This 16 year old from El Cajon, California is not your typical 16 year old teenage girl. While most spend time at the mall, or getting their nails done, Vicki is out at the track doing motos in 100 degree Southern California weather. She is one of the fastest women in amateur motocross and she proved it this year by winning the women's championship title at Loretta's. Vicki made a remarkable last-lap pass on Sara Price to edge out the overall championship. Even with her ongoing injuries, Vicki keeps her head down and works hard. Her determination to win, and to be the best, overpowers the injuries that she sustains. With such a good head on her shoulders, and with the right support, Vicki's future looks extremely bright.

Vicki, explain a little about your season prior to Loretta Lynn's. Were you on top of your game, or did you feel that you needed to work out a couple things to get where you think you needed to be in order to be a top contender?
2007 was my first year on big bikes, so I was just kinda getting used to the four strokes. I like the 250f a lot better, so I adapted pretty quick and I got some good results.

How did the 2008 amateur nationals go for you prior to Loretta Lynn's?
Not good! Before Loretta's this has probably been the worst season I've had. Every national I did, I ended up dislocating my shoulder. Even before the nationals started I've been having some back problems, so I'm still struggling with that. So, basically, a lot of bad luck. I knew I should have thrown that salt over my shoulder after I spilled it

We watched you dislocate your shoulder in Mammoth, and you still ended up second overall. Mentally, how do you stay strong racing with such an injury?
Well, it definitely doesn't help me mentally, that's for sure.  After I dislocate it, I basically have to start my training all over almost. Just to get my shoulder back where it needs to be.

Going into Loretta's, what did you do to prepare? Did you do anything different from your normal training and riding routines for the biggest race of the year?
Actually, yeah. I decided to go with my trainer Mike Craig to Loretta's. We left about three weeks before Loretta's even started. Mike had some MX schools lined up so I definitely got a lot of training time with him. Mike helped me push my limits everyday and I think that's what made it count for Loretta's.

How has training with Mike Craig helped you in your career?
Working with Mike has had a big impact on my riding. I can't believe how much I've improved since I've been training with him. The best part is that he doesn't try and change your style, he just pushes you past your comfort zone and past your limits. It's why we call him "The Man"!! (laughs)

After your first two motos at the Ranch, you knew that the title was in sight. What was going through you mind as you sat waiting for the gate to drop?
After the second moto, I felt different. In a good way though. I felt very confident in myself and I just knew I could win this thing.

In the final moto, it seemed as if Sara Price had the championship in her hands, but on the last lap you rode so strong that you were able to make a pass on Price for second place. What was your motivation behind this last lap charge that earned you the overall title?
I don't know! (laughs) I just kept riding and I was passing people left and right, and all of a sudden I saw Sara! I just told myself, I got her in my sight I can't give up now!

Explain what it feels like to win the championship at the prestigious Loretta Lynn's?
It feels pretty awesome! I think it made me more happy to know that my dad would be happy. He cares more about my results than I do. He just lives off of how well I do at riding.

You race the women's 12+ class, but you also compete with the men as well, right?
Yeah, I ride the Schoolboy and/or Novice class, as well.

How does racing with the boys compare to racing with the women?
Like all the girls say, the girls just aren't that aggressive. I guess women have too much patience so we wait to pass. Guys are too impatient and slam you! (laughs) Oh, and the roost is different. When I race the guys classes the roost hurts!

With women's racing now involved with X-Games, is that something that you can see yourself doing?
Heck yes! I would love to ride Supercross. It fits my style more. I like sketchy technical jumps rather than wide open, plus those triples look like I could get some good whips goin'!

You like sketchy technical tracks!? Do you think that you have what it takes to race a professional Supercross at some point in your career?
Yeah, I do. Maybe not today, but I know I have the potential for it. If I got the opportunity I would definitely take it because I think that would be where my career would rise.

The WMA has grown so much in recent years, and women's motocross racing made its debut this year at X-Games. What's next for Vicki Golden?
When I started riding there wasn't even a women's class to race in. I've definitely watched how much women's motocross has grown. This year at Loretta Lynn's, a lot of people told me one of the most exciting races was the women's class, so I was very happy about that. Just another step for us women!

Thanks for your time, we wish you the best of luck Vicki. Take this time to thank anyone and everyone that has helped you out.
Thank You! I'd like to thank Resner Builders Hardware, my Mom, my Dad, Mike Craig, Fox, Spy, One Industries, Factory Backing, FMF, PanicRev, Precision Concepts, EBR Performance, Leatt Brace, Honda, Honda of Houston, Motoworld of El Cajon, Asterisk, Pro Taper, Ready Filter, Maxima, Colton Pearson for working on my bike at Loretta's, Erika Short, and Vurb Moto for taking good pictures and keeping the world updated on motocross racing! Oh, and I have to thank Arby's for making the delicious sandwich I just ate!!!