Out of the Blue: Meagan Donahue
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Meagan Donahue
Birthday: October 27, 1989
Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta
School & Grade or Occupation: Work at Terrapro
Number: 24
Bike: RMZ-250
Race Club: ADRA,CMRC, AOTMX, BCMA
Classes: Junior B, Ladies GP, Ladies A.
Let’s get to know Meagan Donahue (Left – shown with Brittany Danyluk). – Motofoto photo
How did you get started in racing?
I started racing about 5 years ago. I had ridden bikes a couple times growing up and always loved it but it wasn’t a huge thing in my family. But once I kind of got out doing my own thing and could afford to get myself a bike I finally did. I started on an KX85 and it just kind of took off from there!
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
No. I have 3 brothers and none of them raced. I think it’s the last thing anyone thought I would be doing, especially my mom and dad (Laughs) but here we are, and I cant really imagine doing any other sport.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
I do and I don’t. I think motocross for the ladies, especially up here in Canada, has come along way the last few years. The girls I find have really changed their attitudes towards each other in a positive way and everyone is much more inviting and friendly, and it encourages other girls to want to come and try it out. Hell, last year at the Calgary national I had a girl line up next to me on an 85 and it was her first race ever, that’s pretty cool!
Who is your favourite rider and why?
(Laughs) I know all my friends are going to give me a hard time for this, and they probably already know the answer, but definitely (Ken) Roczen! I watched him ride at the Vegas Supercross and Washougal last year and he’s a solid rider, and first year in 450’s he came out and killed it for being the rookie.
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 Tarah Geiger is pretty bad ass. She’s a vet in the sport and her comeback this year has been pretty cool to watch.
“I think Tarah Geiger is pretty bad ass.” – Donahue photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
(Laughs) I gotta say one of my good buddies, Brock Leitner. He’s definitely an up and comer. [The] kid’s been through a lot, even just in this season, and he constantly pushes through it. I watched him in Junior A and then when he went Intermediate, then to Pro. [I’m] definitely proud of that kid.
What is your favourite track and why?
Washougal! We went down last year for the Pro Nationals and raced the Amateur days and it is definitely the funnest track I have ever ridden. As for Canadian track, for sure Calgary!
Who is your hero?
I dont know if I really have a “hero.” Lots of people inspire me, but in the end I try to focus on being myself and my own good person.
What are your goals for this season?
Well, this season I planned on doing the 3 Ladies Nationals out west but I got called in for surgery on my collarbone to get some hardware removed and I happened to get the call the weekend before Kamloops, so that kinda put a stop to those plans. But I’ll have the same plans for next year and hopefully all goes accordingly!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Last year I was pretty happy to finish 3rd over all for my Alberta series. But biggest accomplishment would definitely have to be finishing 5th in Washougal last year. Those American chicks can ride (Laughs)!
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Probably just getting to be around all my friends every weekend and we all get to ride together.
Favourite thing about going to the races? “…just getting to be around all my friends every weekend and we all get to ride together.” – Donahue photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
We’ve spent a lot of the summer out at the lake. It’s nice to have a change once in a while.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
It’s a bonus(Laughs)….Kyle does race moto, too. It’s cool to have something like moto to share with someone you’re close to.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
(Laughs) I’ve noticed a lot of the girls saying they won’t pick what their kids will do, but I definitely hope my kids do!
Who do you want to thank?
I would like to thank Sherwood Motorcycle (Pam and Zoli), DC Signs (Casey), Dad’s Diesel, and Kyle Rice.
