| Pioneers |
Background
With over 30
years racing experience, Tami brought to the
table her racing, sport promotions and
employment experiences to assist in
developing the most accurate, in-depth site
on the history of women's motocross.
Accomplishments
Tami Rice, along with
Bonnie
Warch, were members of the first American
Suzuki Women's MX Team during the late 80's,
early 90's. The Team campaigned throughout the
States, racing and developing a positive image for
women racers abroad.
Shortly thereafter and with encouragement from several women motocross racers such as Gale Webb, Mercedes Gonzalez, Kelly Halfhill (aka K.O.) and Smart Girls Racing - Augie Aususto, the two developed the Women's Motocross Association "WMXA" in 1988 (no connection with the newly formed WMA of today). These venues ran in conjunction with CRC's (California Racing Club) program. Three divisions were offered as women Novice, Intermediate and Expert riders lined the gate of more that 30 competitors ready to strut their stuff while enjoying the sport of motorcycle racing. The organization quickly expanded its' venues with events in conjunction with CMC, GFI and the famous Mammoth Mountain Mountain MX event.
With the
addition of Brenda Hannah - a well known Women's
Pro Jet-Ski Racer - the
association quickly developed into a more well
rounded organization known as the Women's
International Motorsport Association "WIMSA"
catering to Women's Motocross, Jet-Ski, and
Auto racing. Mercedes Gonzales was actively
competing in Altra-Light competition during the late
Mickey Thompson's Off-Road Series, which enhanced
the association as a whole.
In 1991, Tami was contacted by the Italian promoters wanting US involvement during their 1992 La Femme International Motocross Championships in Faenza, Italy. The US Women's MX Team concept began when Nadine Holbert of Texas and Tami contacted Elaine Ruff, then a Director of Operations for a high profile after-market company, to assist and support a team of US riders to race in the Italian Championships. That same year, the United States Women's Motocross Team was founded. The four pioneers representing the USA: Tami Rice, Nadine Holbert, Kristy Shealy and Dee Ann Wood went to Italy, and being the best of the best, placed in 3 of the top 5 positions!
After returning from competing in Italy, Tami approached her sponsor, Acerbis USA, with the concept of developing a Women's Chest Protector to accommodate her needs as the chest protector she was using (designed for men) was not doing so. The protector was developed and known as the "Ladies Zoom". This protector is now known as the Acerbis "Ladies Fusion" and is worn by women motocross racers around the world.
When a
second invitation arrived from Italy, Elaine Ruff
contacted Kat Spann, owner and editor of
the TEX-MX Newspaper now know as the
Southern
Dirt Bike Journal, to manage the newly
founded U.S. Team. With support of
after-market companies and the OEM's, it started to
grow. Finally, there was a chance for women
riders to gain the recognition and support not
previously offered by the industry. This new
concept spread and in 1996, the U.S. Women's
Motorcycle League was born and is now know as
WMX on the pro circuit.
Visit
http://www.MXSportsProRacing.com for more
information on women's pro racing.
What is Tami doing now?
Racing vintage motocross with her husband, Rolf Greenhill. More
information on the "Corona Kids" and vintage motorcycle racing can be found at
at the following links: