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One of the biggest stars in motocross, Ashley Fiolek has succeeded on and off the race track. At nineteen, she is already the top female competitor in a tough men’s sport. Since going pro in late 2007, Fiolek has taken gold at the X Games, won the American Women’s Motocross Championship twice, and become the first woman in American motocross history to be signed to a factory team—the highest echelon of industry backing.

But Fiolek’s rise has not come without obstacles. Fiolek was born profoundly deaf, a handicap that makes everyday life difficult—and competition on the track downright dangerous.

With the publication of her new book “Kicking Up Dirt”, we had the chance to ask Ashley some questions:

PT: Congratulations on writing such an informative and inspirational book. Who is the intended audience?

AF: Thank you, well I think the audience is young people and anyone that wants to be motivated and wants to achieve something in their life, anything is possible!

PT: Your parents and family are obviously hugely influential in your life. Who else do you credit with being a role model and why?

AF: Other than my family I have looked up to fellow motocrossers, Sarah Whitmore and James Stewart I like how they treat their fans and friends.

PT: It’s always complicated being coached by a parent. What’s the best part about having your father as your coach? The worst part?

AF: The best part is he can sign to me and he understands me better than a regular coach. The worst part is we are both too stubborn sometimes!

PT: In your book, you make reference to how girls are portrayed marketing motocross e.g. hot models getting paid to model instead of real pro athletes. What needs to happen in order for that kind of media and marketing to change?

AF: I think mostly it needs to change from the inside, from within the industry and that the girls just need to be taken more seriously, it is already starting to happen!

PT: Your rivalry with Jessica Patterson is well documented. Who else do you consider serious competition? Any girls we should keep an eye on this season?

AF: Oh wow…every time you get on the track everyone is competition! There is of course Jessica, and Tarah Geiger is back in the action this year, Sherri Cruse, Marianna Balbi and the younger girls are super fast too! Vicki Golden, Sarah Price…..watch for everyone!

PT: How much of an advantage has it been to be a factory rider? What’s the coolest perk of riding for Honda?

AF: I think it is nice to know your bike will be there every week and not wondering how it is getting there! It is great to have a team like that behind you that you can trust and knowing you are getting the best of everything! It is just very positive and very reassuring! Plus you have a bunch of great riders to ask tips from or get help!

PT: As a role model in both the action sports and deaf communities, which is more satisfying and why?

AF: That is hard, I am not sure which is more satisfying….action sports came first and I really couldn’t believe that people thought I was a role model so that was just very cool. Then deaf schools started wanting me to visit and that was really something that I had hoped for so they are both very rewarding in their own ways!

PT: How long do you plan to compete professionally? Any short and/or long-term goals? Do you plan on attending college?

AF: Well I hope to compete professionally as long as I can; I love to ride and race! I am just going to try and keep doing my best. When I finish racing I hope to work in the industry because it is just a part of me. I don’t have any plans for college right now, but maybe in the future :-)

PT: In the short time you’ve been pro, major changes have occurred in women’s mx from more parity in purses to promoters improving conditions. At the end of your book you say “we’ve only just begun.” What others signs of progress would you like to see?

AF: Well it would be nice if everything in the sport were equal but I know that takes a lot of time! By equal I mean tv time, moto lengths, equal billing…those kinds of things. I know a lot of women struggle with these same issues in other sports too, but hopefully one day things will be closer to being equal.

PT: Do you consider yourself Pretty Tough?

Oh yeah…I am pretty tough! I don’t think many racers girls or boys have gotten up after a broken collar bone and finished a race…. :-) some, but not many!

Quick Ten

1. Nickname: af67
2. Greatest Fear: needles
3. Guilty Pleasure: chocolate
4. Pet Peeve: when peoples shoe laces are untied
5. Celeb Crush: MarioLopez
6. One article of clothing you can't live without: skinny jeans
7. Best physical feature: my abs haha... 8. Super power you'd like to have? Invisibility
8. Two things always in your fridge? red bull and avocados
9. Interesting fact you wouldn't mind fans knowing: I am really a goofy person!

WIN A COPY OF KICKING UP DIRT

Learn more about this extraordinary athlete by winning a copy of her new book “Kicking Up Dirt.” To get your copy, you must…

• Follow @prettytough on Twitter
• http://bit.ly/kickingupdirt" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to send the tweet that enters you in our contest.

Join our Facebook Page for extra chances

Winners will be randomly drawn from the pool of entrants at midnight PST Friday, May 28th and contacted via Twitter direct message. Only residents of the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win. Please no P.O. boxes.

Good Luck to all!

Related Posts:
Ashley Fiolek is Kicking Up Dirt
Ashley Fiolek set to race in Europe again
Ashley Fiolek wins women’s moto X

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