Fiolek Captures WMA Crown
Press Release | September 2, 2008
Ashley Fiolek parlayed a pair of holeshots into a 1-3 finish for the overall win at the final round of the AMA/WMA Women’s Motocross National Championship Series at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pennsylvania. The win, her fourth of the season, earn the 17-year-old her first career title.
Fiolek came into the final round holding a commanding 28-point lead over fellow Honda rider, Jessica Patterson, and instead of playing it safe, the American Honda/Red Bull/Alpinestars-backed Fiolek sealed the championship with the first moto win.
With the title in hand, Fiolek rode conservatively in moto two as Patterson and Yamaha rider Tarah Gieger battled out front. In her best moto of the season, Gieger raced to the front and grabbed her first and only moto win of the season, helping her to third overall. Patterson’s pair of runner-up finishes placed her second overall.
“After winning the moto yesterday, I just didn’t want to force the issue today,” said Fiolek, who became the first deaf women’s champion. “I’ve learned it takes a lot to be competitive in the WMA and it’s been a learning experience all year. I thought there would be good battles, but I didn’t expect the championship.”
Fiolek edged out the five-time champion Patterson by 29 points in the final standings.
