GNCC Racing

Tuesday Toolbox - Ashley Copeland

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012 | 10:45 AM

How's everything going today?
Pretty good. Still trying to get everything cleaned up from Snowshoe!

So for those who don't know you, tell us about yourself.
Well, I'm 18 years old, I work full time and I'm also a part time college student.! I am from Virginia and have lived here all my life. I love to travel and race, so racing the GNCC Series is perfect for me.

How did you get started in the off-road world?
When I was four years old my dad brought home a Honda 50 and I have ridden ever since. I went to my first race in 2005 and fell in love. After that I have been racing full time in the Virginia Championship Hare Scramble Series until this past year.

What has been your biggest accomplishment racing?
It would have to be between being the first woman to get a "C" overall in the VCHSS or being the first woman to be promoted to the "A" class!

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I would like to win get a Women’s Class win in the GNCC Series and qualify for  Loretta Lynn's.

You've had some pretty solid rides this season, how do you hope to end up at the end of the season?
With this being my first year in GNCC I would like to finish top five in points.

How did Snowshoe go for you?
It went a lot better than I thought it was going to go! I ended up fifth and it was a super fun course.

Does the tough track play out to your skills?
Well, I'm still working on technical sections. I definitely like riding in the sand, and the rocks have taken a little time for me to get adjusted to but I'm enjoying the challenge.

How tough is the competition in the Women's Class?
It’s extremely tough! All of the girls are putting everything on the line at the races and it makes them a lot more fun, you definitely have to put in a lot of work to run up top with everybody.

What does it take to run up front with the top Women's riders?
A well tuned machine, I love my Husky! Also, endurance, and focus for sure.

What kind of advice would you give to an aspiring Women's racer?
Always race in a class that is challenging for you and just remember us girls can hang with the boys to!

Where would you like to see women's racing go in the future?
Virginia! I'm tired of driving to China to race my dirt bike, (laughs) I’m just kidding. I would like to see a lot more women get involved in the sport. But seriously, I’d still like a race in Virginia.

We're getting close to the summer break, how do you plan on spending the time off?
I am going to be working full time and saving up to make it to the races. I will also be riding and working out as much as possible so that I can do my best in the second half.

What are your goals for the last half of the season?
I would like to get a win before the season is over. Hey Maria! What race are you skipping? (laughs)

Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank Wilmington Powersports and Fred Jensen, Total Control Inc., Eclipse Mechanical, Fly Racing, Dragon Alliance, Sunstar, Bel-Ray, Twin Air, All Balls Racing, and my mom and dad!