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Debbie Matthews (born 1958) is a motocross competitor, organizer, mentor, and advocate for women riders.[1] Shes earned the title "the Godmother of Women’s MX" from Erv Braun, the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Supercross & AMA Pro Motocross announcer.[2] Matthews has the longest consecutive career span in Women's Motocross, spanning 27 years across both professional and amateur circuits.[3] She consistently secured a spot in the top 15 Women Professional National rankings in motocross for 20 consecutive years, from 1977 to 1997.[3]
Racing
Throughout her career, Matthews achieved success both as an amateur and professional racer.[3] She earned national recognition as the Number 2 Amateur Racer in the country in 1976 before transitioning to the professional circuit in that same year. [3]
Accolades & Awards
Her peers recognized her dedication to motorcycling with a Lifetime Appreciation Award at the So Cal Pro Reunion in 2012.[4] Matthews was inducted into the Gene Woods Hot Shoe Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, NV, in 2021.[5] She is a nominee for the AMA Hall of Fame class of 2024.[3]
Coaching & mentoring
Matthews coached riders in clinics, bootcamps and motocross schools, including champion Ashley Fiolek.[6] She mentored and sponsored Jacqueline Strong.[6] Matthews also shared her passion for motocross with her daughter, Heather Matthews Majcherek.[7]
Promotion & advocacy
Matthews played a role in increasing the visibility and opportunities for female riders.[6] She helped develop the Women's Motocross League (WML) and organized events such as the Ladies World Cup Motocross Championships.[6]
She petitioned the AMA Congress for "A" rider classification for female riders.[4] Matthews co-created the Stadiumcross with Danny Thompson in 1994.[4] Matthews helped create the AMA Pro National Championships in 1997, which included female participants for the first time.[4]
Timeline of Debbie Matthews' career
1974:
- Began her career racing motorcycles at the age of 15.[3]
1976:
- Ranked as the Number 2 Amateur Racer in the country.[3]
- Turned professional at age 18.[3]
1988:
- Became Women’s Vet National Champion.[7]
1994:
- Recruited by the U.S. Women's Motocross Team as their Promotion/Race Director.[3]
- Co-created with Danny Thompson the Stadiumcross for women.[4]
1996:
- Co-founded the Women’s Motocross League (WML).[1]
1997:
- Matthews was invited to meet with members of the AMA Congress to ratify changes in the AMA constitution giving women “A” rider classification for the first time in history.[3] The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.[3]
1999:
- Retired from the WML to dedicate herself full time to the promotion, marketing, and teaching of women's motocross, resulting in the creation of WSMX, Inc. (Women's School of Motocross).[3]
2001:
- Trained Ashley Fiolek who won multiple national championships and X Games gold medals.[6]
2008:
- Published her book, Excelling Through Adversity.[8]
2012:
- Received Lifetime Appreciation Award by So Cal Pros for dedication and commitment to motorcycling.[3]
2014:
- Founded POWR (Professional Organization of Women’s Racing) which developed women’s racing opportunities and provided the largest women’s professional cash prize in women’s motocross history.[3]
2021:
- Inducted into the Gene Woods Hot Shoe Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada.[1]
2024:
- Nominated for the AMA Hall of Fame as an Ambassador.[3]
References
- "Icons". Hot Shoe Hall of Fame. May 24, 2024.
- "AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Announces 2024 Nominees". Racer X. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
- "Kawasaki Women's Motocross Nationals" (PDF). 1978.
- "Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Nominees". American Motorcyclist Association. May 24, 2024.
- "Icons". Hot Shoe Hall of Fame. 2021.
- "WSMX "WINNING FORM" BONUS AWARD". Racer X. June 1, 2011.
- "She's Growing Up Fast : At 8, Heather Matthews Is Off-Road Racing Veteran". Los Angeles Times. 1991-07-11. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
- "KCT & Associates books - All books by KCT & Associates publisher | BookScouter.com". bookscouter.com. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
- Bruce Richardson, American Motorcyclist (June 1993). American Motorcyclist. United States: American Motorcyclist Assoc. pp. 72–74. (link)
- Heather Majcherek (2017-03-09). OCN Sports Talk with Heather and Debbie Matthews. Retrieved 2024-05-21 –via YouTube.
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