13 minute read
UP TO SPEED
Texter-Bauman lets loose with the bubbly after a pair of powerfully rewarding wins at the Volusia Speedway AFT doubleheader opener during Bike Week in March.
TEXTER-BAUMAN BOUNCES BACK
After dramatic double wins on her birthday at the AFT opener, Shayna Texter-Bauman talks about winning again, redemption and getting hitched
By Mitch Boehm
Just as it wasn’t kind to the world, 2020 was not a good year for the winningest AFT Singles rider in history — Shayna Texter-Bauman.
After 2018 and 2019 campaigns in which the flat-track phenom won six races and scored 13 podiums on her way to a third and seventh overall, respectively, Texter-Bauman — who in the off-season married back-toback AFT SuperTwins champ Briar Bauman — struggled mightily in 2020, scoring just two podiums and zero wins. Souring things even more were social media know-it-alls who opined during the off-season that she was washed up and out of it.
All of that, of course, provided a rich backdrop for TexterBauman’s stunning double AFT Singles National wins at the AFT doubleheader opener at Florida’s Volusia Speedway on March 1213 during Bike Week. The wins were extra special given that STB celebrated her 30th birthday on March 12, the day of her first win that weekend.
We caught up with Texter-Bauman after her back-to-back victories to find out how she was feeling about her birthday performances, and how things had morphed for her over the last year or so.
American Motorcyclist: First off, how’s married life?
Shayna Texter-Bauman: For Briar and me, things are pretty much the same. We race together, train together and travel together, so we’ve got that figured out. But it is a new chapter, and I’m getting used to having a new last name [laughs]! It’s funny…[AFT announcer] Scottie Deubler keeps forgetting, but he should know better, as he announced my first National win at Knoxville in 2011, where Briar and I were battling all race long…“It’s Texter and Bauman, Texter and Bauman!” So he should be used to it! [laughs]
AM: Your Volusia wins must have been awesome, given your 2020 season and the fact that it was your birthday.
ST: Wow…So good, and so rewarding! Honestly, Friday was one of the longest races of my career, mentally. I got a great start, which was nice for a change, but of course the red flag made it hard to settle in. So I really had to refocus. I got another good start, and got the halfway flag pretty quickly, but then the time clock at start/finish wasn’t working, so I had no clue how long we had left. I knew Dallas [Daniels, reigning AFT Singles champ] was right there, so I was just trying to be consistent, but you’re out there spinning laps, over and over, without any clue how many are left. I was in my own head, thinking about leading and maybe winning on my birthday, and it was messing with my mind! Is this two-to-go, or what? It was pretty crazy, as was Saturday’s race.
AM: Tell us about last year.
ST: We just struggled, and it was a bunch of little things. An updated bike, new Dunlop tires, which everyone’s still trying to get used to, new suspension settings, the whole COVID thing limiting testing, the unique schedule, etc. The competition is tougher every year, too. We just seemed to be chasing a balanced setup all season long, and did a lot of experimenting, all without much luck. I’d worked super-hard over the off-season to be in the best shape possible, but just wasn’t comfortable on the bike a lot of the time. And it’s difficult to push or be aggressive when you’re
not comfortable. It was definitely one of the most frustrating seasons of my career, but there were a couple of high points: getting married and Briar’s second championship. The social media comments about me being too old or not focused enough didn’t help, either. The team and my family and my sponsors all knew what was going on, but no one from the outside did.
AM: And this year?
ST: Basically, we’ve worked through it, and have gone back to some older settings, and my 2019 suspension guy is at every race this year, and I feel more comfortable. The big thing is that the team and my family and our sponsors have all been super supportive and stuck by me, and now it’s paying off. We were fast right out of the gate at Volusia, and it ended up being a dream weekend for us. As frustrating as the social media stuff was, it fueled my fire to win. These Volusia rounds have made racing fun again, and made the hard times last year worth it.
AM: Looking forward to the Atlanta Super TT on May 1?
ST: I am. I tend to struggle on TTs, but I’ve been training hard and riding a lot more moto, and I feel more comfortable. You never know who’s going to win the TTs — there are always a couple guys like Ryan Sipes who come in and keep us all on our toes.
AM: Do you think about riding a Twin these days?
ST: I always say I’d like to ride one again before I retire, and it’s interesting how the bikes have changed since I raced them years ago. Honestly, it’s kind of nice to compete in a class separate from Briar; then there’s no worry about having to stuff your spouse into the hay bales! [Laughs] I’d enjoy riding a twin again someday, but if it doesn’t happen, that’s OK, too.
AM: Got a message for women riders and racers out there?
ST: I often talk about how I appreciate being known and treated as a motorcycle racer first and a woman second. But it’s awesome to be able to show women, and especially young girls, that if I can do it, they can do it…that they can be what they want to be, and to keep pushing towards their goals.
AM: Good luck the rest of the season. Final thoughts?
ST: I’m having fun riding a motorcycle again, and for me that’s the key to a good season. I’m stoked to see what’s next.
Texter-Bauman, leading reigning AFT Singles champion Dallas Daniels on Friday night at Volusia.
SUFFRAGISTS CENTENNIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Celebrating the centennial of the signing of the 19th Amendment, giving the women the right to vote
The Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride will take place from July 31 to Aug. 20, 2021, starting in Portland, Ore., and finishing in Arlington, Va. The AMA-sanctioned cross-country motorcycle ride — which was canceled last year due to COVID — will celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
Ride participants have several options for joining this historic ride, including choosing the fully-guided tour experience or taking on a more flexible, self-guided experience. While the ride kicks off in Portland, it will gain momentum and pick up additional riders as it moves east. Some of the stops featured include dropping in at the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to enjoy the Biker Belles Celebration, a day spent in Yellowstone National Park and a citywide celebration in Knoxville, Tenn.
The ride ends in Arlington, Va. with the Women’s Motorcycle Conference, which runs Aug. 19-22. Hosted by Alisa Clickenger and Women’s Motorcycle Tours, the conference offers a full speaker and activity lineup featuring beautiful historic rides, professional development, connection sessions, education and inspiration.
“I’m incredible excited about hosting my first live Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference,” Clickenger said. “Before COVID-19, Tigra Tsujikawa and I traveled around the USA scouting and promoting the Centennial Ride, and talking to other female motorcyclists. The idea for a live Women’s Festival and Conference grew out of these conversations, and I am convinced that the need for community and connection has only gotten stronger over the past year.”
For more information on the Centennial Ride or the Women’s Motorcycle Conference, visit womensmotorcycletours.com.
RACER-TURNED-ENTREPRENEUR STEFY BAU
Originally from Italy, Stefy Bau is one of those rare racing champions who’s transitioned successfully into the business world. Bau, a two-time AMA Women’s Motocross and Loretta Lynn’s champ and someone who held an AMA Pro motocross license, had a serious racing injury end her racing career, although that didn’t stop her from exceling in other areas.
Bau was the General Manager of the FIM Women World Motocross Championship, helped various OEs establish branches in Europe and the U.S., and most recently helped launch InIt Esports in the sports gaming world with two colleagues. As the official eSports championship organizer for the AMA, InIt Esports is poised to help grow the motorcycle industry via its upcoming esports tournaments.
“The AMA and our existing partners know traditional racing,” said AMA COO James Holter, “but we don’t know eSports, at least operationally. Stefy has been instrumental in opening our eyes to the reality that, without the framework and the behind-the-scenes rules of operation, then all you have is a game among friends.”
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AMA SOUND METER PROGRAM OPEN FOR 2021
The American Motorcyclist Association’s Sound Test Kit Program is officially open for 2021 applications. The program is administered by the AMA’s Government Relations Department and provides kits to AMA Districts, clubs, race organizers and others who educate riders about sound levels. The kit contains a Type 2 sound meter, a tachometer, training materials, a spark-arrestor probe, personal protective equipment and a storage case. The goal of the sound meter project is to educate riders about acceptable sound levels according to the AMA’s guidelines, while being able to show quantitative data to complainants about levels that fall within acceptable legal ranges. With the AMA’s mission to keep off- and on-road riding areas open to the public, the program aims to prevent the implementation of laws and regulations that specifically target riders. For more information on applying, contact Erin Reda, AMA Government Relations Grassroots Coordinator, at grassroots@ama-cycle.org.
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Giving Riders More Freedom to Enjoy the Bikes they Love
West Virginia Senator Holds Conference on Motorized Tourism
On March 19, West Virginia State Senator Mark Maynard (R-Wayne) organized a Virtual Adventure Travel conference to discuss the economic benefits of motorized tourism for state and rural economies. Presenters included the AMA, MIC, Tread Lightly! and the BlueRibbon Coalition. Topics included trail construction, grant funding, job creation, and revitalizing rural economies. West Virginia has been a leader in motorized tourism and continues to examine how to best welcome additional motorized recreation.
“With the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, and a slice of the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route in place, West Virginia is already ahead of the curve to establish themselves as a premier motorized tourism destination,” said Peter Stockus, AMA Government Relations Manager for Off-Highway Issues during the conference. “Holding conversations such as these could be laying the groundwork to provide economic benefits across all communities in West Virginia.” Senator Maynard was influential in opening the Cabwaylingo Trail and Ivy Branch Trail systems for recreational use earlier this year. The Cabwaylingo Trail is the first in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System to be located within a state forest. Areas around those trail systems have seen an increase in hospitality investment to cater to tourists.
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House Recreational Trails Act Aims to Boost Funding
The Recreational Trails Full Funding Act of 2021 (HR 1864), a bipartisan piece of legislation to greatly increase funding for Recreational Trails, has been introduced by Representatives Peter Welch (D-Vt.At Large) and John Curtis (R-Utah-3). The bill provides at least $250 million to support recreational trails and more than doubles the funding for the Recreational Trails Program, which currently stands at $84 million annually. The program is funded through taxes paid on gasoline for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles used off highway. The increase would bring the funding level more in line with the amount of gas tax attributable to these sources. The AMA’s Government Relations Department is actively working with stakeholders to pass the legislation in the House and working with the Coalition for Recreational Trails to introduce it to the Senate. If passed, the legislation would be a considerable victory in equitably allocating motorcyclist’s tax contribution while investing in off-road activities.
Oregon Lane-Filtering Bill Set for a Senate Vote
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AMA Joins Effort for $15 billion Outdoor Venue Grant
Led by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the AMA has joined a coalition
advocating for the creation of a $15 billion
grant program to provide a vital lifeline for racetracks and other outdoor entertainment venues that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress has already provided relief for indoor venues, such as theaters and museums, through its Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program. The $15 billion would directly support economic drivers in local communities. The AMA is calling on its members to reach out to their Congressional representatives to advocate for the grant program.
