19 Aug 2014 'Go for it'
Story and photos
by Callie Sterling
Kim Phipps, who is a recent graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, spent her collegiate years differently than most women her age, riding motocross.
She began riding eight years ago in her hometown of Sheridan (Grant County). She became inspired to begin riding after the release of the Disney movie, Motocrossed. Now at age 22 her passion for riding is just as strong as it was when she first began.
“I was really inspired by the girl from the Disney movie, Motocrossed,” Phipps said. “The actress pretends to be her brother and races in his place during the movie. It was definitely one of my favorite movies growing up, and I wanted to be just like that girl.”
Her father, Milburn Phipps, also had some influence toward her desire to ride.
“My dad also raced when he was younger and showed me pictures, so I begged for two years to get a bike,” Kim said. “Finally they got me a CRF 100 bike, and I have been hooked ever since.”
Because Kim has gained experience and has signed with sponsors, she now rides a Kx250f bike. Her sponsors include Decal Works, EVS, Factory Connection and Lucas Oil. Her parents and grandmother have also been large financial contributors to Kim’s motocross hobby. Her fiancé, Chris Diaz, fully supports Kim’s decision to ride motocross.
“I think it is awesome watching my fiancé go race against guys and beat them,” Diaz said. “It is funny to see how mad guys get when they see a pony-tail flying past them.”
As a well-rounded young woman, Kim has been involved in a variety of activities such as Alpha Sigma Tau sorority at UCA, Bear Den, 80 Proof and Business Information Technology (BIT) Club.
“I know it is unique to be a motocross racer in a sorority, but Alpha Tau fully supported and encouraged me to chase my dreams and to be myself,” Kim said. “I really like challenges. Every time I get on a bike, I am faced with a new challenge, whether it is trying to clear a jump or learning to not give up and push through. It is the best stress reliever, especially when you are having a really rough day.”
Kim mainly races in her home state of Arkansas but has traveled as much as six and a half hours from her hometown to Oklahoma to compete.
“I usually just ride in local races around Arkansas and follow the Arkansas State Championship Series,” Kim said. “I ride in the women’s 125-250 class and the 250 open class with the boys. I also went to the NMA Ponca City Grand National four years in a row. In 2008 I got 28th out of 42 racers, in 2009 I got 17th out of 26, in 2010 I got 19th out of 28 and in 2011 I got 14th out of 31. In 2012 I went to the NMA Grand National in Norman, Okla. and placed eighth out of 14 competitors.”
Although Kim does not have the desire to turn professional, she does plan to continue riding as a hobby. Her other hobbies include running, painting and reading.
“I feel like once you get good enough to turn pro, people expect more from you and it becomes more of a career,” Phipps said. “I think that making it a career would take the fun out of it for me.”
She has more than one favorite track that she enjoys riding on in Arkansas.
“It is really tough to choose just one favorite track,” Kim said. “Ascot Park MX in Fort Smith is a really fun track. They are constantly making changes, so it never gets boring, but it is kind of far from Central Arkansas. Some fun ones that are more centrally located that I enjoy are 101 MX in Blackwell and War Zone MX in Greenbrier.”
Kim encourages girls to pursue their motocross interests if they are considering riding.
“I would like to encourage girls to go for it,” Kim said. “We need more female riders. It can be intimidating and challenging but so worth it. Just remember to always have fun!”
