Out of the Blue | Peyton Cunningham | Brought to You by Schrader’s
This week, we feature #261 Peyton Cunningham from Thunder Bay, ON in our ‘Out of the Blue’ WMX column brought to you by Schrader’s
Name: Peyton Cunningham
Date of Birth: August 25, 2008
Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Grade: Grade 12
Race Number: 261
Bike: 2025 CRF250
Race Club: District 23 (AMA)
Classes: Women’s 12+ and 250 C
Who/what inspired you to get onto a dirt bike and how long have you been racing/riding?
I grew up with bikes my whole life, but didn’t start racing until 2021, this being my 5th year.
When not on a dirt bike, how do you keep yourself busy? Are you involved in any other sports or extracurricular activities?
When I’m not on my dirt bike I spent lots of time in the gym training and working as a part-time lifeguard.
As a racer, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?
As a female racer I do feel that there is some struggles we face that male racers do not, like finding properly fitting gear, especially boots as there are very few made for women and most companies don’t make adult men sizes small enough for women.
From your first ride to where you are now what is something you never thought you would be able to overcome but have?
In my early years of racing something had happened that scared me out of jumping for years. I thought I’d never get over that fear but as time went on and I moved from a supermini to a 250 that fear disappeared.
Who is your all-time favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Lachlan Turner. She shows excellent dedication and skill and her attitude towards racing and training is inspiring on and off the track.
Do you have any pre-moto rituals?
My only pre-race ritual is always putting my left knee brace on first every time.
What is the biggest lesson that racing has taught you so far?
The biggest lesson that racing has taught me is to push through the struggle. Whether that be physically or mentally, you have to keep showing up for yourself.
What kind of track/dirt/terrain do you feel you excel at most and why?
The type of track that I excel on the most is sand tracks, but I do really enjoy a good mudder!
If you could give 1 piece of advice to a female of any age who wants to start riding what would it be?
One piece of advice I’d give to a female who wants to start racing, especially a younger girl, is that you do belong in this sport and it isn’t “just for the boys.”
What was your first race number and how did you choose it?
My first number was #26 and I chose it because I wanted #25 but it was already taken so I picked the next number, which eventually got changed to #261 so I could race District 23.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’m planning on going to university for social work and hope to become a therapist so I can help people.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank all my family and friends who support me, but especially thank my mom and dad for putting their all into helping me succeed.
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