Pro Motorcycle's Royal Couple Arrives In Sonoma

Her brother might be the black sheep of the family, but if  weren't for him, Melissa Paris might never have become a professional motorcycle rider — and one of the top up-and-coming competitors on the AMA circuit today.

Paris, a Clayton Valley High School grad, is back in her home territory this weekend for the AMA West Coast Moto Jam at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway. Paris finished 15th in the Daytona SportBike class during the season-opener in March at Daytona International Speedway, matching her career best.

She's hoping to celebrate with her family and husband in the winner's circle during Round 2 of the AMA schedule this weekend.

"It is a challenging track," Paris said "and even though it is a home track, I don't have a lot of experience here, but growing up in the area is some advantage. … Knowing that my family's there watching, I want to put on a good show and show them what I've been working hard at."

Paris' husband, Josh Hayes, sees how hard she works every day. 

"It gets a little hectic on race day. When I'm not racing, I'm usually in the press box watching her race," said Hayes, the defending AMA Superbike champion.

Hayes, who swept both AMA Superbike races at Sonoma en route to a record seven wins last year, arrives with the crown on his head and a target on his back.

"I feel like some of my best performances have happened under pressure," Hayes said of trying to defend his title. "The championship is fantastic. I said last year I wanted this for so long. I wanted to race the fastest guys. I wanted to say whoever the best guys are in the world, I brought the best racing I could to them."

Hayes enjoys the pressure he gets from fellow competitors, but he admits he gets nervous watching Paris on the track. The two have been on the track together only five times in the past five years, which is probably a good thing.

"That would be bad for business," Hayes said. "I'd be worried about something happening to her and she'd be worried about me. That would make it tough for both of us."

Paris, 28, was a late-comer to racing, although she used to watch her brother at local tracks as he raced late model stock cars. She first hopped into the saddle at age 20 and only one year after learning how to ride she was on the grid for her first race.

Paris started nine races in 2009, including her 21st-place finish in the Daytona 200, the best result for a female rider in the history of the event. She suffered a broken leg during a race at Virginia in 2009, but recovered in time to finish the season. She started 14 races last year and finished 30th in the overall standings.

Hayes has been there every step of the way over the past four years to help Paris find her way.

"I'm probably the luckiest female SportBike competitor out there," Paris said "because I get to live with someone who knows how to get there. I get to see the steps that he takes to get it done."

West Coast Moto Jam

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: West Coast Moto Jam

WHEN: Friday-Sunday

ABOUT THE WEEKEND: In addition to AMA Pro Racing, there will be Supermoto USA, AHRMA Vintage Motocross, Flat Track and the TTXGP U.S. Championships.

TICKETS:  $15-$35 single day/$60 weekend; kids 12-and-under FREE and parking FREE.  Military discounts available.

INFO: 800-870-RACE (7223), infineonraceway.com/ama, ticketmaster.com