In 1971, Kerry Kleid became the first female AMA Pro Motocross racer—
but not without a fight
WORDS: LARRY LAWRENCE
PHOTOS: RACER X ARCHIVES
The early 1970s were a time of general upheaval in American society. People, especially the younger generation, were questioning the traditional ways things were done and advocating for a more inclusive society. One of the major questions Americans grappled with was women’s place in society. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) sought to help women break out of the traditional gender roles that had long been considered the norm, aggressively working to help provide a more level playing field for girls coming up in America so that they would no longer be viewed as less than men—not just in career opportunities but also what they might contribute to society at large.
We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.
Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated
Subscribe Now
to continue reading The Pioneer Woman of Motocross
and other premium content from the pages of Racer X magazine
Get immediate access to this issue + 12 more issues
Subscribe or Renew for your FREE Racer X windshield sun shade and air freshener! (Subscribe now!)
Already have a subscription?
Login to your Account