite track and why?
I’ve been training with Ryan Nolan who runs Nolan Motocross Academy for a few years now. He owns a track in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Runway Park has become one of my favourite tracks over the years.
Who is your hero?
My hero and one of my biggest fans passed away a few years back. My grandpa was one of my biggest supporters and I knew that no matter what he would be proud.
What are your goals for this season?
I’d really like to get a top ten in the Eastern Canadian Women’s Nationals.
Mariah is aiming for a top 10 this season in the Women’s East Nationals|Bigwave photo
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishments would have to be my top twenty overall finishes in the 2014 and 2015 Eastern Woman’s Canadian Nationals.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
I love it so much that picking a favourite is hard. Spending time with my family and other families is pretty great. I’ve also met so many amazing people through motocross and I’m really thankful for that.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
In the off season, school takes up most of my time. I like playing basketball and volleyball, as well.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
I think it’s convenient but not necessary. I have been dating a motocross racer for about two years now and it’s awesome to be with someone that is just as dedicated to the sport as you are.
When she’s not at school, she also likes to play basketball and volleyball|Bigwave photo
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Hopefully. Motocross has made my family so close and I hope that one day I have that with my kids.
Who do you want to thank?
I’d like to thank Jeff for contacting and giving me the opportunity to do this interview, my parents for all the crazy support and for getting me this far, Ryan Nolan (NMXA) for the continuous help throughout the years, Truemx & Spy for the support this coming season, and everyone else that has helped me get to where I am today.
