Why is Jessica Zalusky racing AMA?

[Jack_Brock]

Jeremy-get off this thread and respond to my email

As far as Jessica, she qualifies, she belongs on the grid.  As for the Kawi deal-I'm sure that was a hell of a lot of work to get done, so good for her.  I wish I could score a deal like that, but I'm lazy and have accepted that.

BTW, Anybody want to sponsor me?

[mike_rbm]

I'm not hating and I haven't raced in a few years because I don't have the cash anymore. (Thanks new home.  ::) ) This isn't a poor me thread either. But to my question, this isn't her first year either. She barely qualifies and is usually last. After 3 years of this she hasn't improved one bit. Give someone worthy a shot.

This isn't a local CCS race Jeremy. It's a national pro AMA event. I think the more the merrier for club racing but this is televised pro level competition.

[jeremy271]

jack ive got wife working on it now- pictures and such :)

[jeremy271]

I know but the enties are down even in the pros\ama  and the elite are gonna quite someday thats all. 

[Dr. Evil]

Why does a back marker get to keep racing pro level AMA?!?!?! Because she's cute? Because she's got a big financial baker?  

Wow! Is there any other reason?  Not sure I really want to know.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Mike, am I right to say that your real question here is:

"Why does she get the support which I cannot?"

+1

Sounds like jealousy raising its ugly head. Kawasaki (or any other sponsor for that matter) can sponsor who ever they want to. This post is no different than the freaking posts on Nicky Hayden on other sites with people bitching about Honda keeping him.

If you want high-dollar sponsors, get out and market yourself.

[251am]

Seems like a nice woman and having women involved is a big plus but this young lady is always dead last! Spiders daughter is much faster as are alot of just the NESBA girls. Not a personal attack but some one help me understand why this is happening.  

  This happened from the results of JZ's work.

[spyderchick]

Since Rhiannon's name got brought up, I guess I'll jump in here.

Everyone who is a privateer in the AMA has to struggle to make it as far as they have gotten. Sometimes Jessica qualifies, sometimes she does not, same with a bunch of male privateers, but unless you went back to each race and figured out who they are, you won't be talking about them.

Jessica is a female, and the fastest growing sector in the MC business, be it bikes, parts or apparel is "Ta-da!!!"...WOMEN! So Kawi backs her. Maybe one day Rhiannon will land a sweet deal as well. But since she builds her own motors, paints her own bikes, and drives herself to the track and back, she doesn't get the flack the JZ does. If a deal does come together, she will probably be under the same microscope. Somehow, I don't think that will be a very comfortable place to be.

All the racers out there deserve some credit for getting to the level to obtain a pro license, regardless of their race, creed, or gender.

[imafrogg420]

yea but even though she is gettign dead last if i remember correctly that superbikes TV show on Speed did a nice little segment on her, giving huge TV time to kaw. So although I agree that there are faster women out there and those women should get a shot at showing the world women can be just as fast as guys. Kaw. must see a bennifit in keeping her on the payrole and for her. Shes just living the life, if they will pay then why not keep on doing it, more power to her.

I'm exciting to see ellen myers in the future. cus she has loads of potential. ( I duno if I spelled her name right but you guys know who I am talking about)

[tstruyk]

why do people throw out sponsorships?  according to Wikipedia...

"To sponsor something is to support an event, activity, person, or organization financially or through the provision of products or services. A sponsor is the individual or group that provides the support, similar to a benefactor. Sponsorship typically benefits both the recipient (by providing material benefits) as well as the sponsor (as a marketing tool that enhances the sponsor's public image and provides access to a wider audience)."

paying special attention to the last part... "enhances the sponors public image and provides access to a wider audience".  Factory/Graves yamaha, Monster/attack Kawasaki, American/Erion Honda, Yoshimura/M4 emgo and the like all spend money on "fast" guys as they tend to get the most exposure, lets face it, front runners get the TV time.

Zalusky adds a unique twist that clearly rubs some folks the wrong way.  Nope, she's not a front runner, but she is an abassador of the sport.  Well known in the racing community and bottom line, (as mentioned) is marketable and "in the spotlight". Even if for no other reason than the reason this thread was started... she is still creating a buzz.  She promotes herself better than the average joe and reaps the rewards.  She is rewarded because kawasaki (at least feels like) they get a return on the investment.  Perception is reality and the wheel keeps spinning.

yeah there are "faster" folks than her... but do they have anyone that is "more marketable" than her now?  Apparently either:

A.  Kawasaki feel's they get their money's worth or
B.  They havent been presented with any better options.

Its not a speed issue... its a visibility issue.  she is visible in the market where someone like (literally just picking a name out of the superstock finish) David Weber may not be... but is clearly faster... If Kawi and her other support didnt feel she was "worthy" they wouldnt be spending money on her "advertising".

I personally dont think the McDonalds "I'm lovin it" commercials are appealing... or worthy, but if it sells more big mac's why stop?  thats the company's decision.  Its business, not racing.

[Garywc]

she did earn her license
hopefully one day i am as slow as her

[Johnny B]

I was at Laguna last year. I spent a lot of time in the paddock and whenever I observed her, she was usually chatting with fans, more often than not female. From what I have heard, Kawasaki is looking to increase their sales numbers to female customers. Jessica seems to fit the bill perfectly.