Cartagena 22nd October 2006 Words by Tammy Milsom
Susie Grayson of Feisty Racing is the 1st British Woman to Compete in the European Women’s Cup

The majority of the Feisty Racing team plus extras were involved with the organisation for the first Feisty adventure to compete in a European race. With so many injuries within the team, plus Deb Cartwright and I getting to grips with new bikes, the decision to actually compete in the European Women’s Cup (EWC) at Cartagena on 22nd October was taken late; only about 3 weeks before the event. The organisation involved in competing at this level is immense, as is the cost; we were surprised and somewhat engulfed by it all. The run up was made all the harder by the fact that just everything that could go wrong did – from a ferry operator strike when the van tried to cross the Channel to finding out that control tyres weren’t applicable to the EWC and cost a fortune at the track. Add this to all the last minute “skin of the teeth” bits like leathers, flights, sponsor stickers, new bodywork and team T-shirts. Deb and Susie The drean team: Deb, Buddha, Con, Susie Yup, it's pink   The track Cartagena in Mercia, Southern Spain, is a tight, twisty circuit over 3.5km of dusty, similar corners and is physically demanding. We knew that fitness would play a large part in the proceedings as the race is double what we are used to at club level; world level racers don’t look like top class athletes for nothing – it’s hard work out there!   Practice I’d not been to Cartagena before so was relieved to be able to enrol onto 3 free practice sessions before the official practices started. With such a lot to learn and the bike to set up I didn’t expect to enjoy the first couple of sessions but I was wrong; what a great track! I knocked a couple of seconds off my lap time each outing and worked on differentiating those corners. In the first official free practice I managed to set the 3rd fastest time of the 600 girls with a 1min49.5sec. I had some “interesting” moments out on track, with my exhaust scraping the ground on a few occasions making us pad out the bracket with a large spacer. I’ve also started to get more comfortable sliding the rear into the start of the turn whilst still on the brakes – having a bike weave around under you does actual get to feel almost normal! The move from a 2 cylinder SV650 to the R6 means having to relearn how to corner, and I know there’s plenty more still to learn. Qualifying First qualifying on Saturday we decided to try different sprockets to improve the drive out of corners. Unfortunately we didn’t find a better setting and after losing lots of time reverted back to the previous day’s settings for the afternoon. Second qualifying I only managed a 1min50, putting myself 5th on the grid (of the 600s), however, my times were far more consistent than practice day.   Race day For warm up we put the qualifying tyre back on as we’d walked the track the night before with Fabienne Migout, a top 1000 racer, and I wanted to put some of her advice to practice on various braking and turning points. I’ve discovered how hard 600s and Cartagena are on rubber and ended up sliding around like a mad thing, very relieved to put new tyres on for the race. For the first time in my race career we had an international grid start with tyre warmers, mechanics and brolly boys. We spent most of the time looking around to see what we should be doing but ended up just joking with eachother to relieve the tension. I was really looking forward to the race. The grid cleared, engines revved and the red lights went out – go go go!! I had the most fantastic start; I think I was in about 4th place overall until I got myself stuck in 2nd gear all the way to the first corner and found all the other riders passing me. I was cursing and trying everything to find 3rd gear to no avail. I managed to go round the outside of a few slower riders on turn 1, but didn’t recover gearing until too late; I’d lost the front pack which I’d hope to stay with to get a tow. It’s really hard to fight your way forward through riders of a slightly slower pace. I got past a few more on the first 2 laps then worked hard to get past rider No. 11, Ripley from Canada. We were 2 seconds a lap ahead of the next rider, however, I couldn’t get away from her and started tiring on about lap 7. She got past me and I couldn’t find enough reserve to retaliate effectively – though I didn’t give up trying! I finished 5th in my class with consistent 1min49sec laps throughout the race. I rode into park ferme completely shattered but pleased, with moderate arm pump and barely able to move my right hand, into the welcoming arms of the team cheering me in. I have to admit to being disappointed not to get onto the podium – I’m too competitive to think otherwise – however, this is a talented field which should not be underestimated. More experience, practice and training should help to raise our game. Thank you everyone Huge thanks to the “away” team members: Deb Cartwright – fellow Feisty founder, friend and, now recovering from injury, constant supporter. Special thanks for not kicking me in the shins in a fit of jealousy, wish you could have raced too! Tom “Buddha” Gander – for volunteering to drive the van and caravan to Spain then spannering too. Conrad Lewis – Deb’s mechanic (“borrowed”) for quietly getting on with all the jobs needed, no matter how many times us girls demanded wheel and sprocket changes. Lesley and Ned – for helping Buddha with the drive and taking photos. Thanks also to: Leila Williams, Tammy Milsom and Matt (Wildcard) – for organising publicity. Special thanks to sponsors: Arai, Imortal (leathers), SES Race Products, FunStuffForAdults.co.uk, The Windowfilm Company, EDZ (inner suits), Apache Customs (paint work), Racer (gloves), Deb Cartwright. Thanks also to all of those who offered support and encouragement along the way, and the ACU for granting the UEM licence. Links for more information: EWC site with report and photos: http://www.motocicliste.it/ewcup/default.asp Photos: Email for higher resolution images. Announcement for 2007 To acknowledge the growth of Feisty Racing and to identify talent more easily, we are pleased to introduce the Feisty Academy. From 2007, all new Feisty racers plus rookies from previous years will be a part of the Feisty Academy. Upon achieving preset goals, Academy members will be graduated to full team membership with the aim of competing at a higher level. Feisty Racing intend to compete for a full season of the European Women’s Cup in 2007 with Susie Grayson, Deb Cartwright and potentially Leila Williams if she can gain the required licence. The girls will all be working extremely hard at the gym as well as planning intensive winter testing (well, as much as we can afford).

Brands Hatch Indy 7th & 8th October Words by Tammy Milsom

Once again Susie Grayson was a strong competitor in the Clubman 600 and Clubman Shootout, racing the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch. This was in fact the last race weekend this season within the Bemsee/MRO Championship for Feisty Racing. Instead of attending the Lydden Hill round, Susie will be competing in the European Women’s Championship at Cartagena, Spain.

Susie’s first race on Saturday saw her claim 15th position in the Clubman 600, setting a flying time of 52.014s. Following a crash at Clearways in the morning practice caused by a surprise loss of rear grip, Susie returned to passionately revenge her way through the grid. Unfortunately in the afternoon Susie was forced to start at the back of the grid due to a dysfunctional tannoy system. This caused her, along with others to arrive late to the collection area, missing the warm up lap. Even though this was unfortunate regarding her grid position she fought back to claim a stunning 16th, running in the 52.4s. Taking into consideration the slower riders Susie had to deal with, this was only 0.3s off her morning time.

On Sunday the tannoy demon struck again for the first race, forcing yet another back of the grid start. She achieved 22nd, but again ran in the 52s. Determined not to allow this to reoccur, Susie was in position for the second race to gain 17th, claiming 5 places and setting times back in the 52.0s.

Susie continued her success in the Clubman Shootout riding a borrowed Kawasaki ER-6 in replace of her problematic SV650. Due to front wheel issues Susie only managed one practice session on the bike, but this did not stop her finishing 8th and 7th, whilst impressively running in the mid 54s. This added further points to her current second place position in the championship.

Susie will be making her debut into the European Women’s Championship later this month, taking her skills and the team to a whole new level. The schedule will include 3 practice sessions over Thursday and Friday, 2 qualifying sessions on Saturday with 1 race on Sunday. With her amazing progress and positive relationship she has developed with her Yamaha R6, Susie Grayson is a serious contender to fascinate and shake up the 600cc class.

Next season Susie Grayson plans to continue with the European Championship, which includes 4 races throughout the year at Vallelunga in Italy, Hengelo in Nederlands, Rijeka in Croatia and again Cartagena. This month, Susie will be the only female contender from the UK, but next year she will be joined by team mate Deb Cartwright, both of whom also intend to compete in their first full season in the MRO 600. Leila Williams, who at present is reviewing her racing options, may also join them.

Deb and Leila are currently recovering from broken ankles, but they continue to observe and cheer from the sidelines, anxious for the new season. Unfortunately Deb, currently 3rd in the Clubman Shootout championship and unable to defend, frustratedly sees her position come under further threat as the season draws to a close. Will Feisty Racing be crowding the podium at the end of the year?

Kathy Prosser will compete in her 2nd season; her plan to complete just one year has been overpowered by her addiction to the thrill and atmosphere of racing. Radka Angelovova-Janevova, who was only able to participate in a few races at the beginning of the season, will be rejoining the team. Even though her debut was brief she stunned all by claiming a 3rd place at Snetterton in only her 5th race. Rebecca Cartwright, 2003 2nd place rookie 400cc championship winner, returned for one race meeting this year and will continue to race for the team when possible. Also returning to the team is young Katherine Sanderson, who previously rode for Feisty back in 2005.

At present the team is set to be joined by new recruits Amanda Wake, Lesley Laver and Gabrielle Burn, all of whom will be competing in their debut racing seasons. They intend to prove that they are no ordinary girls.

Each year Feisty Racing and their supporters grow along with the team’s ambitions and determination. The 2007 season is going to be a truly exciting, action packed year with the girls hungrier than ever. This is not to be missed!

Brands Hatch GP 16th & 17th September Words by Tammy Milsom

This weekend was a chance to see Susie Grayson and Leila Williams battling in the Clubman 600 at Brands Hatch on the full GP circuit; approximately 2.3 miles with a total of 9 fast intense corners, certainly a challenge.

Unfortunately Leila’s weekend was off to a bad start when a possible over-filled brake reservoir put pressure onto her brakes mid corner, forcing the bike to sit up and her to crash off track. After several hours of various repair operations the bike and its rider were ready for action for Saturday. However, on Saturday her bad luck drastically continued when on the first lap of the morning practice session she was hit by another rider breaking her ankle on impact. The pain forced her to run onto the grass to lay down the bike, whilst passionately expressing a few strong words; most unlike our usually very polite and ladylike racer.

After looking forward to this race weekend all season Leila was utterly disappointed and frustrated, but she returned to the circuit on Saturday from the hospital in higher spirits. She was allocated a temporary cast before returning to Hastings hospital for an operation. Soon she will be joining team mate Deb Cartwright with a matching Feisty pink cast and no doubt competing in a few wheel chair races.

As yet another season is abruptly ended she will join Deb Cartwright to cheer and advise; both riders are now on the mend in preparation for next year. With each race observed from the side lines, Deb’s determination and passion grows to be back on two wheels and prove she is a serious challenger for the year ahead. Especially to her team mate Susie Grayson who is seriously raising the level of competition.

Susie, supporting a new pink colour scheme on her R6 again proved her ability and passion for the on track battles and thrills of racing. Race 1 on Saturday saw her claim 16th with a best time of 1.39 whilst suffering from severe arm pump. After adjusting levers for a better racing position race 2 saw her knock 0.5s off her time and claim a fantastic 7th place.

On Sunday she continued to improve by running in the 1.38s to obtain 12th position in the first race and 11th in the second. With each race she becomes stronger, fighting all the way to the finish line.

Yet again Feisty experienced a turbulent weekend accepting the highs and lows of racing, but they stay strong and positive ready to return. Down to a single racer for the rest of the year, Feisty are next out on 6th & 7th October at Brands Hatch again, this time on the smaller Indy circuit.

Pembrey with BMCRC 26th & 27th August 2006 Words by Tammy Milsom

Susie Grayson was going solo on behalf of Feisty Racing this weekend competing for the first time in the MRO Supersport 600 championship. This is only her second weekend racing on the R6 giving her opportunity to practice and gain a further understanding of the capabilities of her new machine.

Friday’s weather saw showers come and go causing several tyre changes, but Susie was off to a flying start by running in the 1.04s along with other regulars in the category. The weather was slightly overcast on Saturday showing some improvements on Sunday and luckily with the rain mostly avoiding South Wales this allowed her track time to be beneficial.

The weekend’s timetable was slightly different to that of the Clubman 600 by running two qualifying sessions on Saturday followed by one race and a further two races on Sunday. Although Susie qualified at the back of the grid she again was running in the 1.04s at an extremely close pace to the last three positions.

Even though she was disappointed with that result she knew she was battling with a new breed of talent and for her times to be as close as they were to others, was still an impressive achievement.

Pembrey is a short, fast and demanding track, which includes a couple of intense left hand bends, some challenging rights along with a tight hairpin at the end of the start/finish straight. She demonstrated her stamina within the races by continuously staying on the pace to accomplish the total of 14 laps that two of the three races required. Even with one race being slightly less it was still a few laps more than what is usually expected of her. Although she feels there is room for improvement, race two saw her set her fastest lap time on the last lap.

The focus for the races was not to be lapped by anyone, to overtake one person and to knock her time down to the 1.03s by the end of the weekend. She was not lapped at all over the weekend and within each race her pace got hotter therefore increasing the gap behind. The task of overtaking somebody was achieved in the very first race late Saturday afternoon and she decreased her lap time down to 1.040, a fraction off her target of 1.03. This lady knows what she wants!

Overall this was a successful weekend as Susie learnt more about the handling of her bike, with each race she improved her smoothness along with her speed. Every moment spent on track was an encouraging progress in preparing and gaining experience for her season next year. She competed in amongst a higher league of racers and most definitely held her own, showing that she is not just any woman.

Snetterton with BMCRC 19th & 20th August 2006
Words by Tammy Milsom, Photographs by Wildcard Photography

Updated results here.

With regards to both emotions and erratic weather changes, this weekend was a roller coaster ride for all.

Friday morning practice got off to a bad start when an oil spill caused Deb Cartwright to crash sustaining a broken collarbone and ankle. Following an operation to fit two plates to her ankle and a couple of days in hospital, Deb was back on Sunday supporting others before returning to work on Monday. Typically, she showed a true racer’s spirit by worrying if her motorcycle boots would still fit.

Unfortunately this has brought her season to an abrupt end, however she will return next year racing again in the Bemsee/MRO Championships as well as competing in the European Women Championship alongside teammate Susie Grayson. You cannot keep a feisty down for long!

The weekend saw a stunning debut from Susie in the Clubman 600 class on her new R6. Her first race saw her climb the grid from the back row to grab 13th running lap times in the 1.16s, followed by a 14th at a similar pace in the afternoon. Sunday afternoon saw her finish 12th after avoiding a collision when the rider in front made a mistake causing her to sit up and alter her line costing valuable seconds. However, it was the morning race that caused the most drama for the team. It was all hands on deck when a sudden downpour forced Susie and fellow Feisty Leila Williams to return from the collecting area for an intense 10-minute tyre changing operation. Susie bounced back to achieve an excellent 6th place in only her third race in this category.

After her minitwin suffered mechanical problems Susie demonstrated her ability to ride any bike given to her by coming 1st in the Saturday Clubman Shootout on Kat’s ZXR400. For Sunday’s Shootout she jumped on Deb’s hastily repaired RVF and, even with the bike being more of a challenge, she came a creditable 5th. Only 2 seconds less than her time on the ZXR, but still 2 seconds faster than the next 400cc machine on the track.

This was Kathleen Prosser’s first time returning to race for the team since her crash at Cadwell. Unfortunately, things did not run smoothly as she was faced with bike problems on Friday and a fuelling gremlin forced her to retire from her first race on Saturday. On Sunday a combination of awful track conditions and a missed gear caused her to crash on her last lap. Luckily she was fine, but a damaged engine casing meant she was unable to compete in the second race.

Although her weekend was cut short, it was great to see Kat back out on track, even with still aching injured wrists she certainly held her own in the race on Saturday. There is no doubt that if she wasn’t plagued with constant bike problems she would have had more of a successful weekend and we look forward to her return to full fitness.

This was only Leila’s second race weekend this season and she was determined to stick with the pack and not be lapped. Her first race was lonely, but she gained a good starting point to build from and was nowhere near being overtaken. As her race pace and confidence after the long lay-off gradually returned, the second race saw her show her undeniable talent by stalking the rider in front and allowing them both to hunt down yet another. Leila was overjoyed not only from the excitement of the race, but also the fact that she had knocked 1.4s off her lap time. You could see nothing but her teeth shining through her visor.

Sunday unfortunately didn’t go as well; following the last minute tyre change for race 1 she discovered problems with her tyre pressures and only just made it onto the grid for the race, but missed the warm up lap. Showing her confidence in the wet she overtook 4 riders, but a late breaking manoeuvre caused her to lose the front end resulting in her bike sliding some 400 yards into a tyre wall, with the helpless rider following for about half of that distance. Thankfully, Leila was fine and the bike was repaired for the last race, but further mechanical problems occurred on the warm up lap and she had to retire. Even though this was disappointing for her, she had done better than hoped and thoroughly enjoyed her time on track.

The girls were all true racers this weekend and proved their utter determination and positive attitude to overcome the ups and downs of racing. Once bones and bikes have mended, they will all be back with a vengeance and fighting to add yet more silverware to the team trophy cabinet.

Feisty would like to thank all of those that helped and supported the team throughout this difficult weekend; you were greatly appreciated and each individual made a difference.

	Susie and Leila in the Clubman 600, first corner		Kat keeps ahead
	Kat off the start line		Susie swamping Deb's 400