LAS VEGAS (May 2, 2015) – HRT Racing’s Vicki Golden made history this afternoon by becoming the first female in more than four decades of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, to qualify for the “Fast 40” – the riders that transition to the night program from timed qualifying – for tonight’s 2015 finale at Sam Boyd Stadium and the 250SX Class’ Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout.
Golden, who made her Eastern Regional 250SX Class debut on February 14 at Arlington, Texas’ AT&T Stadium, qualified 35th out of 42 riders. Her latest groundbreaking achievement is part of a series of firsts for the sport, which also includes becoming the first female in history to complete Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross in AMSOIL Arenacross last season, earning her 250SX Class license to attempt to qualify for a Monster Energy Supercross race. In 2011, Golden became the first female to qualify for an AMSOIL Arenacross Lites Class Main Event and she will attempt to make history yet again tonight by trying to transfer her way into the 22-rider 250SX Class Main Event.
“This is all so surreal right now,” exclaimed Golden. “Last week after East Rutherford I thought it was over. I didn’t expect to come here to Vegas and we learned a few days ago that we had the opportunity, so I figured let’s go out there and give it one last shot. It’s been a rough season and about everything that could go wrong has.
“I recently learned I’ve been battling mono since November and it’s taken about everything I have just to put in one fast lap. I’ve felt so tired and I haven’t been doing any riding during the week. I’ve just showed up and raced, but this week I put in a little riding once we learned we’d be coming to Vegas and everything worked out. I’ve accomplished the goal I set out to achieve this season, so now I want to just put in a couple solid laps tonight and finish the year healthy.”
Since its inception, the sport has been male dominated, but in recent years a tremendous surge of highly talented women has opened new doors for the growing female demographic to make its presence felt. Golden has been at the forefront of breaking new ground for the sport since she embarked on a full-fledged effort to compete alongside men in AMSOIL Arenacross during the 2011 season. Over the four years of her journey, she has helped pave the path for women attempting to compete in AMSOIL Arenacross and Monster Energy Supercross.
As a result of her determination, Golden has progressed into becoming one of the most dynamic and compelling figures in all of off-road motorcycle racing, culminating with her 250SX Class endorsement last March at the penultimate AMSOIL Arenacross round in Hidalgo, Texas.
Golden’s efforts are supported by the following sponsors: HRT Racing, ACM, Elite Vehicle Brands, Bills Pipes, Just 1 Helmets, One Industries, Reel Cameras, Rekluse Clutches, HP Race Development, Motopro Graphics, RAD Wheels, Mika Metals, DT 1 Filters, Cycra Plastic, Works Connections, Streamline Brakes, Dunlop, SDG Seats and Maxima Oil.
For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossLive.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross.
