Leslie Ragon 8-22-05

By Carrie DeBault

ATV Scene: During practice on Friday at the Daniel Boone GNC you crashed and got hurt. Tell us what happened.
Ragon: Well, I didn’t actually crash, I cased the middle double of the Super Six and jammed my wrist into the handlebars and broke it.

ATV Scene: Are you out for the rest of the season?
Ragon: Unfortunately, yes.

ATV Scene: The top 3 of Women’s B/C class automatically move up to the Women’s A class next year. You finished fourth for the year. Will you stay in the Women’s B/C next year or move up?
Ragon: I don’t know yet. It would be really cool to be able to run with some of the fastest women in the world, but I’d also like to give another shot at the championship in the Women’s B/C class.

ATV Scene: Compared to last season, how is the competition in the Women’s B/C class?
Ragon: The competition has really stepped up in the past year. I think it has challenged the top 5 or so riders to train harder and try new jumps. We have become better riders as a result.

ATV Scene: With more ladies racing each National event, do you feel it’s time to split up the Women’s B/C class?
Ragon: I believe it would help draw more women racers to the nationals if the class was split, because there are some women that are very new at racing and would like to have a chance to run at the front for a change. But I think we are going to have to have enough women to have qualifiers at a couple races before the ATVA will even consider splitting the class. I also think a Women’s Pro-Am class in the future would be good idea; it would give us something to work toward.

ATV Scene: You were the May 2005 ATV Scene Rider of the Month. How does that make you feel?
Ragon: I am honored that ATVScene.com even considered choosing me out of all the other great riders out there.

ATV Scene: I’m sure there are a lot of young girls out there that look up to you and want to race in the future. Do you have any advice you would like to give them?
Ragon: I would tell anyone that is looking into racing to make sure it’s what they really want to do. Before investing a lot of time and money in a race quad, borrow one that you feel comfortable on and take it out to a local track. Ride it and just see if ATV motocross is for you first. If it is, then when you’re ready of course, come on out to the races – we’d be glad to have you as part of this great sport.

ATV Scene: Do you have a boyfriend?
Ragon: No

ATV Scene: Are you in college? If so what school are you attending?
Ragon: No, I am a senior in high school.

ATV Scene: Favorite restaurant/food?
Ragon: Italian

ATV Scene: Greatest fear?
Ragon: Spiders

ATV Scene: What quad will you be racing for the 06 season?
Ragon: I really want to race the new Suzuki 450, but I have to wait and see what the rest of my team (FMF Media-Allstars) will be racing next year, before I make my final decision.

ATV Scene: When will you start training for the 2006 season, and what do you do during the winter to train/stay in shape?
Ragon: Coming back from an injury is challenging but it also has given me motivation to start riding and training for next year. I started riding again the weekend after Loretta’s, but because of school I don’t have a whole lot of spare time to ride during the week. I try to go to the gym and do cardio and lift light weights at night. I recently bought a moutain bike that I am going to use on the weekends to train and I am going to try and ride at least once or twice a week while the weather is still warm.

ATV Scene: Who are you thanking?
Ragon: I would like to thank all of my 2005 sponsors: Mom and Dad, Jorge Cuartas, FMF/ Media All-stars, Moose, Smith, JB Racing, Alpinestars, ITP, Douglas Wheel, OGIO, Fullbore, Maxima, ASV, Sixsixone, DG, Outerwears, 909, DMP covers, Division 4, Lonestar Racing, Streamline, Updog industries, and Liquid Performance

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