In a sport seemingly invented for big, strong men, Shayna Texter relies on smarts, competitive drive and a zest for speed. All those ingredients helped her become the first female to ever win a title at the Barbara Fritchie Classic.
Relentlessly pursuing frontrunner Jeff Carver for the first half of the race, Texter finally passed him and held on to win the 450cc Pro Sport checkered flag at The Great Frederick Fairgrounds.
Her race was the day’s most thrilling. It was sandwiched between Jared Mees’ win in the 750-1000cc Expert main event and Matt Weidman’s victory in the 450cc Expert class.
“I was the only female there representing motorcycles,” she said.
Fellow invitees included IndyCar Series drivers Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher.
“It was pretty cool just standing up on the stage with them,” Texter said.
At least Patrick and Fisher have a car between them and the bigger, stronger men they’re competing against. Texter has no such luxury.
With no roll bars to protect her, she must try to navigate a bike just inches from her male competitors. Does being smaller and lighter give her an edge, allowing her to gain more speed?
“Most of the time, it hurts me because they’re bigger than me and they can throw the bike around better,” Texter said. “They’re taller and probably stronger.”
“It’s like a baseball bat hitting a baseball,” said Randy Texter, Shayna’s father. “But she doesn’t give up.”
| 
|