got the chance to race in California , which she calls “ the mecca for all things Hooligan racing .” She returned to the U . S . again in 2020 , racing the first two opening rounds of the Super Hooligans Championship , again with the support of Indian . “ The first race was at The One Moto Show , and I went on to win my heat race and make the final . I became the first woman to win a Super Hooligans heat and made the main event on a very less than ideal track . It was a sweet moment .”
Beyond racing , she ’ s working to increase the participation of women in motorcycling . “ I set up Days on the Dirt ,” she told us , “ a women ’ s-only flat track school . I also teach and promote motorcycling at Camp VC and Dirtcamp , which is a DTRA-based initiative aiming to increase the number of female riders within the club . I think the important thing is just increasing opportunities for participation and lowering the barriers in a safe environment with like-minded individuals – we rise by lifting others .”
When we asked her what she had to say to women thinking about learning to ride or race , she said this : “ Fucking do it ! I promise you will not regret it and you ’ ll unleash a part of yourself that you didn ’ t even know existed . You ’ ll also open yourself up to a whole new community of people who I promise are the nicest , most supportive humans you can ever meet – men and women .”
You can follow Leah Tokelove at @ leahtokelove37 on Instagram , Leah Tokelove – The Hooligan with Pigtails on Facebook or visit her website www . leahtokelove . com .
— JOY BURGESS
THUNDERPRESS . NET | MAY 2020 | 71