Out of the Blue | Rheid Newbold | Brought to You by Schrader’s

Out of the Blue | Rheid Newbold | Brought to You by Schrader’s

By Jensen Amyotte

Name: Rheid Newbold

Date of Birth: November 11, 2012

Hometown: Kaministiquia, Ontario

Grade: Grade 8

Race Number: 12

Bike: KTM

Race Club: Superior MX Racing (Canada), AMA District 23 (USA)

Classes: Girls Sr (12-16), Women’s

Who/what inspired you to get onto a dirt bike and how long have you been racing/riding? 

My cousins had dirt bikes and one day I asked to try it and did well so my dad bought me a Suzuki DRZ 70 for my first bike. It was fun, but it wasn’t long after I started racing and got my first KTM 65. This past season was my 4th year racing competitively. 

When not on a dirt bike how do you keep yourself busy? Are you involved in any other sports or extracurricular activities?

I also play hockey for the Thunder Bay Queens program. Between the gym, dry-land and on-ice training, I am doing something almost everyday. This really helps my motocross racing in the summer. 

From your first ride to where you are now what is something you never thought you would be able to overcome but have?

I was nervous at first competing with the boys as there wasn’t many girls racing in my area. Now they see me as just another competitor and not just a girl. This took time for me to gain confidence. 

Who is your all-time favourite rider and why?

Jett Lawrence is my favourite rider, he is just so smooth!

What is your favourite track and why?

I have two favourite tracks, Echo Valley in Brookston, Minnesota, and Berm Benders in Brook Park, Minnesota. They are different style tracks, one has lots of natural elevation changes and is high-speed and the other is more technical with a lot of big jumps. I love both.  

What event do you look forward to most every year? What’s one you don’t ever want to miss?

This past year was my third time going to Walton, it’s so much fun and has so many good girls there. I want to keep going every year. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration/hero on and off the track?

Off the track my mom and dad. They both work very hard to make sure I get to go racing and have what I need to be competitive. On the track, Hailey Johnson 995 is my inspiration, she is really fast and pushes herself.

What are your plans for this upcoming season? Any specific events you’re looking forward to?

I am looking forward to racing at Walton again this year. I also want to really push myself and try to qualify for Loretta Lynn’s and maybe get to Ponca or Mini O’s.

What are your biggest accomplishments to date?

2 years ago I won the “Heart of Moto” award at my local MX club. This year I got on the podium for a moto at Walton and 6th place overall. That was a cool feeling, but now I want to get a top 3 podium finish in Girls Sr there next year. I also won an AMA District 23 championship in Girls Sr. That was a lot of hard racing to win. That is my biggest accomplishment so far in racing. 

What is the biggest lesson that racing has taught you so far?

To keep a positive mindset and don’t give up. Racing isn’t easy but it’s very rewarding. 

Are there any females out there who you feel have paved the way for other girls to be successful in motocross or off road?

Raycin Kyler is doing great things for girls in this sport. Making history in mostly a boys’ sport is making girls, like me, realize anything is possible. One day I hope to be breaking records in this sport too.

What kind of track/dirt/terrain do you feel you excel at most and why? 

I was always more comfortable on tracks that are fast and rough. This year I worked hard to get more comfortable on tracks that are more technical. 

If you could give 1 piece of advice to a female of any age who wants to start riding what would it be?

Believe in yourself, have fun, and don’t be intimidated. 

What was your first fear when you started riding and how did you overcome it? 

I would get really nervous at the gate. My dad is good at just talking to me and calming me down so I can focus. 

What was your first race number and how did you choose it?

Honestly, my first race bike we got used from my friend Dani, her number is 12. I just kept it to start and have never changed from it. 

Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series? Or have you competed in the WMX Triple Crown Series? What are your thoughts on the series?

I have not competed in any WMX series, but that’s where I want my racing career to head towards. I got to watch a few races at Walton and even raced in the Women’s class with Kyleigh Stallings at the Spring Creek Pro Nationals. They are fast!

Who would you like to thank?

First my mom, dad and sisters for always helping and believing in me and my grandma and grandpa for always travelling to my races. My Aunty Suzy, and especially all my sponsors who help make it possible: FXR, Excalibur Motorcycle Works, Itec2000, M.MacLean Contracting, Dominion Motors, Chashuk Enterprises, Tycon Motorsports, BJ Kapush Contracting, Mastrangelo Fuels, Central Carwash, S&R Electronics, Miller Precast, Tramin Industrial, Kapush Energy and North Country Cycle and Sports.