Nichole Meza

Racer: Nichole Cheza, #15

Hobbies: Racing motorcycles, training, gymnastics, snowboarding

Motorcycle: Honda CRF 450R, Harley-Davidson XR 750

Bio: I started racing at the young age of three. My dad got me involved with racing. I started out motocrossing on a PW 50. I raced motocross until I was about 12 racing 80s ANC 125s. At this time some friends got me interested in Flat track racing where I am currently pursing my dreams. My dad grew up racing so I was obviously a race track baby, and the first time I sat on a motorcycle, I was hooked. Needless to say, I still am.

I never thought I would be a professional motorcycle racer. I just loved to do it. As an amateur I won many national championships making racing that much better and more exciting. In 2003, when I was nominated for AMA Female Athlete of the year, I knew that I was promising to the sport and knew I wanted to keep going. So in 2004, I turned professional. After two years of bad crashes and injuries, I was starting to think I was not cut out for motorcycle racing, but after gaining all of my confidence back towards the end of the 2006 season and almost making the last round in 2006, I knew I was going to be strong in 2007. So I stuck it out for another year and made two grand national championship races making me only the 2nd female to ever earn a grand national number in the GNC class. I was so overwhelmed and excited. Since then, things have gone very well for me.

One thing that I love about racing is beating the boys. It feels good to rub something in their faces. Other things that I enjoy about racing is the family atmosphere, the competition, being the only female in a male dominated sport, signing autographs, being a role model for women and young children, and most of all the speed. Racing flattrack lets me sometimes reach speeds up to 140 mph, and drafting on a mile is a whole 'nother story.

Looking back, I would not change anything. I have to thank my parents for letting me do something that most parents would not think about letting there little boy do let alone their little girl. It has been a great experience and every time I go to a race, I live another dream.