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Molly intends to compete in Powerbikes and Minitwins
in 2005.
" I’m a 54 year old divorced racing
grandmother with three grown up children and
two grand children. Some of my friends think
its dead cool that I race but others think I’m
nuts. Some of my family doesn’t like it
but my niece has my racing pictures plastered
on her wall. My other niece has decided to take
up bike riding to be like her cool aunty.
I think the thing my family and friends hate
the most about me racing is me crashing. Yes,
I’ve had quite a few high speed crashes
but luckily I haven’t really hurt myself.
This grandmother is a bouncing babe. I see crashing
as part and parcel of racing, if you aren’t
crashing you ain’t trying. I can honestly
say that crashing hasn’t put me off. It’s
made me a little more cautious for about 5 err
seconds.
I’m a little bit rusty not having raced
last season but I’m sure that as soon
as I get back on the track it will be like…er
riding a bike. It will be great if I could achieve
a podium or two or three or more but it will
be tough. I’m not getting any younger…right?
After all I’m nearly 14½ now.
I’m fairly sure I can get on the pace
quite quickly and will probably do a few training
session throughout the winter to get up to speed.
My first priority is to get my National licence
and I only need a signature or two for that.
I’m determined not to let the girls down
and hopefully join them on the podium. No room
for blokes there. "
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Molly was hewn out of the rugged mountains of the
Rhondda Valley in the 50's and grew up in the South
Wales Valleys. During her teenage years, road racing
was just that, naughtily racing on the road with road
bikes such as the Triumph Tiger Cub and the awesome
[then] Triumph Bonneville. On her way to gaining her
PhD in Computer Sciences Molly did an apprenticeship
as a machine tool engineer with a company that sponsored
her through university. The most remarkable thing
about her apprenticeship was the bike racers she met.
A fellow worker in this small family firm was no other
than Malcolm Uphill who won both the 350cc & 500cc
Manx Grand Prix and was eventually awarded Freedom
of Caerphilly.
Molly’s work career took off when she became
the Technical Director of Commodore Computers and
then Managing Director of Spectrum Computers. She
was head hunted by giant LG Electronics and became
the CEO of Europe. Up until two years ago she was
CEO of the Fountain Group based in New York, LA and
London, turning over several $billion. A lot of money,
even in those days. She is now a member of the CNA
International Think Tank and a Management Consultant
and has far too much time on her hands.
Molly has ridden many different bikes ranging from
her old James Villers 125 to her current GSX R1000
road bike. Molly likes the odd stunt and her riding
style tends to be on the aggressive side. She has
also raced the Death Valley dune bikes. On the track
she loved the old GSX R600's and as someone from Team
Suzuki put it, "If you were younger, you may
have had potential". Charming.
Dr. Molly lists her two most valuable qualifications
as her City and Guilds in Welding and a 25-yard swimming
certificate, stating that the former can save her
money and the latter, her life.
Bizarrely enough, Molly is listed in "Who's
Who in the World" - the Citation reads "For
outstanding achievements of lasting benefit to mankind".
In actual fact, it was for the Research and Development
work Molly did in the early 80's on laser-based systems
and the development of the first multimedia system.
Two seasons ago Molly did a full season in the KRC
UK Endurance championships with a best result of 4th
in class (Class “D”) There’s so
much talent out there, I raced against the likes of
Mike Edwards, Davey Wood and Gary Haslam, they are
so good it makes me think that I’m not very
good at it but I do enjoy it. I’ve had quite
a few big crashes but luckily walked or crawled away
from them all.
How long have you been biking?
Thirty Five Years (I know) but I didn’t pass
my bike test until Jan 2000 even though I had my ACU
licence for what seems like donkey years. I even had
to do a CBT and was told off for leaning a GS125 around
bends. I passed my DAS and promptly bought a Fireblade
which I found a bit tame. I now abuse a GSX R1000
on the roads.
What inspired you to start
racing?
I was racing dirt bikes on illegal tracks as a 15
year old then someone told me I should take it up
properly so I did.
I started racing back in the late 60’s on dirt
tracks around Merthyr Tydfil and gained a reputation
for being a “nutter” winning several races
by hook or by crook. I had a 2nd and a 3rd at Aberdare
Park races. I was then in and out of racing for many
years doing mostly dirt track racing but decided about
ten years ago to join the New Era. I did win an invitation
race at Cadwell Park one year then got 2 seconds and
third. I then raced a GSXR600 off and on for a few
seasons recording a second at Mallory Park once in
the wet but then finishing mostly middle back of the
pack
What are your ambitions?
Not to crash too often and to finish the season in
one piece with a few trophies in my cabinet and to
do Feisty Racing Proud. I feel so honoured to be in
the team.
Who do you look up to in
racing?
Mike Edwards and Davey Woods and all the privateers
in the BSB. I also admire Chris Walker. Many years
ago I was practicing at Mallory Park and was in the
same Pit as Chris Walker and decided to follow him
out just to see how long I could keep up with him.
He didn’t even seem like he was trying but I
thought I was going to die. Back in the pit I was
sweating like a sweaty thing and he wasn’t even
hot. I panted out “Chris you look fast just
standing there”. He laughed. Actually he’s
a very nice man.
The people I respect the most in racing are the marshals,
they do a fantastic job and it’s a great comfort
knowing that they are looking after you. Take a bow,
you deserve it.
What do you do in your
spare time?
I play lead guitar and sing in a band. I’m an
astronomer. I teach stunts to blokes who usually ask
me not to tell their mates. I like spending time with
my grandchildren. I like running and keeping fit.
Who's your favourite racing
hunk?
Without a doubt Frankie Chili, he’s absolutely
flipping gorgeous. SWOON. Did I tell I like Chili?
SWOON again.
I just really want to say thanks to everyone who
is helping me out, it means a lot to have so much
support and I don’t think I could do this without
those people (they know who they are), you’ve
all been great and I hope I can do you all proud!
Let’s Go Feisty!!
This
is me on my Gixxer: |
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This is
me on my little GS500 just to prove you can
have fun on anything. |
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