Women’s motocross in America is enjoying a period of renewed optimism. Since returning to the AMA Pro Motocross Championship schedule, the WMX series has generated plenty of excitement, with competitive racing, increased exposure and a growing belief that the future is brighter than ever for female athletes in the sport.
At the heart of that progress is Christina Denney. Wearing multiple hats within the AMA as WMX Series Director, AMA Rider Representative, Team USA coordinator and a member of the FIM Women’s Commission, Denney has become one of the key figures helping shape the direction of women’s motocross both in the United States and beyond.
We caught up with Denney as she discusses the impact of bringing WMX back alongside Pro Motocross, her long-term vision for the championship, the importance of manufacturer and sponsor support, and why creating opportunities for the next generation of female racers remains her biggest priority. She also shares her thoughts on the growing international influence within the series, from Lotte van Drunen’s appearance to the possibility of more European stars crossing the Atlantic in the future.
GateDrop: Christina, for our European readers can you introduce yourself and tell us all about your role(s) at the AMA?
Denney: Absolutely, I wear a few different hats in the motocross world, which honestly is how this industry works — everyone who truly loves the sport usually does more than one thing.
I am currently the WMX Series Director, an AMA Rider Representative for Supercross and Motocross, Team Manager for the AMA Women’s Motocross Team, Team Coordinator for Team USA for Motocross of Nations, and I also represent the AMA on the FIM Women’s Commission.
But before any title, I’m simply someone who loves this sport. Motocross has been a huge part of my life for a long time. I have seen the highs and lows of women’s racing, and my biggest passion is creating opportunities and helping give these athletes the platform they deserve.
GateDrop: Last year it was decided to run the WMX races alongside the AMA Pro Motocross series – a good move! We are now a season and one race into it – how do you feel it’s gone so far?
Denney: Honestly, I think it has been a huge step forward. Bringing WMX back alongside Pro Motocross was about more than just putting the women on the same weekend — it was about changing the perception of the class. These athletes deserve to be seen on a professional stage with the same fans, industry, media, teams and manufacturers watching.
Of course, there are growing pains. We are rebuilding something and that doesn’t happen overnight, but the momentum has been incredible. Every round we are learning, improving and continuing to push forward.
GateDrop: You must have been pleased with the racing at Hangtown? It was actually the best racing all day (laughs)…
Denney: (Laughs) I might be a little biased, but yes — the girls put on an incredible show. That is exactly what we have been trying to show everyone. When you put these athletes on a great track, in front of great fans, they deliver.
The racing was intense, the battles were great, and I think a lot of people who maybe hadn’t watched WMX closely before walked away saying, “Wow, these girls are legit.” That is exactly what the sport needs.
GateDrop: What is your future vision for the WMX series in America? Long-term, what’s the goals?
Denney: The long-term goal is growth, but smart growth. I want WMX to become a true professional platform where young girls can look at it and say, “That’s where I want to be.”
That means improving every piece — more exposure, stronger competition, more manufacturer involvement, better opportunities, media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, and continuing to raise the overall professionalism of the series.
I don’t want WMX to just exist. I want it to be something the industry is excited about.
GateDrop: At the moment there’s six rounds of the series – is the goal to increase this for the future or are you happy with running with six rounds for the future as well?
Denney: I think everyone naturally wants to see growth, but we also have to do it the right way.
Adding rounds sounds easy, but we have to make sure the foundation is strong. More rounds means more expense for riders, more travel, more resources needed.
Right now the focus is making these six rounds the absolute best they can be — building value for riders, teams, sponsors and manufacturers. Then as the series continues to grow, we can look at what makes sense for the future.
GateDrop: At the moment the motos are only 12 minutes – more of a sprint – in the future would you like longer motos for the girls?
Denney: Absolutely, that is something we can continue to evaluate as the series grows.
Right now the 12-minute format has created some really exciting racing because every lap matters. There is no time to settle in — they have to go.
But these women are athletes. They train, they prepare, and many are capable of racing longer motos. As the depth of the field continues to grow, everything is always open for discussion.
GateDrop: Lala Turner is really fast, what’s it been like having her as the face of the series so far?
Denney: Lala has been great for the series. Obviously everyone sees the speed and talent on the motorcycle, but what people don’t always see is the work behind it. She takes it seriously — the training, the professionalism, representing herself and the sport.
Having young athletes who understand they are helping build something bigger than themselves is important. But I also think what is exciting about WMX right now is we have so many personalities and stories throughout the field. Every rider plays a part in growing this.
GateDrop: What was it like from your perspective to see Lotte van Drunen racing in America and what was she like to work with? I can tell you that wasn’t the real LvD – she needs more power (laughs)…
Denney: It was honestly really cool to have Lotte come over and line up with us. She is a World Champion for a reason — you can see the talent, the race craft, and the way she carries herself on and off the bike.
And yes… I know everyone is saying that wasn’t the best Lotte. She came over on a stock Yamaha, with HGS Exhaust and support from Slade Racing, so it definitely wasn’t the same setup she’s used to racing in MXGP. But that also shows you the kind of competitor she is — she still wanted to come over, challenge herself, and race.
I think it was great for everyone. It’s good for our girls to race against the best in the world, and it’s good for the fans to see these matchups. Hopefully we can get her back for more rounds when the MXGP schedule allows because having riders like Lotte come over only helps continue to raise the level of WMX.
GateDrop: Honda and Yamaha seem to really support the series – are you hoping in the future the other factory brands will support the series?
Denney: Yes, absolutely. The manufacturers are such an important piece of the puzzle. When OEMs step up and support women’s racing, it sends a message that these athletes matter. We have seen great support and momentum, and the goal is always to continue building those relationships.
The more support these riders have, the more they can focus on becoming better athletes — and ultimately that raises the entire level of the sport.
GateDrop: Do you follow the WMX World Championship closely? What do you make of that racing?
Denney: Yes, I definitely follow it. The level of talent internationally is incredible. The World Championship has amazing riders, and it is great seeing women’s motocross growing globally.
At the end of the day we all have the same goal — whether it is America, Europe, Australia — we want to see more opportunities for female racers and continue pushing the level higher.
GateDrop: There has been some chatter in the GP paddock that Daniela Guillen may race at least a round of the series this year – how likely is that? In the future do you want more girls from Europe racing the series – Lotte is also doing a few rounds…
Denney: I would absolutely love to see more international riders come race WMX. Having the best riders from different countries compete against each other only makes everyone better. It brings attention, creates great racing, and helps grow women’s motocross worldwide.
The door is always open. We want WMX to be a place where the best female racers want to come compete.
GateDrop: The fact there’s already some Aussies racing the series, you must be happy that you’ve been able to attract them to the series already?
Denney: Definitely. Australia has produced some incredible female racers, and having international athletes come here shows that WMX is moving in the right direction. It also creates excitement.
Fans love seeing different styles, different backgrounds, and seeing where everyone stacks up. It helps create that global connection that women’s motocross needs.
GateDrop: I know Turner is racing the WMX World Championship in Australia later this year, are you looking forward to seeing her line up against the best outside of America?
Denney: Absolutely. As competitors, you always want to measure yourself against the best. Those opportunities are important, not only for the rider but for the sport.
Anytime our athletes can compete internationally, gain experience and represent themselves on a bigger stage, I think that is positive.
GateDrop: I would love to see Turner come and race a round in Europe – is that something you would support?
Denney: 100%. I support anything that helps our riders grow and helps showcase women’s motocross. Seeing American riders race internationally and seeing international riders come here is good for everyone. That’s how you continue raising the level.
GateDrop: What do you believe are the biggest obstacles still facing female motocross riders today?
Denney: Opportunity. The talent is there. The work ethic is there. The passion is there. The biggest challenge is continuing to create opportunities — more visibility, more support, more resources, and making sure young girls see a realistic pathway forward in this sport.
You can’t become something you never get the chance to see.
GateDrop: Sponsorship and funding remain difficult for many riders. How important is greater industry support for the continued growth of WMX?
Denney: It is extremely important. Motocross is an expensive sport, and support can be the difference between a rider continuing or having to step away.
When companies invest in these women, they aren’t just helping one rider — they are helping build the future of the sport. Every sponsor, every manufacturer, every person who believes in WMX helps move the needle forward.
GateDrop: Do you think there are still misconceptions about women’s motocross that need to be challenged?
Denney: Yes, but I think we are changing them. For a long time people had an opinion about women’s racing without actually watching it.
Now when people see these girls race — the speed, intensity, commitment and talent — it changes the conversation. The best way to change opinions is simply giving them the stage to show what they can do.
GateDrop: If you could change one thing in Motocross tomorrow to benefit female riders, what would it be?
Denney: I would create more opportunity from the bottom up. More pathways for young girls, more support as they develop, and a clear vision that shows them there is somewhere to go in this sport.
The goal isn’t just to build WMX for today’s riders — it’s to build something sustainable for the next generation of girls coming behind them.
