Melissa Paris is a trailblazer in the world of racing motocross bikes, known not only for her impressive achievements on the track but also for her dedication to fostering the next generation of riders, particularly young women.
Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to creating opportunities for those who dare to dream big.
A Journey from BMX to Motocross Bikes
Growing up in Northern California, Melissa Paris always had a taste for adventure. Her early years were spent chasing her older brothers on a BMX bike, but it wasn’t until she attended San Diego State University that she discovered her true passion for motorcycles.
A chance encounter with a fellow student who owned a sport bike opened a new world for her, and she quickly fell in love with the thrill of riding.The adrenaline rush of speeding down freeways and maneuvering through California’s scenic canyons soon led Paris to the racetrack, where she honed her skills by fixing bikes in exchange for practice time.
Despite being a full-time student, her dedication to perfecting her craft was unparalleled. She worked a full-time job to fund her racing ambitions, participating in club races on 125 and 250cc bikes almost every weekend.
Racing Motocross Bikes on the Professional Circuit
Melissa’s breakthrough came in 2008 when she became the Lightweight National Champion. The following year, she made her professional debut at Daytona, riding a Yamaha R6 and securing a place in history as the first woman to qualify for a World Supersport Race.
Her rapid ascent continued as she competed in the AMA Daytona Sportbike series and the British Supersport, showcasing her incredible talent and resilience.
While racing in Spain, Paris had the unique opportunity to test a Yamaha MotoGP prototype bike, an experience she described as both “terrifying and amazing.”
Her tenacity and skill earned her a place among the top qualifiers, proving she belonged on the international stage despite any doubts of imposter syndrome.
Building a Legacy Beyond Racing
Melissa Paris’s accomplishments racing motocross bikes on the track are just one part of her remarkable story.
Recognizing the importance of mentorship in her own career, she founded MP13 Racing to support young athletes, especially women, in pursuing their racing dreams.
Her goal was to provide a safe and encouraging environment for aspiring riders to thrive and compete at the highest levels.
Through initiatives like Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program, Paris has empowered women with little to no racing experience to build and ride their own race bikes.
She relishes the opportunity to break down barriers and demonstrate that the mechanical side of racing is accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.
A Champion for Inclusivity and Hard Work
Melissa Paris is more than just a racer; she is a champion for inclusivity in the sport of racing motocross bikes. Her mission is to ensure everyone feels welcome in the world of motorcycle racing.
By pulling out a chair at the table for others, she embodies the spirit of giving back and helping others achieve their dreams.
Paris believes that success requires relentless effort and a strong work ethic. Her mantra is simple yet powerful: “Stop thinking of all the reasons you can’t do something and just take that jump and try it.” This mindset has guided her throughout her career and continues to inspire those around her.
In her pursuit of excellence, Paris emphasizes that every bike she works on must be the best and safest it can be. Her dedication to quality and continuous improvement is rooted in her upbringing, where her parents instilled the values of hard work and perseverance.
Road Bike Racing Star Melissa Paris’ Resources:
Help support MP13’s flat track motorcycle racing team on Patreon.
Check out the latest about Superbike hero on Instagram.
Get the latest news about the former professional road racer on Facebook.
Learn more about her career racing SuperSport motorcycles on LinkedIn.
Follow the former AMA Pro Flat Track racer on X.
