Personal History
My name is Samantha Thompson, Im single, no children, but do hopefully plan on having a family some day. I am currently in the United States Marine Corps as a Motor Transport Operator (truck driver), for the past 18 yrs acitive duty with 2 1 yr deployments in Iraq. Originally from Warren Michigan. Growing up I was very much involved in Swimming (Captain of the boys team) and Soccer. After joining the Marine Corps i stayed competive in Soccer, till 2 knee surgeries (acl torn) sidelined me for good. After my last knee surgery in 2008, I started racing ATV motocross with a 2002 honda 400EX and found that like the competive swimming that i did in High School, the camaraderie and adreline rush in atv motocross is amazing!! Its just you, your quad, some dirt and not much to blame for mistakes made. Its freedom from the every day hassels. After the 2009 deployment i upgraded to a 2006 Suzuki LTR-450, and currently i have only raced with the local Outlaw Southern MX series. At this present time im the only female Adult ATV racer with SMX. I have found with the motocross community thats its like one big group of family and friends on and off the track. From the 1st day in 2008 that i actually rode on to a MX track and was riding around all the jumps that were higher then my knee caps, to actually racing. I have received help from dirt bike riders and ATV riders a like, and for this I am very grateful and wish someday that i can repay them back for there kind words of encourgement, helpful riding/racing tips and the Mechanical support. Thank you everyone, i wouldn't be where im, if it wasnt for you all.
Riding Goals
My 1st goal is to keep racing for as long as possible, hopefully into my 60s. The 2nd goal is to improve every time i ride from controling my speed going in and out of the corners, to confidence in jumping those bigger doubles. Another one of my goals for this year is to get as much experience as possible, then for next year to venture out to some AMA tracks and possibly go to Joe Byrd riding school or one like it in the local areas, if i dont get deployed again. I feel that no matter how much money i put into my quad its not going to do as good if i dont have the basic riding techniques down, so improving my riding techniques wont be as fast as i would like to.
Competitive Highlights
Since im the only female ATV racer at this time and i get 1st no matter what, i feel my competitive highlights are when i dont get lapped by the fastest guy out there and too being able to land perfect from a double.