Hungry for more

Ashley Fiolek, 17, blonde and 162 centimeters small, knows only two ways of moving on a motocross bike: fast or damn fast. And she also doesn’t want to lose any time during her career. Ashley, the girl from Florida, just finished her rookie year as women’s Motocross national champion. An interview.

When was the last time you saw a robin, Ashley?

Actually I saw one in Pennsylvania right before the last WMA round at Steel City.

Apparently good things seem to happen to you whenever one flies past you …?

Yes, I’ve always associated seeing a robin as bringing me good luck! The only time I remember it happening this year was right before my race at Steel City, and that was pretty lucky for me.

How did it feel to stand on the podium having won the national championship, faced by a flurry of camera flashes and holding the championship trophy?

Oh man … it was unreal! It took a while to sink in, and even when I was standing on the podium it didn’t really hit me.

In spring you said that 2008 would be a ‘learning year,’ and then you went straight out and won four national championship races. Do you have any idea what gives you the edge over your rivals?

Yes, as a rookie I thought it would take some time to ‘learn’ about my 250 and experience the pro circuit. I guess my family and I always sit down and try and figure out what I’ll need or what I need to do and then I just apply it to my race program. I started on new bikes this year and my new trainer, Robb at Motoendurance, and I just tried to stay positive and be focused.

This year saw Tarah Gieger win X Games gold at the inaugural women’s Moto X event. Is she something of a role model for you?

Well, as I was growing up and racing women’s Moto, Tarah was definitely a role model for me. This year she and I became friends too, so I think it took things to a different level. We hang out now, text each other and even go bowling. Ha ha! I think women’s Moto X is going in a whole new direction, and I definitely think Tarah winning X Games has a lot to do with that.

You’ve been deaf since birth. What effect does that have on your performance on the bike, your orientation among the riders; your feel for the machine?

I think there are pros and cons to being deaf. I can’t hear when riders are behind me, so this doesn't ‘freak me out’! On the other hand, I have to hold my line until I’m absolutely sure no one is there so I don’t crash or hit someone. I pretty much know where everyone is on the track, or at least around me.

So how do your rivals tell you after the race, ‘Well done, Ashley’?

There’s always the famous ‘thumbs up’, too. Generally speaking, I don’t think it has much of an effect on my social life. It’s not really a disability, or I don’t treat it as one. The other girls or guys have learned how to sign, or I lip-read or we use my tmobile sidekick to talk back and forth with each other.

How about revealing a little bit about your character. What three things would your friends say are ‘typical Ashley’?

Well I think they would definitely say ‘Ashley is ALWAYS hungry’! I could eat non-stop ... Um, they would probably say I’m pretty hyper, and I hope my friends would say that I’m always there for my them!

What films, what type of people, do you like?

I like funny movies, things that make you laugh or smile. And I like adventurous, funny, real people.

Your pink hair is your trade mark. Just a fashion gimmick - or is there a story behind it?

Well I wanted it dyed with pink stripes back in ’04 when I won Loretta Lynn’s so now it’s just kind of a good luck thing for me. I like to do it, too!

Your dad also has an interesting hair-do. He’s had your race number, 67, bleached into his hair. How has he influenced your Moto X career?

Ha ha! Yeah, my dad and my grandpa both did that last year for my first race as a pro at Steel City. My dad has always been there for my racing. He used to race when he was growing up and he passed on the love of Moto X to me. He’s my coach and my dad.

You turn 18 on October 22. What’s your birthday wish - and what do you hope to achieve in the next two-to-three years?

Well, I guess my birthday wish has already come true! I won the WMA championship in my rookie year. Can’t ask for much more than that! I was also on the podium twice in Europe so that was pretty cool, too. In the next couple of years I’d like to try and win the FIM Women’s World championship; win the WMA again. And hopefully, I’ll be able to qualify with the men soon if I keep working and training hard.