She Went 161 MPH at Daytona: Sonya Lloyd’s Motorcycle Racing Journey
Guest: Sonya Lloyd
Professional Motorcycle Racer + Technical Consultant at Siemens
In This Episode We Discuss:
· Growing up with a pro flat track racer dad
· Starting motorcycle racing at 17
· Hitting 161 mph at Daytona
· Racing in the Women’s World Championship (6 countries)
· Imposter syndrome after back-to-back crashes
· Balancing engineering and racing
· Why women belong in motorsports
· Her 2026 MotoAmerica plans
· Why saying “yes” can change your life
Follow Sonya:
Instagram: @sonja.b.lloyd
YouTube: SonjaLloydRacing
Website: SonjaLloydRacing.com
She Went 161 MPH at Daytona: Sonya Lloyd’s Motorcycle Racing Journey
At just 23 years old, Sonya Lloyd is balancing two high-performance worlds: engineering and professional motorcycle racing.
By day, she works at Siemens Digital Industries as a technical consultant. By weekend, she competes in MotoAmerica, hitting speeds up to 161 mph at Daytona.
But her journey didn’t start early.
Unlike many racers who begin at age 4 or 5, Sonya didn’t start riding until she was 17. Her parents were hesitant. Motorcycle racing is physical. It’s risky. It’s intense.
But she insisted.
And she hasn’t looked back.
From Women’s World Championship to MotoAmerica
Sonya competed internationally in the Women’s World Championship, racing in six different countries. The experience stretched her confidence, organization skills, and independence.
“Planning six European trips while racing at that level builds a lot of confidence,” she shared.
Now, she’s returning to the U.S. circuit to compete against the guys again — determined to win a championship.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
After back-to-back crashes in 2024, Sonya questioned everything.
Was she the problem?
Was she out of her league?
Instead of quitting, she stepped away briefly, reset mentally, and returned stronger.
“As soon as you get back on the bike, you realize this is where you’re meant to be.”
Why Women Belong in Motorcycle Racing
Sonya believes once the visor goes down, it’s about skill.
And she’s living proof.
With initiatives like Build Train Race and the Women’s World Championship, opportunities are expanding — but there’s still work to do.
Her message to young women?
“Say yes. Ask for the internship. Ask for the ride. Ask for the chance.”