Out of the Blue: Summer Knowles
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Summer Knowles
Birthday: May 27th, 1995
Hometown: New Westminster, BC
School & Grade or Occupation: I finished the Primary Care Paramedic program in March. I’m currently teaching swimming lessons and life guarding.
Number: 9w for 2015/ 441
Bike: CRF 250
Race Club: Future West and CMRC
Classes: Ladies and Junior
Let’s get to know BC’s Summer Knowles. – Clayton Racicot photo
How did you get started in racing?
My brother raced as long as I can remember and I had rode here and there. One day, I decided I wanted to give racing a try. Obviously, I loved it.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Well, as a little girl I was dragged all over the country with my brother’s racing, so yeah. It became a way of life for me.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
No, not at all. Physically, men will always be better if you’re looking at that the speed aspect of it. However, the ladies series and the support for the ladies in Canada right now is strong.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I like Justin Bogle. In Vegas Supercross in 2014, he had a crash that landed him right on his feet. He looked around for a quick second and then did this time-out move like he was a referee. It was full of personality; I loved it. He’s also a rapper which is sweet.
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 quite a few racers in our sport that are genuinely making a difference for the women’s community. There are many girls out there who work very hard to get results. I think women like Hannah Hodges, Vicki golden, Kennedy Lutz, Sara King, and Eve Brodeur (just to name a few) are girls that are proving that women’s motocross isn’t just a bunch of girls who want attention. I think women like this are really starting to change the way the sport is viewed.
“I think women like Hannah Hodges, Vicki golden, Kennedy Lutz, Sara King (shown here), and Eve Brodeur (just to name a few) are girls that are proving that women’s motocross isn’t just a bunch of girls who want attention.” – Clayton Racicot photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I really look up to Jared and Parker Allison. Not only were they were super-fast when they did the national series, but they were also students. There aren’t a lot of motocross racers that have a good education, but Jared and Parker were attending university as well as racing at a professional level. It just shows that you can have a balance and be successful in both. I think that’s really cool.
What is your favourite track and why?
Cahuilla Creek in California. I got to spend a month in California this past spring. My teammate, Sara king, and I rode it twice if not three times a week. I love the elevation and how fast it is.
Who is your hero?
JK Rowling. I know she has absolutely nothing to do with motocross but I think she’s the most mind-blowing woman on earth. She is brilliant. Anything she writes is incredible and I’m in awe of her life story.
What were your goals for this season?
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to race the women’s national series. My goals were to have fun and better my national number. For arenacross, I just want to have fun and maybe jump something (I said maybe, so no one can get mad when I roll everything!).
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Finishing 4th overall at the Nanaimo national last year was a pretty cool day for me.
Finishing 4th overall at the Nanaimo national last year was a pretty cool day for me (shown here with Kourtney Lloyd and Rachel Springman).
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Kourtney Lloyd making me mashed potatoes for dinner. Her recipe is truly delicious.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I just got my motorcycle license, so I’m loving the Harley right now. I enjoy reading books and hanging out with my family and friends. I spend a lot of time in the water during the summer months; we have some stand-up jet ski’s and we wake surf quite a bit. I also love shopping. Rachel Springman and I have a joke that we know all the shopping hot spots in every town that has a motocross track.
Rachel Springman and I have a joke that we know all the shopping hot spots in every town that has a motocross track. – Clayton Racicot photo
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
No, I don’t think so. My boyfriend likes to ride and I really enjoy when we get to go riding together. Mostly because he unloads and loads my bike for me, but it wouldn’t matter to me if he rode or not.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
I wouldn’t force them to ride/race. I honestly wouldn’t care if they were underwater basket weavers. However, I would force them to watch Supercross on Saturday nights.
Who do you want to thank?
Cycle North, Parts Canada, TLD Canada, Mongoose Machine, 100%, Atlas, Kourtney Lloyd for her continued support, my mechanic Big G, and my mom and dad.
