Q&A with Shayna Texter

Rider Bio
Shayna Texter
BIRTH DATE: March 12, 1991
BIRTH PLACE: Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
HOMETOWN: Willow Street, Pennsylvania
HEIGHT: 5-0
WEIGHT: 95
WEBSITE: www.shaynatexter.com
FACEBOOK: Click Here
TWITTER: Click Here
 
Shayna is the first female rider to win an AMA Pro Flat Track main event. In 2014, she moved to the GNC1 class and earned her National Number. In 2015, she'll ride the No. 52 entry in GNC1 competition. She and her brother, Cory Texter, are the first brother-sister combination to qualify for a GNC1 main event and the first to earn National Numbers.
 
Career Highlights
2014 - Texter’s rookie season in the GNC1 ranks saw her make four main events with a best showing of 12th at Lima.
2013 - Texter’s four top five performances helped her finish fourth in the final GNC2 point standings. 2012 – Competed in GNC2. Three victories helped her finish the season fifth in the point standings.
2012 - Competed in the GNC Pro Singles competition. Three victories helped her finish the season 5th in the point standings.
2011 - Shayna finished eighth in the Pro Singles class. Her season highlight was winning the Pro Singles main event at Knoxville Raceway, making her the first female to win a Pro Singles main event in the long history of this great sport.
 
Shayna Texter is a bad ass. Not only is she one of the fastest up and coming flat track racers in the world, but she has her head on straight. Roland’s known Richie Morris from his AMA Pro road racing days. When Richie teamed up with Shayna for GNC flat track racing, bringing RSD into the mix was a natural move. Between her busy racing and training schedule we had a chance to ask Shayna a few questions about her life and racing.
 
So, what does it feel like to be sideways at 100mph?

 
It is an incredible feeling that you can’t match doing anything else. Whenever I get off the track you can’t help but smile. Just imagine at times having a motorcycle completely sideways to the locks, wide open, and hanging off the side of it to get it turned. Now throw in 17 other riders, 4 corners, and tear offs that you must pull if you want to see where you are going at times. That is what it feels like to be an AMA Flat Track racer.
 
When did you start racing and how did that get you to where you are today racing AMA Pro Flat track?
 
I started riding when I was three years old. I grew up racing indoor concrete races each year during the winter up in Middletown, NY that was promoted by former racer Keith Jacobsen. I did a few outdoor races on my Suzuki JR 50, but honestly my main focus growing up was playing soccer. Once my Dad retired in 2002, my brother started racing full-time the local district 6 dirt track schedule. One night halfway through the 2003 season, I decided I wanted to race the next day. So my Dad went upstairs in his Harley-Davidson shop and mounted my Yamaha TTR 125 up with a pair of Buell Blast tires for the race and that day kicked started my career in AMA Pro Flat Track.
 
How did you team up with Richie Morris Racing?
 
Richie called me about putting together a program for 2016 and during one of our earlier phone calls he realized I needed immediate help to also get through the 2015 season. So after a few phone calls and meetings we decided it would be best to start our relationship immediately and seek out together to accomplish a few realistic goals in 2015 to help shape our 2016 season together.

If you had a million dollars and had to spend it in one day what would you do with it?
 
If I had a million dollars and had to spend it one day, I would go buy a big field. I would design an awesome dirt track practice facility on it for everyone to come ride at during the week and also put a swimming pool & hot tub on the property for us to enjoy at night afterwards.
 
Can you explain how you have the confidence in yourself and the guys around you to push so hard, handlebar to handlebar every weekend? From a spectators perspective it looks so gnarly.
 
I have been riding since I was little just like majority of the field. Having confidence with everyone is easy because a lot of us grew up together racing and once you start riding with someone you can also really learn their style and line choice just by riding around them.
 
What is it about flat track that makes you commit so much of your energy to the sport?
 
Flat Track is a one of a kind sport. You cannot walk into any other motorsports paddock and experience the same experience you will at a Flat Track event. Everyone is putting all their energy and resources into their program and has a great deal of respect for one another. Off the track we are the definition of a family and on the track we are all competitors, which leads to a unique atmosphere.
 
 
If you could change something about flat track racing what would it be?
 
If I could change something about Flat Track Racing I would televise it live on TV live each and every weekend. Being on live on ESPN for XGames was really cool and a moment I will never forget.
 
Here’s the question I’m sure you get asked the most. How does it feel to be a female in a male dominated sport?
 
To be a female in a male dominated sport truthfully doesn’t feel any different when my helmet is on. When I am on the track I am treated like a racer each and every weekend and I am never given any slack. I appreciate the boys for treating me no different and racing me just as hard as they would anyone else. Off the track it is always cool to interact with the fans and hear the women in particular say they race flat track now because they saw me ride.
 
I’ve always felt females were smarter than men in the risk department and males were more willing to risk it all for glory. What do you think?
 
I will definitely say that I will never risk it all for glory or ride over my head. We are not making enough money or have unlimited backing in our sport to risk it all every weekend. I know where my comfort level is and I try to never ride past that. You have to treat this sport with respect because if not it will eventually bite you the wrong way. I believe a lot of racers eventually learn their comfort zone, but it may take a few spills to get there.
 
 

What’s your favorite thing to do that has nothing to do with racing?
 
I enjoy going to any kind of water with family and friends where we can all swim, fish, and just have a good time at a much slower-relaxing speed.
 
Any interest in racing cars?
 
Possibly one day as my Grandfather is in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame out in Knoxville, Iowa. However right now I still have some goals I would like to accomplish in AMA Pro Flat Track.
 
If you had to live somewhere in the world outside the US where would it be?
 
This is a tough question because I have never traveled much outside the United States, however if I had to move I would want a beach nearby and restaurants that serve food that I would enjoy eating all the time.
 
Hip hop, Country, Metal, Rock and Roll?
 
Depending on the day and mood, but normally I always go to the country station first.
 
Beer or whiskey?
 
No beer or whiskey for me unless it is root beer. Honestly I have a love for ice tea.
 
What would you like to accomplish in the motorcycle industry?
 
I would love to get more women and younger kids involved with motorcycles especially in the sport of Flat Track.
 
Any shoutouts?
 
I just want to thank all my sponsors for helping me chase a dream and all my family & fans for supporting me along the way. Thank you!

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