Representation for Women in Motorsports
In 2018, women accounted for 19% of motorcycle riders in America. Polaris aims to bring this number sky-high with their new Empowersports Women’s Riding Council with hopes to drive more participation and representation of women in the Powersports world.
This new council will be operated by 12 successful women coming from all kinds of different backgrounds in motorsport.
The council will host regular meetings with the Polaris group executives to help uncover new ways for women to enter the powersports sphere – even providing considerations for new products and gear to ensure they are suitable for use by women.
Polaris Chief Customer Engagement and Growth Officer Pam Kermisch stated as follows: “For over 65 years, Polaris has created new ways to connect riders with the outdoors on all terrains, and we are committed to inviting more people to join powersports for work and for play“.
The council includes notable women such as (taken from their official press release):
Michelle Barraza
RZR Racer
Carrie Barton
Klim & Timbersled Brand Ambassador, MX Racer, and Tour of Idaho Finisher
Julie-Ann Chapman
She Shreds Mountain Adventures founder and Professional Snowmobiler
Amy David
Professional Mountain Athlete, Skier, Guide, and Polaris Snowmobile Ambassador
Gevin Fax
Actor, Musician, Educator, and Speakers Bureau Ambassador
Vicki Gray
International Female Ride Day and Motoress.com Founder
Lisa Lockhard
Rodero Champion, Rancher and Polaris Ranger Ambassador
Kristen Matlock
Professional RZR racer and SCORE Baja 1000 Champion
Jody Perefitz
Racer and Sturgis Motorcycle Hall-of-Famer
Porsche Taylor
Black Girls Ride Magazine Founder
Jolene Van Vugt
Stuntwoman, Nitro Circus Athlete, and Canaidan Woman’s National MX Champion
Kelly Yazdi
Wild Gypsy Tour creator, Polaris Adventures Ambassador, Actress and Host
Kristen Matlock, current council member said, “For me, riding is a form of expression and freedom that every woman should get the chance to experience. Women have always been a force within the world of powersports, but we haven’t always been a part of the narrative. This council allows us to tell our stories and provide our perspectives our way.”
For more information about the initiative and council members themselves, feel free to stop by the Empower Sports section of the official Polaris website found here.