She is most likely the country’s fastest woman. At least when she’s on a motorcycle. Mia Rusthen (21) from Norway is fighting for international positions in the sport of road racing, and now one of her big dreams can come true. The 21-year-old has been selected for the very first time to participate in the WC, in a newly created women’s class. – I have been offered a place, and if I want to, I can accept it. I have worked for this since I was 18 years old. There is still a rather big BUT. Because if Rusthen is to be able to participate in a world championship, she needs money. Much money. Road racing Road racing is a motor sport in which drivers of motorcycles compete in speed races on an asphalt track. The sport is characterized by high speeds, tight turns and tight fights between the drivers. There are three approved road racing tracks in Norway: Vålerbanen at Braskereidfoss in Hedmark, Rudskogen at Rakkestad in Østfold and Arctic Circle Raceway at Storforshei in Nordland. (Source: wikipedia.no) – Unfortunately, I don’t have skis on my feet Currently, Mia Rusthen is visiting her boyfriend who lives and studies in Florida. – There won’t be that many motorbikes at home because of all the snow, so I’ve fled. As an 18-year-old, Rusthen got a place on the motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha’s official road racing team. Photo: Damon Teerink The 21-year-old explains that the environment is much bigger if you leave Scandinavia. And that there are some challenges with playing a sport that is not typically Norwegian. – Motorsport is an expensive sport, so it is difficult to get sponsorship funds. Unfortunately, I don’t have skis on my legs, she says. Therefore, the athlete herself has published a post on Facebook where she is calling for sponsors. And already by Friday this week she must know whether she has enough help. Otherwise, she cannot accept the WC place. In an attempt to get sponsors, Rusthen has published a post on his own Facebook pages. Photo: Screenshot from Facebook – I hesitate to say what Rusthen says that she comes from a completely normal family, where dad sells snowblowers and mum is a nurse. And for the dream to come true, the 21-year-old needs a lot. – I am reluctant to say it, but it is up to NOK 700,000. So just get in touch, she says with a smile. Motorsport is an expensive sport, and Rusthen needs a lot of help if she is to get to the WC. Photo: Morten Opedal The Norwegian Motorsport Federation (NMF) is pleased that Mia Rusthen has been given the opportunity to represent Norway in the WC. – It is always great to see young talents who get the chance to show their potential in international competitions, says top sports manager Marius Dammyr. Inspiring others If she gets there, it will be a significant achievement for both her personally and for motorsport in Norway, NMF believes. – It would also be inspiring for women who want to participate in this sport and contribute to promoting female participation in motorsport, says Dammyr. He describes it as regrettable that Rusthen is facing financial challenges that could prevent her participation. – We understand that it can be a big challenge to raise funds for the WC season, and we hope that she can find support from sponsors or other sources. – Has a good enough job been done on their part to promote the sport – with a view to getting sponsors on the pitch? – We work continuously to promote motorsport in Norway, including the work to get sponsors on board. With us as an association, she has, among other things, received advice in connection with our profile project where she has had a mentor. There, they have, among other things, worked on getting sponsors. However, it is a challenging task, especially for young performers who do not have established names. Rusthen keeps hope up. – It’s not over until it’s over, and I’m going to keep going until this is in the box!
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Is chosen to drive in the historic WC – but the dream is crushed without a sponsor
