Via Arenacross Media
AURORA, Ill. – History was made in AMSOIL Arenacross, featuring Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross. Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki presented by Maxxis rider Vicki Golden added to her racing legacy by becoming the first woman to complete Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross.
Golden qualified for the premier Arenacross Class last Saturday night in Hidalgo, Texas, securing her third and final required point to complete the Road to Supercross. As a result, Golden becomes the first woman in the history of the sport to earn an endorsement to compete in the 250SX Class of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship.
With a potential future on the sport’s biggest stage, Golden is set to make even more history as she prepares for the next step of her career. Golden shared her thoughts on the accomplishment and her future in Monster Energy Supercross.
How do you feel about being the first woman to complete the Road to Supercross and earn a 250SX Class endorsement for Monster Energy Supercross?
It’s awesome. It doesn't really make a difference that I’m the first woman; I guess it’s more being the only one. It really makes it more prestigious in my eyes that I have the talent and courage to go up against men in one of the most aggressive [championships] in the sport. I think part of it also is that now no one can tell me I can’t race [supercross] or that I’m only there because someone gave me an exemption. I met the qualifications like every other guy that will be out there.
What kind of emotions did you feel when you realized you qualified to secure that third and final point?
It was a huge relief. I would have freaked out if I was going into [the final round at] Salt Lake City and still needed one more point. I think that would have been too much pressure (laughs). I’ve been working towards getting my license since my first year in AMSOIL Arenacross in 2011, so I am beyond stoked that everything came together and I finally made it happen.
How would you describe your journey through the program?
It’s been a tough journey for sure, but if it were so easy then it wouldn't mean as much. I think the Road to Supercross has become really popular and a lot of racers have taken advantage of it, so making the fast 30 isn't as easy as it used to be when I raced in previous years. So, I really had to make sure I was bringing my A-game each week to qualify.
Do you realize the significance of your accomplishment in this sport and the world of motorsports as a whole? What are your thoughts on being a groundbreaking athlete?
I do and I'm grateful for it. It really provides inspiration for younger girls, so hopefully this gender barrier breaking doesn't stop with me and it continues to happen in the future. It also provides great appeal for me media wise, which it’s awesome exposure for my sponsors and myself.
What does the opportunity to race in Monster Energy Supercross mean for your career?
It’s huge. I'm sure I will [race supercross] in 2015, but I might even give it a shot before this season is over. It’s a lot to take in, thinking about trying to race in supercross. It’s a big step for me so I really want to be smart and well prepared for it. I think it’s going to open up a lot of doors for me. I can’t wait to see what happens and where this goes.
Golden and the rest of AMSOIL Arenacross are set for the 12th and final round of the 2014 season and the conclusion of the Race to the Championship. The season comes to a dramatic finish inside Salt Lake City’s EnergySolutions Arena next Saturday, March 29, beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
The entire AMSOIL Arenacross season will air on FOX Sports 1, including re-airs on FOX Sports 2.
Live timing and scoring from each round of the AMSOIL Arenacross season returns for the 2014 season! To follow the intense racing action live, log onto www.Arenacross.com.
For more information on the 2014 AMSOIL Arenacross season, and to purchase tickets, log on to www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.
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