Elena Myers, a California native and former Moody resident, will take the track this weekend during the MotoAmerica Superbike Challenge at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds.  She’s considered the most successful female racer in the sport, and this year the 21-year-old extended her success by starting her own team. Catch Elena and her competition on the track June 12-14. Tickets are on sale at barbermotorsports.com.

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Describe your history with Superbike racing.

I started racing motorcycles when I was 8 years old. My dad got me into it. It was something he always had a passion for, and he thought it would be a fun thing for us to do together. From there, I started racing at a local track, and I was quite slow when I started. But I kept practicing. Bikes got bigger. I got faster, and eight years later I turned pro at 16.

At that time (2010), I was racing 600cc production-based sport bikes – much like the kind you can buy at any local dealer. Then, this year I got on a 1,000cc bike, the biggest production sport bike, and I’ve been racing in the premier league.

What are your thoughts on Barber Motorsports Park and this weekend’s events?

This year is going to be a warm one – that’s for sure. It always seems like the MotoAmerica Superbike Challenge is held on the first weekend of the year when it gets really hot, but hopefully it stays dry for us. This is one of my favorite tracks, and I’ve really enjoyed racing on it. It’s also a great place for fans to pick a spot and watch all day.

What are some of your past experiences with this track?

In racing, there are always ups and downs. I finished in third at Barber Motorsports once and fifth another time, but one year I broke my collarbone here and that quickly ended my weekend. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and continuing the progress I’ve made this season.

How would you describe your progress this season?

This is the fifth race of nine in the series, and it’s been a great learning experience. This year I started my own team when I jumped to the 1,000cc bikes, and my goal is to keep going faster and improving at every track I race on. The 1,000cc is a very powerful bike that can be tough to keep on two wheels. Its power-to-weight ratio is intense, and it likes to spin its rear tires in the corners and wheelie everywhere. I’ve definitely had to step up my fitness regimen to keep up.

What are your thoughts on the Leeds and St. Clair County areas?

I actually lived in Moody for nine months in 2013 when my teammates and I raced for Triumph and we were training here. I’m quite fond of the area. Being from northern California, it’s definitely a big change coming to Alabama. But the people and the area were so nice, and it didn’t hurt to be practicing at one of the most beautiful facilities in the country. I will say that while I lived here I spent quite a bit of time at the Shops of Grand River.

You’re considered the most successful female racer in the sport. Describe some of the challenges you’ve faced to this point.

I think the hardest thing I’ve faced in racing so far has been starting a team of my own. Running a new business, I’ve found, can be quite stressful. Trying to do every part of the job has been the toughest for me. I have to order the parts I need and make sure the mechanics are paid, send out press releases every week and make sure my sponsors are happy. Then, somehow, I have to find time to train in the middle of it all.

I’m still young at 21 though, and every day I’m learning skills that I’ll be able to take to any other part of my life and make a career out of. It’s a privilege, and I really couldn’t ask for anything more.

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For this weekend’s Superbike Challenge, an Adult 2-Day Pass is $55, an Adult Friday Pass is $10, an Adult Saturday Pass is $30, and an Adult Sunday Pass is $40. Ticket prices will increase at the gate, and kids 12 & under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. For more, visit MotoAmerica.com, barbermotorsorts.com or call 1-800-849-RACE.