Breaking into the world of Motocross is an amazing athlete who many know as “Shorty”. But do not let her stature or gender fool you, she is very impressive on the track and her attitude off the track is just as remarkable. Jessica is a 19 year old Cocoa Beach Florida resident who competes in many different series such as the Florida Trail Riders (Quad B and Women's), Sunshine State Quad Racing (B and Women's), WPSA (Women's), and the Grand National Championship (Women's Production) and is excelling in every possible way.
"At times I'll just sit there and try to think of ways to get faster on the track." |
 |
As striking as Jessica is on the track you would never guess that her foundation of MX was not built on a quad. “Well, my Dad, Gary Doherty raced national motocross for 22 years. So I was always brought up around the wonderful sport of ATV Motocross, all though I never took an interest in it. I always wanted to race dirt bikes; finally my Dad gave in and bought me a couple. I actually stayed with dirt bikes for a few years. I had a couple knee surgeries and before getting back on a dirt bike, my Dad wanted me to ride a quad. So one weekend last year around March, Doug Gust and Cindi Hart were down in Florida training. I rode my Dad's quad and Doug talked me into trying it for a couple weeks. A week later my dirt bike was sold and I've been on a quad ever since.”
Jessica has proven she has what it takes in a very short period of time with lots of room to improve and grow with the sport. In an interview conducted by ATVScene, 7x Women’s National Champion Angela Butler states that Jessica Doherty is one of the up and coming women racers of the sport. Hard work and focus have helped Jessica this far but she is also a normal 19 year old “I'm just like most girls. I like to go shopping, get my hair done, and go tanning. But motocross is always on my mind. I work out and try to stay focused on racing as much as possible. At times I'll just sit there and try to think of ways to get faster on the track. But I'm still like any normal teenager. I party every now and then. I just try to enjoy life as much as possible. But honestly, my life is based around racing.” |
 |
Most riders have experienced the positive and negatives to racing and some have had to overcome fears or obstacles. Jessica is no different “A fear for me and somewhat still is a fear, is going over the bars. I've had my fair share of experiencing this. My Dad is working on trying to make this not happen much anymore. I need more ass to seat clearance!” She also spoke to AEM about a haunting experience she faced “The worst memory for me had nothing to do with me. It had nothing to do with quads actually. I was at my local practice track and an older man came up short on double. He laid out on the track for quite a while. Finally the medics brought him into the pits so that he could be air lifted. I remember them trying to revive him and blood coming out of his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. He obviously passed away. That is definitely my worst memory.”
Let’s face it not all experiences are negative ones, as a matter of fact, many of the best memories and stories are made while doing what you love! Jessica and her family made many memories but a couple stick out in Jessica’s mind. “My first national win! At Blountville, TN this year I took a 1-1 and got first overall. Then I earned my first national holeshot at Pell City, AL this year.” |
 |
“Shorty” is thinking of the future and where her drive will take her. “Things are still up in the air. I'm actually about to have my third ACL knee surgery. So once I get that taken care of then we'll see. But from what I know, the WPSA is looking bright. Being able to make it to every race looks even brighter.”
"Hard work and focus have helped Jessica this far but she is also a normal 19 year old “I'm just like most girls. I like to go shopping, get my hair done, and go tanning. But motocross is always on my mind. " |
Jessica has competed on all different levels and a mixture of classes so it was a chance to get a comparison of state race and National events “Well, there is more competition in the GNC's. There are also more people that attend the GNC's. But Florida is really starting to take off with great talent in most classes at the GNC's. We've finally got our own Quad Only series in FL and the numbers at those races are growing” And she explained her thoughts on the industry as a whole “I love it, for obvious reasons. More sponsorships and money being handed out. Maybe an opportunity for Women to really be able to make some sort of living out of racing. But at the same time, I slowly see the family atmosphere feeling in the pits going away. People are getting to serious, and all the fun is being taken out of racing.” |
A support system is a one of the biggest things a racer has and Jessica has a great one in her parents and sponsors. She states who she owes thanks to “God. My Mom and Dad, without them none of this would be possible. Champions Honda, ALT Motorsports, Terry Racing, Walsh Race Craft, Moto TST, Johnny Vance, Aaron Meyer, and anybody else out there that has helped me out some how. Thank ya'll very much!”
Jessica “Shorty” Doherty will be a name you hear at your local track or National event for years to come. Her determination is clear “I know what I can achieve. I know what I have and haven't achieved yet. I don't plan on giving up until those goals are met. I also love to prove people wrong. You know, the people that say "girl's can't really ride in a man's sport." Or, the people that say someone of my size can't really ride a quad. Yeah those people - push me everyday! And I just love the sport. It is one of the few things in life that make and keep me happy.” Good Luck on your journey Jessica from the staff at ATV Exposed! |
