Out of the Blue: Stephanie Wallis|Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader’s.
Name: Stephanie Wallis
Birthday: April 27, 1990
Hometown: Kamloops, BC, currently live in Fort St. John, BC
Occupation: Office Administrator
Number: 615
Bike: Honda CR125r
Race Club: Peace Motocross Association
Classes: Ladies
In this week’s ‘Out of the Blue’ column, we get to know Kamloops, BC native #615 Stephanie Wallis|Wallis photo
How did you get started in racing?
Peer pressure (Laughs). I had no idea what I was getting myself into!
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Never! I bought my first dirt bike when I was 22. I had never even been to a motocross race until 2014, when I lined up on the gate in Beaverlodge on my CR85. It was the last race of the PMA season, and it was snowing! After my first moto, I completely fell in love with racing.
“I have a major crush on Eli Tomac. His outdoors riding is insane, so smooth and consistent on the roughest terrain. Annnd just look at him, how could anyone not love him?”|Photography by Sonja photo submitted with permission
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
Nah, if anything I find female riders are more encouraging and welcoming to new racers.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I have a major crush on Eli Tomac. His outdoors riding is insane, so smooth and consistent on the roughest terrain. Annnd just look at him, how could anyone not love him?
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Hannah Hodges, she has accomplished so much at such a young age. She’s a great inspiration to young female riders.
Favourite thing about going to the races? “I love cheering my friends on, even if I’m racing against them.”|Carly Hill photo submitted with permission
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Well, she didn’t race Women’s Nationals this year due to injury, but I would say Carly Hill. She is the most humble, kind-hearted, upbeat, and bad ass moto chick (and photographer) you’ll ever meet. Plus, her whips are pretty sick!
What is your favourite track and why?
My favourite track is a tie between Chetwynd and Taylor. Chetwynd is an overall deadly track, but Taylor has a soft spot because it’s where I learned how to ride.
Who is your hero?
My hero would have to be all the ladies out there that gear up, line up, fall down, get back up, and never give up.
What are your goals for this season?
Biggest goal is to have fun. Aside from that, I wouldn’t mind placing top 3 in the PMA ladies class.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
This year I learned how to blow kisses while in the air (Laughs)! But aside from that, my first year racing in 2015 I placed fourth overall, made podium 3 times (including the race that I hit the gate off the start) and I was the first female to win ‘Most Improved Rider.’
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
I love cheering my friends on, even if I’m racing against them. The PMA is one big family, it makes race weekends unforgettable, whether win or lose.
Stephanie says Hannah Hodges is a “great inspiration to young female riders.”|Photography by Sonja photo submitted with permission
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I can usually be found goon riding with friends, laughing at my own jokes, chillin’ with my dog, or taking a nap.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
It would definitely be a bonus to have someone who shares the same love for motocross that I do. But I think all that really matters is that he supports me. Well, that, and he carries my starting blocks for me (Laughs).
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Absolutely! Mini rippers are wicked.
Who do you want to thank?
I would like to thank Jeff, for giving me this opportunity, Clint Toews, for peer pressuring me into racing, my brother, for his garage, my parents, Taylor mx club, and of course my Moto Family for all their help, support and encouragement. I’m so thankful for everyone I’ve met through the PMA and very grateful that I get to line up with such an awesome group of bad ass ladies all summer!
