Since the interview with Melissa we are sorry to hear that she has re-broken her radius bone in her forearm. She had originally broken the radius bone in August of 2004. “It happened in a race at Dade City MX in Florida. This was my second time ever even racing. At that time I had surgery to have a plate and screws installed, which I never had removed.”
           

On Sunday August 6, 2006, while practicing in Waldo FL, the bone broke again. This time no wrecks involved, it just randomly broke after landing. “I did not over jump or case it. My shocks never even bottomed out. The bone just gave. This time I was sent immediately into surgery straight from the ER. They left the old plate in and installed a second one. The new brake is located about two inches in front of the old brake, right at the edge of the first plate. I got my staple out on Friday August 18th. The doctor said the original plate and screws being in the bone caused a weak point in the bone. The force of riding MX along with the weak point caused it to basically "give".”

When asked how this affects racing Melissa replied - “The fracture itself will be healed in about eight weeks, which will be in the beginning of October. However, now having not one but two plates and eight screws, the bone will have that many more weak places. At this time I do not know if I will be able to race MX again until the hardware can be removed, which will be in at least a year. I plan on discussing that further with the doctor when the fracture heals in October. My plans for next year completely depend on this situation. If I am able to race MX, I will race GNC or WPSA. I cannot do both series, so it will be one or the other. I haven't decided which yet. Before "the incident" I was planning on giving cross country racing a try as well. XC racing is something I have never done; I have a huge fear of trees and getting lost. I figure the best way to conquer that is to just do it. Again, until I know the outcome of my arm I do not know if I can do it. I can imagine that palmettos and tree stumps will be as forceful as jumping. If I cannot MX or HS I will stick to local trail riding and flat track racing. There is a new Southern Flat Track League that runs throughout FL and GA. I will run that point series so I can get my racing fix without the amount of force to my bones.”

AEM wishes Melissa the best of luck in the healing phase of her injury and we hope to see her back on the gate!!

Tell us about yourself and something people may or may not know about you: “I have so many goofy quirks I don't even know where to start with this question. Here are a couple things I guess: First: I can't eat on the day of a race locally or nationally until all my motos are done for the day. Second: I don't like to practice the morning of a race. I know training wise I need the seat time, but I guess it is just a superstitious thing for me. Every time I practice in the morning on race day something goes wrong in my race. I try to get as much practice in the day before as I can. This drives my husband and friends nuts”

How many years have you been racing?  “I have been racing competitively for 1 year. Prior to that I had only been on a track a few times.”

What series or series’ do you compete in?“GNC and Florida Trail Riders MX series. I plan on racing the new NQRA Sun State Quad MX series this fall as well.”

What has been your best finish? “In the GNC's I got 8th place at Budds Creek and locally my best finish has been 2nd.”

What got you started in racing...and what keeps you coming back?“I went with my husband to a Saturday night race at Dade City MX and I thought it looked like fun. I broke my arm my second time out and only came back because I didn't want that wreck to get the best of me. I continue to race because I just love to ride any opportunity I can.”

What drives you?“Conquering new challenges drives me. I love the feeling of doing something that I didn't think I could do or that someone else says I can't or shouldn't try.”

Who inspires you and why?  “I love watching other riders. Florida has some very fast riders, male and female. It inspires me to see them ride and their accomplishments because I know that if I work hard enough one day I will be there too.”

Who do you feel is your toughest competitor and/or competitors? “That’s a tough question. Locally Alex Kirchner and Jessica Doherty, they are both light years ahead of me and I hope to be competitive against them someday in the future. At the GNC's, all the girls are fierce and talented racers. The women's class has some of the best racing in the series, in my opinion.”

Do you have a training program?“No, not really - I just ride as often as I can. I have 2 boys and I work with my husband Mike at ATP Racing Engines, which doesn't allow me near the amount of riding time I would like, but I do the best I can.”

Do you work or go to school / college? “I work at the shop with my husband 9-3 and then I go home to take care of my house and my kids after school.”

Tell us about your best memory & also describe your worst memory“My best memory was with my son Trent, he's 5, his first time out on a pee wee track. Every time he "jumped" he looked like his leg was tangled in the fenders and I about had a heart attack. Then he came off the track all smiles and said "Mom! Did you see my cool no-footers?! I am a sick kid rider!" I about fell over. So I think I have the first 5 year old ever to have to get lectured that he is not allowed on the track unless BOTH hands stay on the bars and Both feet stay on the pegs until he is 30.”

“My worst memory was seeing my husband nose dive from 30 feet up when jumping a freestyle ramp. It was an 8'6" ramp with a 50' gap. He went too fast and over-jumped the landing by 23' (we measured by the hole in the ground where his front bumper hit). I still get teary-eyed thinking about it. The way his neck bent when he hit, I thought I was a widow when I was running to him. Turned out he put the ball of his shoulder BEHIND his shoulder blade, it took 3 people in the ER and knocking him out to pull back.”

Do you have a favorite track – why is it your favorite track?“If I have to pick I will go with Seminole Tribe Motocross in south Florida. There is a motocross track with doubles of all sizes to practice on and it gets very rough, which is good for stamina training. They also, have a super cross style track, a woods trail and a pee wee track, so the whole family can go out and ride for the day.”

Tell us about your goals in ATV racing“At this time my goals are about my personal riding skills. I definitely want to gain the skills to move up to the Women's Production class and make a name for myself one day, but for now I like to keep my goals small, one race at a time.”

Who do you look up to in the ATV racing industry and why?“I look up to a lot of people. I respect all of the pros for the amount of skill, stamina and training it takes to ride a 20 minute moto wide open. I look up to John Natalie for his incredible people skills and patience with people and kids. He took the time to shake my sons hand while Michelle was on the line staging for practice at Muddy Creek. It was an inopportune time for my son to want to go see him but he was still happy to do it.”

“I also look up to the people paving the way for racers behind the scenes, like my husband for example works incredibly long hours for people. He gave up riding at the nationals to be there to support his riders, friends and customers. I admire his love of the sport and his willingness to always lend a hand when asked.”

Who are your sponsors and/or who would you like to "Thank"?“I would like to thank my husband Mike at ATP.  He always supports me even though I am incredibly hard headed and not real easy to deal with at times. He takes the time out of his busy schedule to help me maintain my quad and watch over me while I work on it myself. Without him I wouldn't be at the nationals and probably not racing much locally.”