Rider Spotlight: Shayna Texter
Fast Facts
- Birth Date
March 12, 1991
- Birth Place
Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
- Hometown/ Residence
Willow Street, Pennsylvania
- Height
5-0
- Weight
95
- Marital Status
In a Relationship
- Rider Bio
- Social
Photos of Shayna
AMAPro: So where are you from?
ST: I’m from Willow Street, Pennsylvania. The easiest way to explain it to people is to say that I live right in the middle of Amish country. The Amish are my neighbors. I was born in Lancaster County and have lived there my whole life. I’m in California right now, though. I went out to see some people, sponsors, and got a chance to go to the Anaheim 1 AMA Supercross race, as well as see Gene Romero’s race in Las Vegas. Seeing all of these races definitely got my blood pumping, so I’m really excited to get back on the bike.
AMAPro: What was your first motorcycle?
ST: My first bike was a Suzuki JR50.
AMAPro: How did you get into motorcycle racing?
ST: I actually didn’t get into racing until 2003. That was when I did my first full-time racing effort. My dad was an AMA Pro Road Racer and AMA Pro Flat Track racer. We had to wait for him to retire before we could go racing. I grew up racing the New York Indoors that was run by Keith Jacobsen (AMA Pro Road Racing/World Supersport rider PJ Jacobsen’s dad) until my first outdoor race, which was the summer of 2003 at Trail-Way Speedway in Hanover, Penn. Ever since then I haven't stopped racing dirt. I grew up racing in AMA District 6/7 dirt track races.
AMAPro: How is it having your brother on the road with you?
ST: It was a really hard year for us after my father passed away in 2010. Last year, it was definitely a change from the past. It picked up big time when I got on the podium at the Sacramento Mile, then at Knoxville, I had a really weird feeling going into it. Believe it or not, my brother wasn’t even there to see me win! It was definitely a dream come true, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
AMAPro: Out of all the bikes you’ve ridden, which one stood out the most?
ST: I definitely like my 450s right now. Hopefully when I get on a twin in 2013 I’ll enjoy that as well, but for now I really like riding the 450.
AMAPro: How do you like riding in the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Class?
ST: I think it’s great. I never stop learning. I’ve been riding 450s since I was 15, and every time I get on the bike, I learn something new. Whether it’s quick adjustments or bike setup, I’m learning. The class also gives me the chance to visit all the tracks on the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule. It’s great to interact with the fans, get a few helping hands and all that.
AMAPro: What’s your favorite racetrack?
ST: You know I really like Knoxville, due to a couple reasons: My grandfather was inducted into the hall of fame there, I like the facility and the event was amazing. I really like the Volusia County Fairgrounds; not sure why, but I do. I also like the mile tracks on the schedule, so I can use my weight and height to my advantage.
AMAPro: What draws you to the sport? The thrill, competition or the speed?
ST: Just the overall history of the sport. All the fans and paddock. There is no other group of people in the motorsports industry like the flat track crew. Of course I like going out there and getting sideways, but the sport is ‘one of a kind.’
AMAPro: What’s a typical day like for you?
ST: Last season was tough balancing college while wrenching on my motorcycles. My family is a big part of who I am, so I try to spend as much time with my two siblings and attend as many of their sporting events as possible when I’m home. It’s racing, family and school for me.
AMAPro: What are your expectations going into next year?
ST: Next year is going to be what I call my final year in the Pro Singles class, so I’m excited to hopefully get out on the twins a few times and learn the tracks. I’m definitely going after the #1 plate next year. If I ride like the way I did towards the end of the year, I know it’s attainable. It’s a long season, so I need to keep mentally and physically in shape. I have a great bike and team with some terrific sponsors backing me, so I feel that next year is going to be awesome.
AMAPro: Who's your racing hero?
ST: There are so many great people that have shaped our sport and made it what it is today. I definitely look up to Chris Carr. He’s a ‘one of a kind’ guy and has always been there for me when I needed him. He went through a lot last year, but he held in there.
AMAPro: Any big news for next year?
ST: The only thing I’m allowed to release about next year is that I’m riding for Kenny Tolbert with Brad Baker as my teammate! You will have more info on that soon.
Watch Shayna get her very first win at Knoxville (compliments of Flat Track Live) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAFXWUr-sec
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With most of the country trying to keep warm, we ask the question: What were the worst conditions you ever rode your motorcycle in? Was it the cold, rain, hail, traffic, etc? Pictured: A wet start kicked off the always memorable Springfield Mile this past season. Photo by Dave Hoenig
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