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BREAK THE MOLD

We are recognizing female riders who carve their own path and push past expectations. Break The Mold is about elevating those stories by providing a platform for women to inspire others in the riding community.

Tag @motosportinc and use #BreakTheMold to show us how you, or someone you know, is unequivocally pursuing their passion to ride. We'll be highlighting your unique stories over the next couple months, giving away cool gifts along the way.

Lilly-Ann Pettus is an 11-year-old amateur motocross racer from Alabama.

Lilly started racing locally at 8 years old. Two short years later she wanted more! Lilly began homeschooling and started training hard so that she could race at a national level. It was then that Lilly had to make a big decision: race in the 65cc class with the boys or move up to the 85cc girls class and race older girls, on more powerful bikes.

Most of the national motocross events do not have a class for younger girls, they are left without a class to race in. Lilly wanted to move up and see what she was capable of. As a 10-year-old, she raced her first national event in 2018 and placed 5th overall with girls that were up to 15 years old. That has inspired her to keep pushing and prove to herself and to the motocross industry that girls have a place in this sport!

Lilly wants to inspire and encourage other young girls to get on the track and race. She wants to break the mold and see the girls' classes fill up at the gate! Hoping to one day have more classes for girls of all ages!

What got you into riding and racing motocross?

Actually, I was a competitive cheerleader since I was a toddler. But my cousin got a dirt bike and we went to one of his races and I begged my mom and dad for a bike, and when I got one at 8 years old I never wanted off. So I quit cheerleading and went full-in on racing and haven't stopped since.

Who or what inspires you the most?

There are a couple of people in my life who really inspire me - Ashley Fiolek and Jazzmyn Canfield. They both are so fast and one day I want to be just like them.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I'm so proud of this one race, Spring A Ding Ding 2019, I went out for the sight lap and when I came back around to the gate my dad realized there was an important bolt on my bike that was loose. All of us were lined up ready to go but I couldn't because of the bolt, so my dad and I had to run over to the PR2 tent and tighten up the bolt and when I got back to the gate my class was already out on the track. I was legit crying through my helmet. I knew I had to really push myself to catch up with the other girls and I did! I ended in 3rd place but I was so proud of myself for not giving up. And It paid off!

Whats been one of the toughest moments in riding or racing, and how did you overcome it?

My toughest moment in racing is when I started jumping, I had to overcome my fear. I still struggle and have to tell myself I can do it. It's also really tough to race in the boys' classes. I didn't want to be the slow girl on the track I wanted to be competition to the boys.

What advice would you give to someone, boy or girl, that wants to start racing?

To always have fun!

Whats the coolest event youve been to?

My dad took me to the all girls ride day in California and it was a blast! Only girls were allowed on the track! It was an event that was put on by Babes in the Dirt. I also really love Mini Os!

What other sports or activities do you enjoy, and do they influence your riding style or approach to racing?

I really love to bake and ride my scooter at skateparks!

What events do you plan on attending this coming year?

I plan to go to all the motoplayground races in 2020, and any national events! I haven't made it to Loretta's yet since I just turned 11 but I am training a ton to prepare myself for the 11-16 girls class. For the rest of this year, I will be a Ponca City and Mini Os.

If you could ride anywhere with anyone, who and where would it be?

Fox Raceway in California is my favorite track and I would have all my Alabama MX family there along with Jazzmyn C. and Ashley F.

Any shout-outs to riding buddies or supporters?

Yes! Shout out to Holt, Sawyer, Catie, Noah, Chaden, Chance, Honeybear, Axel, Makayla, Daden, Brianna, Jace, Des, and all my local Alabama riding buddies!

I want to thank all my sponsors: Flowvision, Solid Rock Facilities, Dunlop, GoPro, Bell Helmets, Illusive Gloves, and Twinair.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

I have so many but to only pick, one would have to be Sea Salt Caramel

Favorite music?

I love fast upbeat music that I can jam to!