Jamie Lilly: That was the most amazing experience. I got to be a part of one of the most successful teams ever with some of the best racers as friends/mentors. Traveling and literally living the dream at 12 – 18 years old. It is insane to think how lucky I was, especially with how shitty things are right now. Not sure if I took it for granted then, but I definitely appreciate the hell out of it now. What are some of the titles you won as a BMX racer?
Jamie Lilly: I won the ABA NAG and the NBL NAG equivalent over a dozen times. ABA Forlds World Champ a few times, UCI World Champion, ABA Number 1 Lady Pro and NBL Pro Series Champ. All the titles except the recent addition of an Olympic medal is in the books.
When was it that you didn't want to go to the races every weekend anymore? Jamie Lilly: I wrecked shop on my knee after an injury filled 2004 season, so I got surgery. Tried to make a comeback before I got “cleared” from the doc and got hurt again. By that time, I was so tired and broke so I figured I had to get a real job. I had been racing for 16 years at that point and just lost the fiend
What did you do after that?
Jamie Lilly: I did just that, got a “grown up” job. I started working for Alpinestars as their media relations coordinator. That was a great experience and I had a lot of fun. I worked for Thor also and then most recently spent 2007-2009 working for Sal Masekela. I have had some luck in the job market, where I got to have fun at everything I have done.
You picked up racing again, was it something you couldn't live without? Jamie Lilly: I started doing the sideline reporting for the ABA BMX show in early 2009, so I was back at the races. I saw the racing and thought I could do it again for sure because it looked exactly the same as when I quit. I was glad to be able to capitalize on that when I came back. It’s been so much fun to race again. Happier days than when there wasn’t racing!
What's it like to line up with all the fast girls nowadays?
Jamie Lilly: I can tell you I am not too stoked to be the oldest girl on the gate lol but it is definitely an awesome feeling when I get to beat some of them! And that is not a dig, those girls are fast! When they call me “great grandma lills” and then I finish ahead of them… Kind of a fun day! J
Sometimes are the races there's not even a full gate at the girls pro class. How does that make you feel when you travel to a race and there are only 6 girls on the gate?
Jamie Lilly: With the sponsorship situation the way it is right now and the fact that people can’t get to all of the races, the Girl Pro/Elite Womens class has the same amount as the AA/Elite Mens class these days! It is what it is, and you just want to win no matter what.
What needs to be done to get more girls into racing?
Jamie Lilly: I think there are a lot of girls that race. What will make the girls more successful/better riders is the question. The elite 6-8 girls in the country are doing the right things and I am glad that the US is finally supporting/funding the teams.
Next to commentating you have picked up a new gig at TroyLee Designs, can you explain what you do for them?
Jamie Lilly: I am currently heading up the rider support efforts over here at Troy Lee Designs and it couldn’t be a more perfect job. As a racer, I know what it requires to be a “TM” and I am stoked to be able to give guys the same opportunities that I have had throughout my career. I am doing a bit of everything I have done in the past over here and having a great time. The Moto, BMX and MTB programs are keeping me busy, but Troy Lee is also expanding the casual line and will be crossing over into the freestyle market very soon!
Good to hear you're into the BMX game again. Do you have any last words to wrap this up?
Jamie Lilly: I just want to thank anyone that has been there for me or helped me out along the way. “Without my bike, I would be nowhere” (Dah Shop)
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.