Debbie Matthews (born June 18, 1958) is an American motocross competitor, organizer, mentor, and advocate for women riders. She has the longest consecutive career span in Women's Motocross, spanning 27 years across both professional and amateur circuits. Matthews has earned the title "the Godmother of Women's MX.

Career   Matthews was born on June 18, 1958, in Fullerton, California. She studied at Fullerton College. She began her career racing motorcycles in 1974 at the age of 16. In 1976, she was ranked as the Number 2 Amateur Racer in the country and turned professional at age 18. Matthews became one of the original Team Green program riders in 1978. The same year, she became one of the industry's first female parts managers at Wheelsmith Motorcycles. She consistently secured a spot in the top 15 Women's Professional National rankings in motocross for 20 consecutive years, from 1977 to 1997, finishing seven times in the top 5.Curt, Shelly. February 1990. “It’s a Woman’s Sports.” Motor Cycle Industry Magazine.

In 1981, Matthews became one of the industry's first female general managers and later motorcycle business owners of Racers Choice Motorcycle Accessories. Matthews became the Women's Vet National Champion in 1988. In 1994, Matthews was recruited by the U.S. Women's Motocross Team as their Promotion/Race Director. That same year, she co-created the Stadiumcross for women with Danny Thompson. In 1995, she became the co-director of the U.S. Women's Motocross Team. Matthews also developed the Women's Supercross and Offroad Championship series, known as Stadiumcross, with Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group (MTEG).

In 2014, Matthews founded POWR (Professional Organization of Women's Racing), which developed women's racing opportunities. In 2021, she was inducted into the Gene Woods Hot Shoe Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2023, Matthews was inducted as an Ambassador in the Universal Motorsports Museum Legends in Stone. Matthews was inducted as an Ambassador for the AMA Hall of Fame in 2024.

Coaching and mentoring Matthews has actively coached and mentored riders through clinics, boot camps, and motocross schools for over 20 years. In 2001, she trained Ashley Fiolek, who later won multiple national championships and X Games gold medals.

Promotion and advocacy Matthews has played a significant role in increasing visibility and opportunities for female riders. She helped develop the Women's Motocross League (WML) in 1996 and organized and managed events such as the Ladies World Cup Motocross Championships and the AMA/WML Women's Professional Motocross National Championship Series. She petitioned the AMA Congress for "A" rider classification for female riders in 1996 and co-created the Stadiumcross with Danny Thompson, which debuted in 1995. Matthews also helped create the AMA Women's Professional Motocross National Championships in 1996, which included female participants for the first time.

Matthews additionally assisted the Fallen Rider Foundation by advocating for safety in the sport and encouraging donations. She also helped develop safety products for the motocross industry and supported special events for the Braap Fund-Injured Riders.

Accolades and awards Matthews has received several awards for her contributions to motorcycling. She has earned the title "the Godmother of Women’s MX" from Erv Braun, the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Supercross and Pro Motocross announcer. She was honored by the AMA with an MVP award in 1998 and with a Lifetime Appreciation Award at the So Cal Pro Reunion in 2012. She was inducted into the Gene Woods Hot Shoe Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2021. The Universal Motorsports Museum Legends in Stone inducted Matthews as an Ambassador in 2023. Matthews was also inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame class of 2024 in the Ambassadors and Industry category. She has the longest consecutive career span in Women's Motocross, spanning 27 years across both professional and amateur circuits.

Lobbyist Matthews participated in lobbying to support and advance the interests of women riders. She petitioned and gained approval from governing bodies such as the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) to implement rule changes to enhance female competitors' competitive opportunities and safety.

Personal life Matthews is married to Brian Matthews. The couple has a daughter, Heather Matthews Majcherek, and a son, Ryan Matthews. Debbie Matthews also trained her daughter for motocross races.Procida, David A. August 2, 1990. “Like Mother, Like Daughter as pair compete in motocross racing,” The Buena Park News.Rezeli, John. “Girl, 8, races dirt bikes.” The Orange County Register.

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