WMX Officially Done

mark_swart
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Chapin, SC US
10/23/2018 12:51pm
Motocross racing comes down to selling stuff. All sports have male and female divisions. I think the real killer of the women's MX side is that they have never had a TV package. With TV or a solid webcast package, you could make WMX a platform for selling stuff, and it would become more viable to support. I think that's the major stumbling block here. It is definitely an under-developed market, and you'd think the message of what a badass these women have to be to go out and race would definitely resonate.

Side note - One of my classes got stagger-started with a Women's Expert and Women's Amateur class Sunday. Let me tell you - they may not national pro fast, but they were about twice as aggressive as the dudes I race in vintage lol!!!
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holt352
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Salt Lake City, UT US
10/23/2018 1:06pm
ccullins76 wrote:
For women it appears off-road racing is the way to go. KTM, Husky, Beta all have factory woman off-road racers. Thanks to some fund raising the...
For women it appears off-road racing is the way to go. KTM, Husky, Beta all have factory woman off-road racers.

Thanks to some fund raising the woman's class at last weekends Endurocross in Denver had a big purse, first got $1,600, second $1,300 I believe.

While off-road men racers don't get paid near as much as mx racers, it seems the other way around for woman.
From what I understand, Nicole Bradford and her husband, have been donating their own money to Endurocross and NHHA for womens purses in hopes to attract more women racers.
10/23/2018 2:10pm Edited Date/Time 10/23/2018 2:11pm
At my last race there were almost 40 men in the beginners class but only 5 women in my class. Not enough of us ride anymore, and its just gotten worse since taking WMX out of the national series. Also like three of the women were vet riders there aren't enough girls riding/racing either.
make1go
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BF
10/23/2018 5:14pm
make1go wrote:
typical short sightedness from mx sports..

love it the dumbfcks rule vital..13 down votes for a fact, mx sports is no better than youthstream..

im currently helping a girl, whos just getting into mx.

we've been going over her bike, properly after a shop had been ripping her off..

and helping her with riding technique..

(no im not btw)

no other on vital would take the time or effort to do this..

such dumbfckery here...
and people wonder why mx is dying..

18

The Shop

Ewan49
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200
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Location
AU
10/23/2018 5:25pm
make1go wrote:
typical short sightedness from mx sports..

make1go wrote:
love it the dumbfcks rule vital..13 down votes for a fact, mx sports is no better than youthstream.. im currently helping a girl, whos just getting...
love it the dumbfcks rule vital..13 down votes for a fact, mx sports is no better than youthstream..

im currently helping a girl, whos just getting into mx.

we've been going over her bike, properly after a shop had been ripping her off..

and helping her with riding technique..

(no im not btw)

no other on vital would take the time or effort to do this..

such dumbfckery here...
and people wonder why mx is dying..

"no other on vital would take the time or effort to do this.."

Just wondering....were you looking in the mirror shirtless and flexing your muscles when you said that?
9
1
Bearuno
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AU
10/23/2018 9:59pm Edited Date/Time 10/24/2018 7:00pm
What MX / SX needs with regards to Womens' recognition, is an MX / SX version of Shayna Texter from AFT.

She's out there with the blokes, and, often, winning.

A teeny Tiny (with it's advantages, and, disadvantages) little person, at times, up against Giants! A recent picture of her in 1st place on the podium of a 450 race, still had the 2nd and 3rd placing blokes at least a head taller than her.

No excuses made, nor concessions (as far as I know), given. She's awesome!
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colintrax
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Taylorsville, GA US
10/23/2018 10:40pm Edited Date/Time 10/24/2018 11:08am
mark_swart wrote:
Motocross racing comes down to selling stuff. All sports have male and female divisions. I think the real killer of the women's MX side is that...
Motocross racing comes down to selling stuff. All sports have male and female divisions. I think the real killer of the women's MX side is that they have never had a TV package. With TV or a solid webcast package, you could make WMX a platform for selling stuff, and it would become more viable to support. I think that's the major stumbling block here. It is definitely an under-developed market, and you'd think the message of what a badass these women have to be to go out and race would definitely resonate.

Side note - One of my classes got stagger-started with a Women's Expert and Women's Amateur class Sunday. Let me tell you - they may not national pro fast, but they were about twice as aggressive as the dudes I race in vintage lol!!!
I remember the womens racing being shown when Ashley Fiolek was racing. Hell she rode for Honda. Guess interest died off when the cute deaf chick wasn't around beating the track like it owed her money.
Seems the talent pool has taken a bit of a dive as well, hopefully some of these up and comers bring it back. Womens racing is doing ok in the offroad world.
roninho
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Location
IT
10/23/2018 11:17pm
mark_swart wrote:
Motocross racing comes down to selling stuff. All sports have male and female divisions. I think the real killer of the women's MX side is that...
Motocross racing comes down to selling stuff. All sports have male and female divisions. I think the real killer of the women's MX side is that they have never had a TV package. With TV or a solid webcast package, you could make WMX a platform for selling stuff, and it would become more viable to support. I think that's the major stumbling block here. It is definitely an under-developed market, and you'd think the message of what a badass these women have to be to go out and race would definitely resonate.

Side note - One of my classes got stagger-started with a Women's Expert and Women's Amateur class Sunday. Let me tell you - they may not national pro fast, but they were about twice as aggressive as the dudes I race in vintage lol!!!
TV not going to happen as a stand alone, just not enough market for that.
The only way i see WMX having a long term shot is if it would be a support class to the nationals similar as in mxgp. Use the video infrastructure for (live?) content and have the benefit of racing in front of a big crowd.

Unfortunately i don't see it happening with the nationals being a 1 day event.
mark_swart
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Location
Chapin, SC US
10/24/2018 9:02am Edited Date/Time 10/24/2018 9:02am
mark_swart wrote:
Motocross racing comes down to selling stuff. All sports have male and female divisions. I think the real killer of the women's MX side is that...
Motocross racing comes down to selling stuff. All sports have male and female divisions. I think the real killer of the women's MX side is that they have never had a TV package. With TV or a solid webcast package, you could make WMX a platform for selling stuff, and it would become more viable to support. I think that's the major stumbling block here. It is definitely an under-developed market, and you'd think the message of what a badass these women have to be to go out and race would definitely resonate.

Side note - One of my classes got stagger-started with a Women's Expert and Women's Amateur class Sunday. Let me tell you - they may not national pro fast, but they were about twice as aggressive as the dudes I race in vintage lol!!!
roninho wrote:
TV not going to happen as a stand alone, just not enough market for that. The only way i see WMX having a long term shot...
TV not going to happen as a stand alone, just not enough market for that.
The only way i see WMX having a long term shot is if it would be a support class to the nationals similar as in mxgp. Use the video infrastructure for (live?) content and have the benefit of racing in front of a big crowd.

Unfortunately i don't see it happening with the nationals being a 1 day event.
I'm sure you're right about TV time.

What about this - give three of the rounds a 125 dream race, three an invitational "legends" race, and the other half a WMX National (but find some way to fit in a WMX moto 1 earlier in the day so that they get two motos). Offer an affordable paid streaming package that includes all three.

I know it's a big ask and of course more admin headache, but it sure would be cool!!
1
mx_563
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CA US
10/24/2018 12:37pm
Who was the woman that started WMX back in the day, before it became part of MX Sports? I thought she did a good job.

I think running your own series is the right approach. The market may have dictated the MX Sports move, but there's no question that girls ought to have a series of their own.
I think there should be some focus placed on a dedicated kick-ass official WMX website too.
With some smart marketing a site like that could be quite popular.
Add some story lines, some drama (you're telling me a contingent of female racers is not going to have any drama?), a few glamour shots and I would think you could have some decent traffic.

I don't think the WMX necessarily needs MX Sports to enjoy some success.

Plus, it could be an opportunity for budding photogs, video-togs, journolistogs, podcasters, etc...

1
500guy
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AZ US
10/24/2018 12:41pm
I think WMX at a regular National is a bad idea, the WMX are excellent riders but when you compare them to today's Pro's it's lopsided and they look horrible.

WMX needs it's own place to shine where they are the focus of the day or weekend.
2
10/24/2018 2:53pm
500guy wrote:
I think WMX at a regular National is a bad idea, the WMX are excellent riders but when you compare them to today's Pro's it's lopsided...
I think WMX at a regular National is a bad idea, the WMX are excellent riders but when you compare them to today's Pro's it's lopsided and they look horrible.

WMX needs it's own place to shine where they are the focus of the day or weekend.
TV and coverage attracts new riders to the sport. That's why it was important for WMX to be part of the nats.. not because top women were competitive with top men.
1
500guy
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10/24/2018 3:56pm
TV and coverage attracts new riders to the sport. That's why it was important for WMX to be part of the nats.. not because top women...
TV and coverage attracts new riders to the sport. That's why it was important for WMX to be part of the nats.. not because top women were competitive with top men.
You can't start out on TV unless you have deep pockets.
Travis707
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AZ US
10/24/2018 5:19pm
57F1VE wrote:
Unfortunately, MX Sports put out a press release stating they have ended the WMX series, which has been declining. Through being at a majority of races...
Unfortunately, MX Sports put out a press release stating they have ended the WMX series, which has been declining. Through being at a majority of races and meeting the women riders, the talent and numbers of girls riding are higher than ever. The amount of respect and attention from the promoters turned many away. There were times we'd show up and people working registration didnt even know there was a WMX round that weekend or what it was. The riders would get facebook messages at 8am notifying them their practice time was moved forward an hour. No reception? Oh well.

Myself along with a few others are already working on a smaller, but competitive, womens series for next year. If anyone is interested in supporting these women riders for a single race or a series, just message me or reply. Even if you just want to discuss options, we're open to listening. Anyone in the industry who may be interested in donating goods, or any track owners interested in hosting a round, also just hit me up and we can discuss what we've got going on so far!
It's a shame WMX was dropped by MX Sports but at the end of the day, it's business. That being said, I enjoyed watching the WMX races at the Nationals I attended and from my view from the fence, a lot of people did too. I heard very positive comments about how impressed they were by how fast some of the ladies were. I think it added to the overall show. Now, if the ladies had been on 2 strokes... hahaha!

My first thought is if WMX is trademarked and if MX Sports would sell the brand to you. It should be cheap because "it's in decline". The upside is that it's a known brand and that would help you to convince sponsors to get involved. Otherwise, you can start from scratch and build your own brand and point to the WMX series as what laid the foundation for your series.

Maybe having a National WMX series that runs at the bigger local events would work. There could be a Regional WMX championship series within the National series for those who can't afford to do the whole national series. I think it would draw more entries.

I think there are enough smart promoters that could see the upside to including a national WMX series race at their local events. Look at tracks that have a strong women's class turnout. As you stated, "the talent and numbers of girls riding are higher than ever". But you'll have to compile actual participation numbers from events all across the country going back a few years to prove that. Look at moto and offroad numbers.

Obviously a moto industry title sponsor would be the easiest to get but I think outside the industry companies might see the marketing upside to supporting a National Women's Motocross Series. Just look at the current social and political environment. For the major corporations, the investment would be peanuts and ROI (financial and brand-wise) would probably be pretty good. I know a lot of moto people who support the brands that support our sport. Show them the value of having WMX associated with their brand and work with them to market that relationship. If you haven't already, get to work on sponsors. Corporations set their next years budget way before the end of the previous year.

Work with the promoters to try different things like give free admission that day to all women. Cater to them for that event and make them feel special. Work with local groups, organizations and schools to boost attendance. Chances are, they would purchase food & drink, tshirts, etc at the event to make up for the free admission. And don't ignore the fact that that you're trying to bring people who have never been to a motocross race so give them as much guidance, support and information as you can. The idea is to expose the locals to moto by marketing a national series of female racers. Get the local ladies to bring their man to the races! Everyone wins.

If the track facilities are lacking, portable bathroom facilities could be rented for the day because from my experience of bringing women to the races, nasty port-o-cans and nowhere to wash up are their #1 complaint. If they know ahead of time that they will be out in the heat and dust and their shoes will get muddy, they're fine with it and plan accordingly.

Work with the promoter to make WMX the feature of the event. Run the WMX motos within an hour or so of each other. If your local media marketing is effective, there will be newbies who will be turned off if it takes up a whole day. Keep "the show" to 2-3 hours max and make sure that timeframe is well advertised.

Hit the radio stations that have a strong female demographic on news segments during week or so leading up to the event. The week of the event, get local television stations to include a spot mid-week, on the Friday evening news and on Saturday morning. Get as much free media promotion as you can. Obviously the focus of the spots would be on the female racers and building enough interest to draw people to the event. Think Makeup to Mud. Some of these segments could be pre-packaged for the media.

Again, free admission for the ladies new to moto would definitely help draw them in. The promoter won't lose money on those people who weren't going to attend anyway. And for the ladies who normally pay (moms, wives, girlfriends, sisters), well, give them a break for this event. Any smart promoter who can see the big picture will get it. If WMX gives a boost to the promoters numbers, chances are they will want to have you back again the following year.

Posting on Vital is good (I think LOL) but you need to really work the phones and email to get the word out. Be persistent and don't give up. Don't listen to the nay-sayers. Stay positive. Contact promoters and run ideas by them... I'd bet they will have some great suggestions. For example, contact Keith Johnson at The Wick 338. The leaseholder, Michael Grondahl, is a pretty smart marketing guy and I can't speak for him but I think he'd see the value of at least giving it a shot. He also owns Alias MX... maybe they could help out somehow. I bet his wife Lisa would be behind it but what do I know. The point is, make as many contacts as you can and see what you can put together. If it's enough to survive for one year, then dump the clutch and pin the throttle!

It certainly won't be easy but lots of hard work, a solid business plan and a good grasp of marketing and the media will go a long way. It sounds like you're already on the right track. Think big, aim high. I wish you the best.

(Wow, this ended up being a LOT longer than intended!)

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yak651
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Appleton, WI US
Fantasy
10/24/2018 6:50pm
Who was PR for the series? Ask because I haven't seen any post on who won the races (or championship)? Not this year, not last year, not since Jessica Patterson and Ashley were racing have a read or seen videos or any of the races. Granted I wasn't going out of my way to look for my results but I'm on this site way more than I should be and haven't seen anything.
shortty761
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Newport News, VA US
4/10/2025 10:32pm

I thought this was something new until i almost read the entire thread and finally saw the date of 2018. 😅 Phew, I was kinda pissed thinking WMX was "OFFICIALLY DONE." Old news 😎

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1
4/10/2025 11:24pm
shortty761 wrote:
I thought this was something new until i almost read the entire thread and finally saw the date of 2018. 😅 Phew, I was kinda pissed...

I thought this was something new until i almost read the entire thread and finally saw the date of 2018. 😅 Phew, I was kinda pissed thinking WMX was "OFFICIALLY DONE." Old news 😎

Same happened to me, reading away until I saw the damn date.

Nice to see them back on the schedule. My only concern is how long will it be before we see a dude racing in the chicks series?

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Tyler D
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4/10/2025 11:34pm

WHEN DOES ASHLEY FIOLEK RACE?

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2
tek14
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4/10/2025 11:57pm

WMX is still alive and great racing in MXGP.

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stewie94
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La Plata, MD US
4/11/2025 10:44am
Tyler D wrote:

WHEN DOES ASHLEY FIOLEK RACE?

I was just about to ask if she was still around involved in some way 🤔 her & Jessica Patterson , the OGs 

1
4/11/2025 7:46pm
Tyler D wrote:

WHEN DOES ASHLEY FIOLEK RACE?

stewie94 wrote:

I was just about to ask if she was still around involved in some way 🤔 her & Jessica Patterson , the OGs 

Big fan of Ashley but can’t say she’s an OG. Jessica, Stefy B, Tarah G were all around around before Ashley and I know I’m forgetting more big names. But I’d argue for Mercedes Gonzales and the girls around her time being much more of the OG’s

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stewie94
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4/11/2025 8:25pm
Tyler D wrote:

WHEN DOES ASHLEY FIOLEK RACE?

stewie94 wrote:

I was just about to ask if she was still around involved in some way 🤔 her & Jessica Patterson , the OGs 

mattyhamz2 wrote:
Big fan of Ashley but can’t say she’s an OG. Jessica, Stefy B, Tarah G were all around around before Ashley and I know I’m forgetting...

Big fan of Ashley but can’t say she’s an OG. Jessica, Stefy B, Tarah G were all around around before Ashley and I know I’m forgetting more big names. But I’d argue for Mercedes Gonzales and the girls around her time being much more of the OG’s

I knew I was missing somebody in tarah , well I personally said Ashley cause when I got into racing tournaments online on reflex back in 2010 thru 2013 way before “i racing” got real popular with these new gen gamers  , I won racing series & gifts under her banner & sponsor and I wasent aware of women’s racing untill somebody told me to check her highlights & thts when I started watching her & Jessica Patterson 

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