"I started racing because I did a track day on my Fireblade (my road bike) at Oulton at the end of 2000 and lost the front end in the damp going into Knickerbrook, before Hizzy's chicane was there. I had to go home and admit to my other half what a state my bike was in. It was a road bike and the repair bill was rather large! I bought a track bike after that to save crashing my road bike again. It was a steelie 600 that had been used by Simon Andrews a couple of years before, and I acquired it in early 2001. I started racing because I am a competitive type of person I think, and I want to see how I stacked up against others , and I had encouragement from friends who raced."

Interview in 2004

I got rid of my novice vest in 2001 but hated the 600 class so I changed to 400s. I really enjoyed that in 2002 and started to get better results, but then I had a try on a GP125 in an American race. I couldn't believe the difference between a dedicated race bike and a modified road bike - from how easy it is to work on to how well it handled. As I had been on four strokes for many years (lots and lots of years!!) it was a big learning experience but in 2003 I raced it for the first time at Donington, I was not last by any means, and felt inspired to continue. In 2004 I started track daying and testing in February to get track time but the engine failure in April put paid to every plan I'd had because of the cost of the rebuild.
However, it is now a very quick 125 indeed, and my first meeting on it after the rebuild gained me my first Club points so I am still inspired and keen to get out there again. I would like a National licence one day, if I keep improving at my current rate I would suggest that might happen next year or the year after. I have two more meetings this autumn.

I'm a scientist by profession and I enjoy the practical aspects of maintenance very much, probably due to my general interest in all things based around engineering and physics

How long have you been biking? 24 years, without a break.

What inspired you to start racing? Friends who did it, plus the atmosphere and the chance to test oneself against others, the tarmac, and actually against your own fears or whatever, as well.

Do you have a regular team or occasional helpers? My husband helps me if he can but also I have friends who come along if I need them, plus I often go out with friends who race too so we all support each other. I'd also like to say a big thanks to Wrathalls, particularly Ian Park, who made such a good job of the rebuild my bike and has been at the end of a telephone if I've needed any advice or help.

Who are your sponsors? I have a friend in the States with her own company who does my logo on t-shirts and jackets, for free, so I guess she is my sponsor. The local bike shop sell me things at a greatly reduced rate as well and I have ridden with their name on occasionally.

What are your plans after this season? To race next season, after fitting a new piston and a general overhaul of the bike, to maybe spend money on the suspension and definitely get new fairing and a new airbox as mine is falling to bits!

What are your ambitions? To get a National licence

Who are your mentors and who do you look up to in racing? I look up to anyone who does it. Racing is tough and scary and I admire every single person who has a go.

What do you do in your spare time? Mostly ride the Fireblade, but I am a classical musician as another hobby and occasionally perform in concerts.

Who's your favourite racing hunk? I don't have one, perhaps I'm too old :-(

My job takes me away from home quite a bit and the amount of time I can spend at the track for practise is very limited. I think that this, above all else, stops me doing more meetings. I can compare racing to performing music, in a way - I would not dream of performing a solo without extensive practise first, and racing needs tracktime for practise too.