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BREAK THE MOLD

We are recognizing female riders who carve their own path and push past expectations. Break The Mold is about elevating those stories by providing a platform for women to inspire others in the riding community.

Tag @motosportinc and use #BreakTheMold to show us how you, or someone you know, is unequivocally pursuing their passion to ride. We'll be highlighting your unique stories over the next couple months, giving away cool gifts along the way.

Kacy Martinez got her start on a PW80 when she was 8.

Shortly after, she entered her first Hare Scramble and before long was following the District 36 Hare Scramble series.

Then she got serious.

The three-time WORCS Champion, three-time National Hare Scramble Champion and back-to-back GNCC Women's class Champion has now pretty much accomplished all her goals. Even a couple of X Games Gold medals too. This list doesn't stop here and she's not even thirty. Oh, she also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AMA.

But all good things come to an end so after ten years of professional racing Martinez has called it a career - just don't think she's done riding. Martinez plans to remain in the industry as a KTM Brand Ambassador and you can expect to see her competing in some future Hare Scrambles and other off-road races here and there.

This is how Kacy Martinez broke the mold.

Break The Mold is about carving your own path and pushing past expectations. In what way do you break the mold?

After winning my third championship in three different series I set a goal to be the first racer to win a championship in every major off-road series. It was tough but with hard work and determination and support from my team, KTM and family I was able to accomplish my long-term goal and break the mold.

What first drew you to riding and racing?

My family all started riding at the same time, I really enjoyed going on family riding and camping trips. Being in the outdoors and being able to ride a dirt bike to beautiful places is what I loved most about riding. Once I started racing, I was addicted to the adrenaline I felt on my bike and wanting to win!

What advice would you give to novice riders?

My advice for novice riders is to always want to learn more and better your skills. There is always room for improvement and do not be scared to take a training class. I was learning all the way up to my last year racing, especially on the Endurocross track.

What are some ways motorcycles have impacted you outside of riding?

I met my husband and lifelong friends at the local Hare Scramble series when I was thirteen.

What drove your decision to retire?

I had accomplished my long-term goal. I raced in the women's pro class for ten years where I raced every major off-road series and won a championship. I am happy with all that I accomplished and was ready to step away.

Where are your favorite places to ride?

My favorite places to ride have changed over the years except for always loving the single track. When I raced WORCS and loved the fast pace races my favorite track at that time was Honey Lake. Now my favorite places to ride would be in the forest with all my friends. I love our traditional Stonyford Thanksgiving trip!

What are some of your most proud moments or best achievements?

I have a lot of proud moments, first would be my first WORCS Championship in 2009. It was just my dad and I driving to every round. In 2013, I won the last round of the GNCC series after coming in second pretty much every other round. That next year in 2014 I signed with Factory KTM and won a Gold Medal at X Games. In 2017, I went to the ISDE in France to race on the Women's World Trophy Team, we came away with a Silver and individually I received a Gold. For my last and best achievement would be winning the Endurocross Championship my last year of racing, I worked my hardest that year and to top it off AMA surprised me with the Life Time Achievement Award at the banquet!

Whats been the coolest project or event youve been a part of?

I always loved attending the KTM Dealer Meetings. We learned a lot about the KTM brand and then just being able to hang out with all my teammates away from the races was super fun! Also, this year I was able to help with the KTM KJSX (Junior Supercross) at the final round in Las Vegas. That day is truly magical watching the kids light up all day about their bikes and being able to race on a supercross track was such a fun experience to be a part of!

Anything some might find surprising about you?

I started dance when I was three and was dancing competitively with my team for many years. It started to conflict with my racing so I had to choose what I loved more.

What are some of your upcoming plans this year as a KTM ambassador?

You could always find me at the local tracks and riding parks! I will also be attending some fall D-36 Hare Scrambles and might choose my favorite to race!

What other sports or hobbies are you into?

I just simply love being in the outdoors. I love riding my mountain bike, and I hope to get into shooting more. I hope to one day enter a trap shoot competition!