AWMN in Profile: Loretta Ris

Resilience, Fun, and the Road Ahead

In the high-speed world of motorbike drag racing, Loretta Ris, better known as Satan’s Minion, has made her mark in the fiercely competitive D/AB category. But for Loretta, racing isn’t just about clocking the fastest times—it’s about the journey, the challenges, and the joy that comes from doing something she loves.

Her introduction to the sport came through a personal connection—her husband, Jason Roberts, who sparked her passion for racing. However, it wasn’t just family ties that kept Loretta in the race; it was the thrill of competing and the energy from the crowd, especially the children. “The children get a real buzz out of seeing the Minion race,” she says, referring to the excitement in their faces as they cheer her on. “Especially when they realise it’s a female riding.”

Despite racing in a male-dominated sport, Loretta’s focus has always been on the joy she finds in it, not the labels. “If I’m not having fun, I don’t want to race,” she shares. This philosophy is the backbone of her approach to racing. Whether it’s the joy of competing or seeing the children’s faces light up, Loretta stays grounded in the simple pleasures that come with her involvement in the sport.

The 2024/2025 season was a tough one, with Loretta battling “teething issues” and coming to terms with the new bike. Racing her 2008 GSXR1000, a machine with only 130hp and a top speed of 230km/h, she faced the reality of learning the limitations of the equipment. “The season just gone, I had a very underpowered bike with only 130hp and still placed 6th on the championship ladder,” Loretta reflects. Despite being outclassed by faster machines, she ended the season 6th out of 18 competitors—an impressive feat in its own right.

Loretta’s struggles with mechanical issues, including challenges with the bike’s clutch, were part of her learning curve. “It’s all about the fun, the enjoyment on the children’s faces, being able to make the guys really think about what they need to do,” she says. Every run brought something new, pushing her to adapt and overcome. Despite the obstacles, Loretta’s resilience stood out. Her ability to stay focused on enjoying the process, rather than just chasing wins, was evident throughout the season.

When asked about her proudest moment, Loretta recalls the thrill of racing. “My memory continues every event with the children screaming out Minion and seeing the look on their faces, especially when they realise it’s a female riding.” It’s moments like these that make the challenges worthwhile. And even when things don’t go as planned, Loretta finds excitement in the ride itself. “I haven’t really had any bad moments; the crazier the ride, the more excited I get,” she says with a smile.

Looking ahead, Loretta is excited for the upcoming season. With plans to upgrade her bike to 230hp, she’s gearing up for even more challenges and opportunities. Her aspirations extend beyond just personal success. “I want to get more females into motorbike drag racing and hope to get a junior female into our team,” she shares. It’s clear that Loretta sees racing not just as a personal pursuit, but as a platform for others to join and thrive.

Her advice to those considering racing? “Take your time, go at your own pace until you feel comfortable going faster. You’re not going to win every race, but as long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters. You’re learning, and you’ll make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, even I do. But you go out in the next race and do it all again. Practice makes perfect.”

Behind Loretta’s success is a dedicated team. Her husband, Jason, is hands-on with the bike, maintaining and supporting her every step of the way. Felix Prowse, her crew chief, plays a crucial role in tuning the bike and ensuring that each run is optimized. The team’s collective effort allows Loretta to continue improving and pushing her limits. “If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be,” she says.

As Loretta prepares for the next season, her eyes are set on the future, with the goal of continuing to improve and, most importantly, enjoying every moment of it. With her determination, passion, and the support of her team, Loretta is ready to take on whatever the next race brings.