Shayna Texter (# 52 ), leaving the boys behind in the red Georgia clay dust at the Atlanta short track .
incredible five wins in 2017 , and three more in both 2018 and 2019 .
Whether she wins or not , Texter ’ s autograph lines during AFT ’ s popular Fan Walk are always the longest , and from grizzled old bikers to school-age girls and boys , everyone wants to see and talk to her . She ’ s more than just the winningest AFT Singles rider ever ; she ’ s an inspiration and she ’ s having a big influence on the next generation of riders .
In a day when young girls are bombarded with photoshopped , airbrushed models and pressured to look and act a certain way , Texter is a refreshing role model . “[ Girls ] let me know that they ride or race because of me . When I first got involved … it was tough for girls . Looking back and seeing how many girls are getting involved , it ’ s exciting and cool to be a part of that . Hearing that I ’ m inspiring them just continues to inspire me when the days are tough , and I know there are a lot of little girls watching and cheering for me .”
Texter doesn ’ t want to be known for being ‘ good for a girl ’ – she just wants to be good . “ I want to be remembered as a motorcycle racer and a good one ,” she says . “ I ’ ve always had goals and dreams . One is to end up in the American Motorcycle Association ’ s Hall of Fame , and you can ’ t do that by wearing swimsuits and makeup . You ’ ve got to go out there and get results … Always a motorcycle racer first .”
Results . Brother Cory puts it well . “ When Shayna decides she ’ s going to win the race ,” he says , “ she ’ s going to win the race .”
Like we said . Man Eater . — JOY BURGESS
THUNDERPRESS . NET | MAY 2020 | 69