Female mechanics!

Heyy!
I am thinking about going to school to become a mechanic and I would really like eventually to try and work as a pro race mechanic.. i was just wondering if there is actually any room for a woman as a mechanic in general or to work for teams. Anyone have any tips on breaking into the industry i'm not really sure how it is in the business when it comes to female mechanics. Thanks!!!  
Girls do it better.

I've never seen one, but there's no reason you can't.  dream big and go for it.  but it takes a lot to get into the industry, girl or guy.  you have to be very good at what you do in order to do it for a race team.

Good luck!  
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"Only the desert has a fascination to ride alone in the sun in the forever unpossessed country away from man. That is a great temptation."
--D.H. Lawrence

I would think going to an accredited school such as MMI would be your best shot.  They could offer you the education required and help with placement.

Good Luck  
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Colorado

2006 RM-250

Definitely check out MMI or UTI.  These schools are accredited and are known for popping out excellent mechanics.  It wasn't long ago when women didn't become engineers, now almost half the people in my group at work are women.  Smart employers don't take gender into account when hiring people, they hire the best person for the job.  If you are good enough to work on a race team and you make some good contacts, you will have a shot.  However, don't expect team Honda to hire you out of school, most major race team mechanics were in the industry for a long time before finally making it big.  
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2001 KTM 520MXC

MXgirl711:
Heyy!
I am thinking about going to school to become a mechanic and I would really like eventually to try and work as a pro race mechanic.. i was just wondering if there is actually any room for a woman as a mechanic in general or to work for teams. Anyone have any tips on breaking into the industry i'm not really sure how it is in the business when it comes to female mechanics. Thanks!!!

Besides the schooling, to get a pro race mechanic position you will likely need to get some experience.  See if there are any local shops that sponsor riders or local pro's who may need a hand and start there.

Then, start sending out resumes.  One may fall into the right hands.  
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Dave H 2006 YZ250
(2008 YZ 125 son)

talk to Tomrmz250. he is in mmi & would likely be able to let you know what to expect.

as far as room.. well if your competent & qualified & experienced sex doesnt matter.
DavidS  
i take a lot of pride in what i am

___________________
ride: 02yz426
local: north east Oregon

terrain type woods with lots of roots & rocks

I agree, first school, then find job at any bike shop to get experience. Then you can start applying for bigger and better things. I don't think anyone will discriminate, especially if your good looking and you are. lol.  
---Raising hell in ND---

Well, women are born with smaller feet so they can stand closer to the stove, so that should apply to a workbench, too, right? JUST KIDDING! I haven't seen any pro mechanics that are women, but there was a brother/sister team with Team Green. She was a great mechanic, and I saw the tech teaching her to split cases and do other technical work. Jeremy McGrath awarded an MMI scholarship last year, and that went to a female. I have a few female riding friends who do their own engine work. Csully changed a tire on her own the other day. I saw it with my own eyes.  

LMFAO that was good Karel, and yes, I definitely think there is a place for a woman, no, women, in the garage on pro teams, I do not follow pro racing, but with the rise in females in the sport I think they'd love to see a chick working on the bikes, they would support that, i'd support it too. if you are good, which i am sure you are, and could get better with training and experience, combined with a good personality and looks haha, you'll do great i'm sure. best of luck! ~pat  
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the bodies just a vehicle, transporting the soul, it is whats inside of people is beauty to behold

SOUTHERN MAINE

Help out a WMA rider or any privateer rider to gain some experience. Maybe offer a hand out at the nationals (Budds Creek - I see you're in Maryland).

Miss #11, April Zastrow, was working on her own bike under her sponsors' tent. Also, Warthog Racing Academy is sponsored by MMI and WRA supports the WMA riders.  
- Lindsey
Southern California, The epicenter of everything MX =)

Dirt Rider Updates:

there is room in the industry for female mechanics as long as they are qualified check out some schools such as wyotech, uti, or mmi all are acredited  
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Rule #115- never walk away from a fellow crasher in a funny jacket!

Warthog Racing gets some(i believe most) of their mechanics from MMI. Im not sure how the whole process works but i know MMI is pretty big with the Warthog Racing team(they even make trips to the AZ campus sometimes, i believe the week of phoenix supercross) and they bring the same concept to the mechanics as they do the riders which giving the opportunity for privateers/new mechanics to race/work at the pro level. I believe there are 2 MMI locations, Phoenix, Arizona and one in Florida. MMI is a UTI branch.  I would love to see a bunch of women mechanics in the sport! Good luck!  

If youre hot too.............I would get the shivers!       oh.....  
My sponsorships Winners do it in the Corners!

In addition to a good education and experience,
steal a page from the NASCAR pit crew playbook...

.......PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE......

When you can pull a motor, split the cases, and then put it all back
in half the time as some privateers best wrench turner,
I bet some team throws you a spot, and then, It's on.....

God speed....  
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Jim O
Clermont, FL
2006 CRF250R

There is NO reason that a girl CAN NOT be a mechanic!!!! I have been working on Engines my whole life and I am now a John Deere Technician. I am THE ONLY GIRL that I know of that is a mechanic. I am 24 and it took me a very long time to pursue my dream of wrenching professionally. It CAN be done!! I am living proof. Men either hate you for being able to rebuild carbs and do valve jobs, or they love you for tearing out trannys and doing engine overhauls. Please don't let the stereotypical people stop you from doing what you love. I have a small engine business of my own and people love it because its different and I'm good at what I do. I want to eventually make a all GIRLS shop either in auto or small engine. If you want to do it, DON'T LET PEOPLE BRING YOU DOWN ( because they will try). There needs to be more girls wrenching!!!!