Melissa Paris, once a professional supermotocross road racer, has turned her focus to empowering young athletes, especially women, in a sport that thrives on teamwork for success.
From BMX to Supermotcross
Raised in Northern California, Melissa grew up chasing her brothers on a BMX. However, it wasn’t until college at San Diego State University that she discovered her passion for motorcycles.
Initially drawn to a “cute guy” with a sport bike, Melissa soon found herself captivated by the world of motorcycling.
Describing the experience as a moment when everything turned to color, akin to a scene from The Wizard of Oz, she bought her own bike and started skipping classes to explore California’s freeways and canyons.
Encouraged by older bikers who recognized her talent, Melissa hit the racetrack, instantly addicted to the adrenaline rush.
She negotiated free riding time by repairing crashed bikes, spending every spare moment honing her skills. This dedication led her to club racing, where she balanced her full-time studies with a job to finance her weekend competitions.
Working towards professional supermotocross racing
Melissa’s racing career accelerated quickly. By 2008, she had clinched the title of Lightweight National Champion, and in 2009, she turned professional, debuting at Daytona on a Yamaha R6 and making history as the first woman to qualify and race in a World Supersport event.
Though faced with imposter syndrome, Melissa defied expectations, earning the top qualifying wild card. She competed in the 2010 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Daytona Sportbike series and finished 15th.
In 2011, she raced in the British Supersport at Brands Hatch and became the first woman to test a Yamaha MotoGP prototype bike—a highlight she describes as “terrifying but amazing.”
Melissa’s supermotocross achievements continued, competing in AMA Pro Flat Track and MotoAmerica Supersport races across the U.S. In 2014, she placed fourth in Spain’s FIM CEV Repsol International Roadrace Championship and was part of the first all-female team to qualify and finish the 2016 Bol d’Or 24 Hour World Endurance Championship Race. A year later, she repeated this feat at the LeMans 24 Hour World Endurance Championship Race.
Throughout her supermotocross career, Melissa realized the importance of having a supportive team in racing. Inspired by her mentors, she founded MP13 Racing to create opportunities for young riders, particularly girls, to excel at high levels in the sport.
From Supermotocross racing to team ownership
Although MP13 was initially a safe space for female racers, she found there were not as many women in the sport as she had hoped.
Recently, Melissa contributed to Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. Program, mentoring women with little to no track experience. She guided them in building race bikes and trained them to compete.
While many assumed her passion was solely in supermotocross racing, Melissa found joy in teaching the mechanical aspects, encouraging women to overcome their fears about the technical side of motorcycling.
Melissa aims to foster inclusivity in professional motorcycle racing, asserting that there’s a place for everyone, and she’s eager to help pave the way. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that following one’s dreams, coupled with hard work, leads to success.
Melissa emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, a trait instilled by her parents, who worked diligently despite not being passionate about their jobs.
For Melissa, ensuring a bike is the “best” and “safest” reflects her commitment and attention to detail—a mindset she maintains across all endeavors. She never settles; each completed bike represents a new opportunity for improvement.
Her dedication to her craft serves as an inspiration to all aspiring racers, proving that with perseverance and passion, one can achieve great things.
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 supermotocross racer on Facebook.
Learn more about her career racing SuperSport motorcycles on LinkedIn.
Follow the former AMA Pro Flat Track racer on X.
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