By Matt Allard; Geoff Meyer photos 6/2/05
Originally published in RacerX Illustrated - www.racerxill.com
Ever since Mike Brown upped sticks and headed home from Europe after the first Motocross Grand Prix of the year, there hadn't been an American presence at any of the World Championship rounds. But Japan was different ... well, kind of. No, there wasn't an American entry in either of the GP classes, but two names could be found on the list for the FIM Women's World Cup race, which ran at Sugo on the same weekend. Representing the U.S. were Jacqueline Ross and Ashley Fiolek, the same two riders who took on Sugo in 2004. After last year's mud-fest, the 2005 race was altogether more productive for the Honda duo, with Fiolek finishing fourth and Ross climbing onto the podium in second after the 85cc race. She finished just a few yards behind Japanese winner Sachiko Oki, riding an Austrian KTM, of all bikes! We caught up with a delighted Jacqueline after the race.
Jacqueline Ross in Japan Racer X: Hey Jacqueline, congratulations. How many times have you been to Sugo? Jacqueline Ross: Thanks. This is the third time I've been to this race.
How old are you now? I'm still 17. [Ed. note: The ‘04 event was held in October.]
How did the race go for you? I got a great start, I was fourth in the first turn, and I got up to second and closed on first but I couldn't pass her. I stayed a steady three seconds behind her, rode my race, and concentrated on what I was doing, and everything fell into place.
You keep coming back here. You must like it! I love coming here. This year, Mr. Goto from the MFJ [Motorcycle Federation of Japan] invited us back, calling our house about two weeks before we had to leave. We had to rush around and get everything ready. Doug Harvey Racing Suspension got my suspension going, and we started practicing on the 85 about three days before we had to head off. Me and my dad, Joe, came out here and hoped for the best.
How is it riding an 85? What bike are you normally on at home? I normally ride a CR125. It was difficult practicing on the 85 at first. I'm really glad we had a chance to practice on it. It's really different, especially suspension-wise and the power.
Ross (left) made it to the podium with a second-place finish at Sugo Are you ever thinking to yourself that you need more power? Sometimes, yeah! It's weird, because I'm tall, and I feel kinda crouched up on it. The 125 suits me better.
So how long until we see you in the WMA Pro Nationals? As soon as I turn pro. I will probably do that after Loretta's this year.
How do you find the people and the food over here? I like everything about it. The people are incredible; they are so polite. It's not as stressful as back home. It's so laid back. As for the food, I like that, too. I'm not saying I always know what I'm eating, though!
When you've been here before, it's always been a Japanese National weekend. What's it been like with the GP riders here? It's a lot different. There are way more people, and a lot more media coverage than before, with all the magazines represented and stuff like that.
Have you enjoyed watching the GP riders? It's been awesome. I've loved watching Stefan Everts and Mickael Pichon. They're incredible riders, so smooth. I like their style and everything.
Who's your favorite GP rider then? Stefan Everts. He really flows. He's so smooth.
Smoother than Windham? [Laughs] I think so.
So do we get to see you in Japan again next year, going for the title? I'd like to race against the guys next year on the 125!
I'm guessing you may want to say thank you to some of the people that helped you make the trip.... Please. Mr. Goto with the MFJ; Mr. Aoki, Mr. Mike and Mr. Sato at Honda of Japan, Mr. Tohfukuji at T.E. Sport [Tohfukuji Enterprise Sport], American Honda, Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals, Performance Honda, Fox Racing, Factory Backing, Doug Harvey Racing Suspension, Utopia Optics, Boyesen Precision Porting, Cannon Racecraft Inc., Pro Cycle Safety, 24-7 Surf, Renthal, Dunlop, and DVS Shoe Company.
Thanks, Jacqueline, good to meet you. Nice meeting you, too!
You keep coming back here. You must like it! I love coming here. This year, Mr. Goto from the MFJ [Motorcycle Federation of Japan] invited us back, calling our house about two weeks before we had to leave. We had to rush around and get everything ready. Doug Harvey Racing Suspension got my suspension going, and we started practicing on the 85 about three days before we had to head off. Me and my dad, Joe, came out here and hoped for the best.