Erika Short was never really lost; however, she kinda popped out of nowhere at the Mini Moto National in Las Vegas, winning the title in the Women's Pro Class. Erika has been hanging around PanicREV for a number of years now and we thought it would be fun to run her down and see what was new with the mini moto champion!

PanicREV: So Erika you are coming off a huge mini moto title. Tell us a little bit about the race and how it all went down.
Erika Short: Dude, Vegas was awesome! Going into the race I knew I was going to have to race 2 previous Mini Moto SX Champions, and 2 fast WMA pros. My goal was to podium, if I could do that I would be stoked! When the gate dropped for the main I was so excited that I dumped the clutch and wheeled out of the gate. I got the front end back down, but was already behind the pack. A few girls crashed in front of me going into the first corner, but I was able to get around them quick and come out around 5th. I was able to pass Tania and another girl on the first lap or 2, and I quickly reeled in Jackie Ives and Sara Price. The 3 of us were right there for a lap or so, then I remember seeing Sara stalled out in a corner. Jackie and I got around her clean. On lap 3 we started hitting lapped traffic and that made it even more fun. On the last lap Jackie and I came over the finish line almost side by side, and the next thing I saw was Jackie nailing a lapped rider. I move to the inside and took the lead. I remember thinking to myself, "Oh my gosh I'm winning mini moto sx!" I quickly tossed that thought out of my head because, knowing me, I would crash if kept thinking about it [laughter]. I made my way around the last turn and took the checkers. When I came off the track I was told that I won, and I just couldn't believe it. I could not stop smiling for the rest of the night. It's just surreal and never in a million years did I think I would be able to beat all those fast girls.

PRev: You kinda came into the mini scene out of nowhere. What is your racing background?
ES: I grew up racing BMX all my life, and I've raced since I was about 5 years old. When I was an amateur racer I was almost always winning and I decided to go pro a few years back. When you go pro there is a huge step from amateur to the pro level. I did not realize that. I was thinkin to myself, "I can jump and do this and that," but there is more to it when it comes to the pro level. I would be lucky to make my mains at the pro level. I hated not winning. I would train for 2 months, and be like, "Yeah! I'm going to totally kick butt at this next race." Yet, I was still ending up mid pack. It was depressing and I would head on a downward spiral. After awhile I got bored and I lost that spark to want to get better, and I've always had a passion for moto. My best buddy Kristen actually got me into mini moto. I would watch her race, and we would ride her track at her house. It's basically a BMX bike with a motor!

PRev: Do you think BMX has helped you transition into racing pit bikes?
ES: BMX has, without a doubt, helped me. It's basically the same thing as far as the passing mentality and all that stuff. Now I just have to do more than 1 lap each time you head up to the gate. PRev: Any plans on getting some serious races in on a full size motocross bike? ES: I have never really felt comfortable on big bikes. I've ridden my friends 250's before, but I feel like I have no control of the bike and it's riding me. As of right now my only plans for big bike racing this year is the Glen Helen SRA GP's. I was lucky enough to win it last year on the Service Honda Junior R. Basically it's a 150f big wheel frame, with a 250f motor inside. That bike is legit! I'm really hoping I can defend my title and win the SRA GP again.

PRev: I also heard you got baptized this weekend. How did that go?
ES: Getting baptized was awesome, dude. I was baptized when I was a little rug rat and I felt like God was putting it on my heart to make that commitment to him. I've been going to PanicRev"s Thursday night Relevant Bible studies as much as I can. There was no better way than getting baptized with some awesome moto buddies that love the Lord as much as I do. I'm very happy they could be there to share that moment when I start out on a new Journey and this time it's 110% for God.

PRev: I know you also just hurt your foot and will be on crutches for a while; however, any races coming up on the schedule?
ES: The day after getting baptized I headed out to milestone to do an afternoon riding session with all my buddies. Milestone had a sweet new layout and I was excited to be riding because I have not ridden my bike since MMSX in Vegas. I hucked this new 30-40ft triple they put in on the 4th lap of the day, and it was fun. I wanted to make sure I had that jump dialed, so I did it 2 more times. My buddies were giving me the thumbs up and they were stoked to see me jumping it. I went around for it again and I over cleared it. When I landed I pretty much flat bottomed so my wrist took some impact and then went down. That caused me to whiskey throttle off the double after the triple. I had no choice but to bail mid air and I remember thinkin to myself mid air, "Man, this is going to hurt." I landed on my feet and my left leg took most of the impact. I instantly knew something was wrong. I rolled off the track so I would not get hit and I just couldn't get rid of that pain in my foot. It was the worst feeling EVER. We drove to Loma Linda, got x-rays done, and sure enough I'm going to be out 4-6 weeks. I'll see the orthopedic surgeon sometime next week and get casted up. For now I'm rockin the ghetto cast until the swelling goes down. I'm going to miss out on Podium Productions Lucky 7 Series coming up at Milestone, so I'm bummed about that. I won't be riding for a few months as my bike took a beating too.

PRev: Who would you like to thank and any last words?
ES: First off I gotta thank the Lord Jesus Christ, without him I wouldn't be who I am today. I am very thankful to have someone as great and powerful as Him looking over us. Justin at JJW designs, that dude is awesome and took a gamble on me when I first got into mini moto and I'm very thankful for him, Mike Castro for being a great trainer and mentor, Eric at SPM racing for dialing in my engine parts, PanicRev Ministries for all the spiritual support, and all my family and friends who has helped me out along my journey. Thank you all very much!

Keep your head up with a positive attitude no matter what, you never know what God has in store for you.