camera56
Well-known member
I met Moira Zinn as a result of the interview I did with FJRChick. She is the founder of Elite Trackdays down in Texas. It's a great story. You can read the entire interview at midliferider.
Tell me a little about yourself. What do you do, do you have family, that sort of thing.
My name is Moira, I’m the proud mother of two daughters ages 10 and 13. In past lives, I’ve been a geek, project manager and office administrator. I’ve also worked in customer service, in call centers both on the phone and in management. Right now, I am a full time student. My husband has supported me with my plan of getting my degree. After being laid off in the summer of 2007, my husband and I decided to start our own company earlier than we originally planned. I am surrounded by some incredible talent on motorcycles, I’ve included them in my company.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for many years. ‘d love to hear the story of starting your business.
Evan and I had this vision, both of what we loved and really disliked when we had done motorcycle track days in the past. With that vision in mind, we had planned on starting our own company in either 2008 or 2009. I was laid off from my job during the summer of 2007. That opened the door for me to have the time to manage my own events.
This year, my business has changed slightly. I am now the motorcycle division for a new road-course almost ready to open slightly South of me. With this opportunity, I am not only doing motorcycle track days, but building an actual motorcycle academy. So, from here out, Elite Trackdays is about education more than just track-play-time.
When did you first ride a motorcycle?
Man, if I could remember the date, or even year, I think I would be happy! It was probably late 70’s on the back of my father’s CB-350. I can still remember the smell of my orange glitter three-quarter helmet… it had one of those yellow bubble shields that snapped onto the front. *sigh*
On my own, 1992. It occurred to me as an idea to get my Motorcycle License. For many my age, it wasn’t a good or bad idea - it just wasn’t ever an idea. I started on a Honda CB-1 that my ex-husband had created from a 1989 and 1990 model. Looking back, it was probably the best motorcycle to start on. It was small, under-powered, and not too heavy.
What do you own now?
Ducati 998, 748 (2002) and (1994) M900. The 998 is my engagement *ring*. As my husband proposed, “If I know you the way I think I do, you will appreciate a KEY ring more than a ring” as he opened a velvet box with the 998 key on a keyring. Both the 998 and 748 are track-only.
How many miles do you expect to ride this year?
I usually put on a few hundred miles at the track every Monday and Friday. So, about 20,000 miles on the track. Probably less than that on the street.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done on/with a motorcycle?
I do my own maintenance. I know, it sounds so very ho-hum. But, sitting in the garage, explaining how the bikes work, what tools are needed, how do take it apart or put it together… doing all that with my daughter. That is, by far, the coolest thing I’ve done yet. I think her being interested and asking questions makes it all that much better.
Tell me a little about yourself. What do you do, do you have family, that sort of thing.
My name is Moira, I’m the proud mother of two daughters ages 10 and 13. In past lives, I’ve been a geek, project manager and office administrator. I’ve also worked in customer service, in call centers both on the phone and in management. Right now, I am a full time student. My husband has supported me with my plan of getting my degree. After being laid off in the summer of 2007, my husband and I decided to start our own company earlier than we originally planned. I am surrounded by some incredible talent on motorcycles, I’ve included them in my company.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for many years. ‘d love to hear the story of starting your business.
Evan and I had this vision, both of what we loved and really disliked when we had done motorcycle track days in the past. With that vision in mind, we had planned on starting our own company in either 2008 or 2009. I was laid off from my job during the summer of 2007. That opened the door for me to have the time to manage my own events.
This year, my business has changed slightly. I am now the motorcycle division for a new road-course almost ready to open slightly South of me. With this opportunity, I am not only doing motorcycle track days, but building an actual motorcycle academy. So, from here out, Elite Trackdays is about education more than just track-play-time.
When did you first ride a motorcycle?
Man, if I could remember the date, or even year, I think I would be happy! It was probably late 70’s on the back of my father’s CB-350. I can still remember the smell of my orange glitter three-quarter helmet… it had one of those yellow bubble shields that snapped onto the front. *sigh*
On my own, 1992. It occurred to me as an idea to get my Motorcycle License. For many my age, it wasn’t a good or bad idea - it just wasn’t ever an idea. I started on a Honda CB-1 that my ex-husband had created from a 1989 and 1990 model. Looking back, it was probably the best motorcycle to start on. It was small, under-powered, and not too heavy.
What do you own now?
Ducati 998, 748 (2002) and (1994) M900. The 998 is my engagement *ring*. As my husband proposed, “If I know you the way I think I do, you will appreciate a KEY ring more than a ring” as he opened a velvet box with the 998 key on a keyring. Both the 998 and 748 are track-only.
How many miles do you expect to ride this year?
I usually put on a few hundred miles at the track every Monday and Friday. So, about 20,000 miles on the track. Probably less than that on the street.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done on/with a motorcycle?
I do my own maintenance. I know, it sounds so very ho-hum. But, sitting in the garage, explaining how the bikes work, what tools are needed, how do take it apart or put it together… doing all that with my daughter. That is, by far, the coolest thing I’ve done yet. I think her being interested and asking questions makes it all that much better.
