Debbie Matthews is known as the “Godmother of Women’s Motocross,” and after this conversation, you’ll understand why.

Starting her racing journey in 1974, Debbie competed in the very first Women’s National Motocross Championship at Indian Dunes in California. From there, she built a 50-year career that spans racing, dealership ownership, industry advocacy, national series development, coaching, and mentoring.

In this episode, Debbie shares:

·       What it was like racing when women were barely recognized in the sport

·       How she helped launch the first Women’s National Championship Series in 1996

·       Why the motorcycle industry completely misread female demographics

·       The importance of marketing to women in motorsports

·       How sponsorship relationships can last decades

·       Why coaching women requires a different communication style

·       How her school, now under Driven Futures, trains women on and off the bike

This is more than a racing story — it’s a masterclass in leadership, marketing, mentorship, and legacy.