Member of the Week: Hailey Johnson
What discipline(s) do you participate in?
I race Motocross in classes 250c, woman’s, 16-24c, and schoolboy 2.
When did you begin riding and/or racing?
I started racing in 2022 but hit District 23 races hard in 2023.
What's one thing you love about the District 23 ARMCA community?
I love the environment and there is a lot of good people!
What is the significance of your riding number? Was it given to you or did you pick it for a specific reason?
My number is significant because it is backwards of my dads, his is 599 and mine is 995.
What is your favorite track, course, trail, or event and why?
I can’t really choose one track that is my favorite… I can only limit it to two: Berm Benders and Millville. I love those tracks not only because they are awesome but because they flow well and are fun to ride in general.
What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?
My biggest accomplishment of my riding/racing career is probably being the state champion and just getting to be a better rider. It has always been a goal of mine to become the state champion and that was the goal I stuck to in the 2024 season. I pushed hard and I will continue to push hard to make it to the next level!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years within the sport?
In the next five years I would like to see myself placing higher at the national races and possibly get picked up by a race team.
If you had to describe your riding style as a movie title, what would it be?
The progress became I continue to push myself to make progress in riding
If you could race at any track in the world, where would it be and why?
If I could race at any track in the world it would probably be Glen Helen, not only because it used to be an old pro track but I think it would be cool to say you got to race/ride there.
Who inspires you in racing or riding? And how has motorcycling impacted your life?
My mom and dad inspire me in my racing and have taught me that you have to work hard for something you want. They’ve made so many sacrifices to get me to where I am today and continue to go out of their way so I can chase my dreams in moto! Racing has impacted me by teaching me skills like time management, determination, discipline, and so many more things… I wouldn’t want that any other way!
What has been your favorite machine to race/ride and why?
Yamaha because it is the best bike out there and has never let me down on the track.
What's one pre-race ritual or superstition you have?
I put my headphones on and listen to some music to get hyped up!
What's the funniest or most unexpected thing that's happened to you at a race?
I ran out of gas during one of my motos and had to get hauled off the track with the side by side and a ratchet strap.
What's a lesson you've learned from racing that applies to life outside the track?
Dedication. If you are going to do anything, be dedicated to it.. which means to do it to your highest level.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new rider, what would it be?
Practice, practice, practice, and DON’T give up when it gets hard… it will only get easier!