Elena Myers will become the first woman to ride an 800cc MotoGP motorcycle next week when she get's the opportunity to lap the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on a Rizla Suzuki GSV-R ahead of next weekend's Grand Prix.
The 17 year old has already caused a stir in her burgeoning career, becoming the first female racer to win a race in the 76 year history of AMA Pro Racing at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California last year. She has since gone on to finish fifth in this year's AMA Pro SuperSport West Division for Team SuzukiScoopFans despite missing two races through injury.
Myers admitted the opportunity presented itself in the past and is delighted to finally get the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike.
“Words cannot describe how excited I am to ride the Suzuki GSV-R at Indy during the MotoGP weekend this year. We had talked about it last year, but things didn’t work out, so here’s a big thanks to everyone involved for making this possible. When I sat on the bike last year, it felt like it was made to fit me. So actually being able to spin a few laps on it will be quite the treat. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”
Team Manager Paul Denning believes Myers' talent warrants an opportunity to test the GSV-R and is looking forward to seeing her in action at “The Brickyard”.
“We are delighted to be able to give Elena this opportunity to get some understanding of how Suzuki’s MotoGP bike feels and operates. She is a very talented racer – not “for a girl” – she’s just fast full-stop! MotoGP is the pinnacle of every racer’s ambition and there aren’t so many people who have ridden the very latest 2011 GSV-R – Bautista, Hopkins, Aoki and now Elena! I would guess she’s also the only female racer to have ever ridden an 800cc MotoGP machine? Either way, we really hope she enjoys the experience.”
