The All-Women’s Femmewalla Charity Trackday Returns For 2018

After a brief hiatus in 2017 the charity-driven trackday Femmewalla returned last week to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in Desert Center, California.

Since 2011, the Femmewalla trackday has welcomed women riders of all skill levels to experience closed-course track motorcycle riding while raising funds for the Unforgettables Foundation. This charity helps with burial assistance for families who have lost a child. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Jessica Hart Grana, the daughter of Micky and Aimee Grana (co-owners of Chuckwalla Valley Raceway).

During the riders’ meeting Aimee stated, “I am grateful to have the ability to share a sport that I love so much with other women, I know how intimidating riding on the racetrack can be. I couldn't think of a better way to welcome more women to this sport, help a charity that helped us so much during our time of need, and honor my unforgettable Jessie by supporting such an incredible cause.”

The trackday features some amazing experiences for riders such as two-up rides with Jason Pridmore (AMA champion and FIM World Endurance champion), on-track instruction by JP43 Training, suspension services by Paradigm Cycle Service, photos by CaliPhotography, one-on-one video instruction by Dale Kieffer of Racers Edge Performance, and Yamaha demo rides by the Yamaha Champions Riding School. All day Femmewalla attendees enjoyed trying out the entire Yamaha sport offering, from the YZF-R3 all the way up to the YZF-R1 and also the MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10.

Related: The Rise of Women's Motorcycle Riding Groups

Femmewalla also surprised attendees with guest appearances by pro riders such as Toni Elías (Moto2 and MotoAmerica champion), Alex Lowes (British Superbike champion), Josh Hayes (multitime AMA Superbike champion), Caroline Olsen (Norwegian Superstock champion), Melissa Paris (MotoAmerica team owner and racer), Patricia Fernandez (UGP and MotoAmerica racer), and more. New this year was flat-track riding and drills on the Colin Edwards Texas Tornado Boot Camp-inspired dirt Chuckwalla TT course with Danny Walker of American Supercamp helping ladies try out dirt riding. Another big draw is the raffle dinner, boasting big-ticket prizes such as a Yamaha EF2000iS generator donated by Yamaha Motor USA, a fully custom suit donated by Mithos-USA, and dozens of free trackdays.

The 2018 Femmewalla trackday was an overwhelming success, with more than 90 females in attendance and over $25,000 raised to benefit the Unforgettables. Harder to measure but just as important were the smiles, hugs, and camaraderie forged by the riders.

Local CVMA expert racer Bonnie Chiurazzi tells us,“I remember when I first started riding on the track, I was anxious because I was worried what other riders would think of me and I felt like I needed to cowboy up every time I set foot on the track just to hold my own against the boys. Femmewalla is the only time on the track where I feel 100-percent comfortable to just be myself. I can be as girlie as I want. I can ride as fast or slow as I feel like. I can just have fun!”

Longtime Femmewalla attendee Amber Schmidt was elated, saying: “Awesome event with so many incredible vendors, racers, and supporters that came out for us ladies. This marks my fourth year at Femmewalla and it was one for the books! I always leave with new friends and filled with gratitude. If you haven't made it out to one, mark your calendars for next year!"

If you are a female rider looking to try your first trackday or an experienced club racer looking to shave some time off your lap, Femmewalla trackday has something for you. Every December Chuckwalla Valley Raceway hosts the Femmewalla trackday and you can learn more at femmewalla.com.