The FIM is “closely monitoring” the situation around Australian female motorcycle racer Sharni Pinfold’s retirement from racing last month due to “the lack of respect and derogatory treatment” she faced.
Pinfold announced her decision to retire from motorcycle racing-despite already having signed a deal with the RT Motorsports by SKM Kawasaki squad to compete in the German IDM Supersport 300 series next year-in a Facebook post two weeks ago, citing that she felt “enough was enough” regarding the misogynistic treatment she has faced throughout her career.
Her story has since caught the attention of the FIM, who on Monday issued a statement on the matter declaring that Pinfold can “count on the unconditional support of the FIM to overcome this challenge”, adding it was “upset” to hear the news of Pinfold’s decision to retire from racing.
The FIM have maintained a close relationship with the Australain Motorcycling Federation in order to try and ascertain and “understand the facts” that led to Pinfold calling quits on a professional racing career, reiterating that they are taking her matter “very seriously.”
Nita Korhonen-director of the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission (CFM)- said the FIM “does not accept any kind of discrimination towards our riders”, adding that the CFM will continue to “work hard to improve gender equality in our sport at all levels.”
“The FIM does not accept any kind of discrimination towards our riders, regardless of their gender,” said Korhonen.
“We are one motorcycling family, everyone is welcome. No inappropriate or disturbing comments or actions shall be tolerated.
“We aim at supporting all riders and enabling them to pursue their dreams and keep their motivation high.
“The FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission, together with the FIM and its stakeholders, continue to work hard to improve gender equality in our sport at all levels.”
Pinfold says that she hopes to “empower others to know the importance of self-worth” with the help of the FIM and CFM, adding that her goal is to be able to help “encourage much needed improvement throughout the motorcycle industry and all industries where females are treated differently.”
“From experiencing what I have in my own journey, my wish is that I am able to contribute to the awareness of disrespectful and misogynistic treatment towards females,” explained Pinfold.
“I truly hope I am able to encourage the much needed improvement throughout the motorcycle industry and all industries where females are treated differently.
“This is not just me, there are many other women that have been treated poorly and as a result I hope to be able to empower others to know the importance and value of self-worth.
“It would be easy for me to sit back and point fingers at the people responsible, but I feel that true strength is determined by how we respond. I am not here to be a victim, I am here to stand for what is right and extend that message outwardly for all women. I am grateful for the support and for the measures taken by the FIM, with the clear focus being equality for all. This is what we stand for.”
Pinfold began her racing career in 2017 shortly after her father had passed away, leaving her with little guidance as she tried to build a successful future in motorcycle racing.
She competed in her native Australia on a Yamaha R3 she purchased herself, taking part in numerous club races before getting the opportunity to further her career in the United Kingdom.
She moved to the UK in 2018 to compete in the British Superbike Championship-supporting Moto3 Motostar series, where she has competed ever since-finishing 11th overall in the riders standings in ’20.
She also recently made her debut on the world stage, entering the Supersport 300 world championship at Magny Cours behind the controls of a Smrz Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400.
She started 15th and was running 13th in the last chance race in her attempts to join the top 30 qualifiers for the main race on Sunday, though she later crashed out and broke her collarbone.
Her SSP300 outing is currently her last to date after announcing her decision to retire three months later.
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