Round 6 – Final round of JSRA Championship, Stockton Sept 8^th & 9^th

This is the round that we had to rearrange due to the floods across GB in July.

Although I have bad memories of the last round at Stockton (I was unable to race through injury, also for all those who know me know the history of my ski at this round last year and then the accident which Ria and Matt got injured in!!) However despite all this I was really looking forward to racing here.

We arrived as usual on Friday evening but the race weekend soon got off to a bad start when my dad checked my ski’s over – he found a problem on my race ski which meant I would have to use my back up ski – oh no was my initial thoughts but I knew I had no choice. I tried not to think about it throughout the evening!

At this round my classes had no racing on the Saturday which meant I had four motos to do on Sunday!!  So I just had practice today and “a dash for competition” supported by the British Waterways that everyone persuaded me to enter! In first practice I had a problem with my backup boat which fortunately my dad soon sorted and then when it came to the dash for cash I had a different problem on my ski which again my dad soon sorted but not in time for the competition. Fortunately my friend Lee Wheeler loaned me his ski to do the slalom run on but I didn’t do too well – thanks very much though Lee, much appreciated.

Sunday was race day and what a day!  The points in my limited class had become very close – at the start of round 5 Steve Garland was just 6 points behind me so at round 5 I was fighting to keep my third place but as I had a good round at round 5 I was starting this round just eleven points behind Lee in 2^nd although I was still 31 points behind race leader Jason. 

Moto 1

Limited 

I was concentrating hard and prayed my holders – Dad & Garry didn’t let me go too early!! But they didn’t and I got off to a good start taking the holeshot and coming out in the lead.  I knew I had to keep my nerve and remember to breathe!!  The splitters were spot on so I knew every lap would be a chase and perfect passing place.  I had Josh behind me, then Lee and Jason………….I just concentrated hard and came through the finish line in first place.  Josh finished 2^nd, Lee 3^rd and Jason fourth.  This made the points closer – I had now gone into 2^nd place in the championship by just one point and the difference now between Jason and I was just 14 points.  It was all exciting and down to the very last moto in the championship.

Superstock

I missed a moto in this class when I got injured at round one so it’s a great class for me to practice in with no pressure.  The top championship battle is between Luke, Simon and Lee.  I got off to a flying start again and was soon having a battle with Luke on his 160 HSR on the way to the holeshot!  I don’t know what happened but I came out in the lead and I had Simon very close behind me ….this continued for the next 12 laps!!!!  I nearly lost it on the last lap though when I made a mistake as I just couldn’t think fast enough – we had come up with the back markers and I followed them through the green splitter whereas Simon used his head and went through the traffic free Blue splitter it was tight in the run to the end and both Simon and I were down as low as we could get battling but I luckily went through first by about half a boat length – close call that was but I really enjoyed it. 

Moto 2

Limited

This was a real pressure race – one point in front of Lee and 14 behind Jason, Jason told me that if I was able to win and he finished fourth or below I could take the championship – I had never even thought about this and didn’t want to I was nervous enough already trying to keep my third now second place. All I could do was race my best and wait and see.  Then I found out Lee had been docked a lap so now although the gap was larger between Lee and I it meant I was now 19 points behind Jason now so highly unlikely I could make 19 points up in one moto so it took the pressure off a little but like mum says until you cross the finish line in moto 2 you never know.  I came to this round thinking if I can keep my third place then that will be brill. 

So I just had to go out and ride my best.  I was nervous on the line and Garry gave me a chat before I left the line!  I took the holeshot again with Lee behind me and Jason behind him and that’s the way it stayed for the whole race. I rode my best and won the race and it doesn’t get better than that!

Many Many Congratulations Jason – the relief on yours and your teams face was amazing I really am pleased for you – you deserve it mate.  Well done to Lee and all the guys I race with in this class (oh and Lisa sometimes too).  Thanks everyone.

Jason Young – Team 88- British Limited Champion 2007 – Congrats mate x 

Superstock

I had no idea where I was in this class points wise – guess about 8^th after Willen.

I didn’t feel the pressure as much in the class but still wanted to ride well.  I got a good start again although didn’t win the holeshot Graham beat me to it!!  Lee was behind me in third and I wasn’t sure where Simon was but knew he wouldn’t be far away!  I tried to go a different splitter, I tried to follow – nothing worked I just couldn’t get past Graham!  It stayed that way through to the end with Graham taking the win, me second and Lee third.

Many Congratulations to Simon Gill – Superstock Champion 2007 – Well done.

I took the win in both classes this weekend and the trophies are lovely.  Many thanks to all the racers in my classes I have a great time and gained lots of racing experiences from you all and thanks to everyone at the JSRA for making the racing happen.  See you all at the AGM – November 17^th 2007.

JSRA British Championship round 5 held Willen Lakes, September 2^nd & 3^rd

We arrived at Willen Lakes (my favourite venue) around midnight on Thursday as we drove straight to Willen from France.  Friday morning we set up camp before going off to the local town centre for a little retail therapy as it was Boss’s birthday! In the evening we all went off to the snow dome for a fun night.  Saturday morning we were back to the serious stuff – Racing.

We had a late start this weekend but practice went good and I really liked the course.  It was really big and open and had double splitters.

Moto 1 Limited.

 I choose the inside hole shot after watching other racers before me. I got a cracking start and came out first only to see the red flag being waved in front of me – well that’s about my luck I thought! So back to the start line again I this time I didn’t get the best start as I kangaroo’d a little but then as soon as I got going I held her full throttle and managed to take the lead on the inside holeshot. I couldn’t believe it when I came out to lead the race. It was a big course and I had two splitters to think about other pilots getting past me but I managed to hold it together and I finished first and could see a close battle going on for 2^nd Jason, 3^rd Lee and 4^th Steve.

Moto 2 Limited 

This time I had first pick as I won the first moto, I choose the outside of the inside holeshot. I won the inside holeshot again and Jim won the outside holeshot. I won the holeshot with Jim very close on my tail. I know what an amazing rider Jim is and every time I took one split he would take the other and after about 3 or 4 laps he got me through the splitter, well done Jim it was a good race. Lisa in 3^rd, Lee in 4^th and Jason in 5^th they all came through the checked flag very close together. I finished 1^st, Jason Young 2^nd and Lee Wheeler 3^rd overall on the day.  

Moto 1 Superstock

I choose the inside hole shot again as close as I could get to the outside with only Jason on my outside. Off we went but I soon became the middle of a sandwich. It  was scary but I kept low and managed to stay on. I came out of the inside holeshot in 3^rd but when we all came together I was about 6^th behind Will Eatwell and Jason close behind me.

Throughout the 12 lap race Will, Jason and I were having as close battle. On about the 9^th lap I took Will and then Jason took Will later on in the Splitters. I crossed the line in 5^th Jason in 6^th and Will in 7^th but we all moved up due to lots of missed buoys and riders being docked.

Moto 2 Superstock   

This time I didn’t want to be involved in another sandwich so I choose the outside of the outside holeshot out of the way!!  I got a better start this time with Will and I battling again for the holeshot it was very close but I took the outside holeshot and Luke took the inside holeshot. Luke took a tumble on the 1^st lap and I swerved quickly to miss him which slowed me down and meant Jim took the lead. Luke was quickly back up on his ski as he kept hold of it and was in second but as we came out off the splitters he took a fall and then had a problem with his pole which unfortunately ended Luke’s racing for the day. So I was in 2^nd with Simon Gill flying behind me. I just tried to keep calm and not push too much or make a mistake. The whole race was very close between Simon and I, but I really enjoyed it - well done Simon. I finished 1^st, Lisa Barsby 2^nd and Lee wheeler 3rd overall on the day. Girl Power!!    

See everyone next weekend for the final round of the British Championship.

Well done to all my friends over in France who competed in their French Championship this weekend too.

EJSBA Round 4, Antwerp August 17^th, 18^th& 19^th August.

We had to leave straight from the U.I.M Ladies World Championship to Antwerp, Belgium. After a very long drive we finally arrived at Antwerp Thursday evening. (well done Dad all that driving in one day). The weather was dull on our arrival but dry. The pits were huge and looking full and ready for action. As always I went straight to look at the water. It was in the Docklands and looked similar to Stockton.  The water was 20 metres below where we were stood and the plan was for the ski’s to go on a platform and then be lowered into the water via a crane – another experience for Pinkie! I then spent the rest of the evening catching up with all my racing friends whom I hadn’t seen for a few weeks.

As usual Friday was practice day. I found practice very choppy as to me it was very similar the Dinant but the walls were higher and boats were docked along the wall. The waves just kept hitting the walls and coming back, so the longer we went the choppier it got. The course was quite simple, had a long back straight (which did get choppy) and was a left hand hole- shot. I liked the course but didn’t feel good at all in the first practise. I went in to second practise with an open mind. I felt much better as it was not as choppy as first practise but was no where near like racing on a lake. Some times it was even worse than Portugal!!!

Saturday was race day - Moto 1 I got first choice but didn’t go for my usual favourite position because I was worried about being pushed out into the boats so I choose completely different to usual and I choose the inside of the inside AND so felt quite comfortable and relaxed. Audrey got a flying start and I was in second on the inside hole-shot. However going through the splitter I hit a wave and fell the wrong side of the buoy, So I had already lost two places then had to take the deviations buoy so I was in 6^th . Throughout the race I pushed and pushed as I had nothing to loose and by the end of the race I made it back up to 3rd. I was exhausted but happy I didn’t give up and lasted the race which I wouldn’t have been able to do without all the brilliant training, advice and help from Laurent Boucher (www.b7sport.com). I have been really working on my stamina after I realised in the U.I.M 18 minute race that this was a problem for me!  

In Moto 2  I choose the inside hole shot again and this time got a better start but Audrey was still the fastest off the line. Me and Audrey were battling for first on the inside hole shot, she pushed me wide and she took the lead. I came out in fourth but kept going and took 3^rd through the splitters. I enjoyed the race a lot more than the first but was still very tiring and the race felt a lot longer than it was!! In Moto 3 again I took the same hole shot and came out in fourth with Stefi on my tale and Manon close behind her we were all battling for 3^rd on the day -who ever got the most points between us three got third on the day. Although at one stage Marina Urbain was in front of Audrey which meant I would be second over all. The white flag finally came out, only had to hold it for one more lap. Audrey took Marina in this lap so knew I had to hold off Stef who was pushing me hard and I made it across the line in fourth in front of Stefi and Manon so I kept third on the day. Great race Stefi you really made me work hard.

So I finished 3^rd on the weekend and I am still running 3^rd overall in the championship although due to the age restriction I am unable to race in Disneyland Paris so that’s it for me this year for the EJSBA Championship.

A huge thank you to all the organisers of the EJSBA Championship, the Marshalls including our wonder Marshall Glyn and Marco and of course all the Girls I race with – we have had good fun this year and I look forward to next year. Thanks everyone X

Congratulations to my friend Quinten who won Juniors

U.I.M Ladies World Finals Aug 13th,14th & 15th August 2007

This week saw the U.I.M Ladies World Championship held at Golfe Juan.  This is a real Girl Power Event – just girls (with the exception of Eric Malone and Rok for the free style show that is!!), 42 girls competing.

Everyone arrived on Monday in time for inscription and techinal inspection.  From the UK we had Sam Brown for the freestyle, and for Ski Superstock we had Lisa Barsby, myslf and ex pat Vicky Molyneaux-Beale.  The UK didn’t have any representation in the runabout class – maybe next year if I can persuade mum and dad LOL!!!

The venue was in the port of Juan Golfe with lots of nice restaraunts overlooking the harbour. It was in a very busy public place with stands etc for the audience to sit and watch the event in and plenty of specator spots on the beach and the rocks.  There was also a big screen showing the European event and the event had 3 hours worldwide live satalite TV coverage.

Tuesday was my least favorite event of all time – the Slalom competition and on the sea!!!  First of all each of the twenty riders did a solo timed trial and then the qualifers went through to do a parallel slalom.  I didn’t think about the parallel slalom as I didn’t think I would qualify in the timed trials but I guess my recent riding with “the boss” (Laurent Boucher) has paid off as I qualified! 

Oh no that meant I had to go back out and do it all again!!!  In the Parallol slalam you had to do 3 runs and the winner then went through to the quater finals.  I couldn’t believe it when I my oppostion was my friend Vicky Molyneaux- Beale.  Unfortunately I beat Vicky in the first two runs and knocked her out of the competition (sorry Vicky, I felt awful).

So now I was in the quater finals and it was against another friendly racer of mine Stephanie from Portugal.  I won the first run, Steph won the second, so it was down to the final run and Steph beat me on her 160 HSR. Well done Steph – it was a good fair and square slalom.

The final result of the slalom was Alessia Ida in first with Lisa Barsby in 2nd and Julie Bulteau in 3rd with Steph finishing fourth. Well done Girls.

Tuesday was the usual Girls evening meal with Mario & Fabio and the important organisors. The pilots all go out in evening dress!

Wednesday morning began with the pilots briefing and then straight out into open practice.

It was soon time for the all important pole position race.  As we lined up there seemed a lot us on the line (20 of us I think!).  I got a good start and came down to the hole shot with Audrey and Alessia, Audrey took the lead and it was then me, Alessia and Julie.  Julie and I came to the buoy from differant angles and I thought we might hit so I swerved out of the way and took a swim (better than an accident though).  I had some work to do now and it was hard enough already on the sea and as usual it was a big track.  I worked my way up a little and finally finished in 7th Place, with Vicky in 9th and Lisa in 11th.  That meant none of the Brits were on the front row for the race start – not good!!

Before the race in the afternoon is the parade on the water – which gives us the opportunity to fly the Union Jack.

Race time now.  We all took our places on the start (unfortunately not on the front row, I have never made that front row yet - so lots of work to be done by us Brits!).  I got a good start considering - Alessia took the lead, with Julie in 2nd and Audrey in 3rd – as predicted the first row line up.  I came out in 5th with a girl from Russia Irina Babenko in fourth however after a few laps a wake got the better of me and I took a tumble but soon got back up.  Now I really had some work to do I was about 8th!!  It was a long race 18 Mins and I was shattered doing 18 mins on a lake at the last race let alone 18 mins on the sea!!  But I knew I just had to go for it so I gave it everything and started working my way up the pack eventually getting myself into 4th place where I finished.  I was pleased with my result. Alessia won, Audrey 2nd and Julie 3rd.  Lisa finished 7th and Vicky finished 15th – well done everyone.  Sorry to Steph whose boat let her down – hope you get her sorted soon.

I would also just like to say Congratulations to Sam Brown who represented GB in the free style.  Sam got 3rd in the pole position competiton and was nervous going out in the competition but did really well and finished 5th overall.  Well done.

Also well done to my friends in runabout Laura Hummel and Karine Paturel who finished top two in runabout. Andrey was so strong she broke her boat!

It really is great to see so many Girl Pilots all together, many thanks for all the hard work and organisation that goes into an event like this for all us Girls.  Thank you x

U.I.M – Spes Aquabike Class Pro European Championship

Los Angeles de San Rafael, July 27th,28th & 29th 2007.

Since I started racing I have competed in the U.I.M championship and this year was no different.  Last year I was placed 3rd in the championship so hoped to improve on this during 2007 if possible.

The meeting in Los Angeles de San Rafael was on a big lake and as usual we arrived early and enjoyed the set up. 

Many things are different in the U.I.M Championship including the starts which are rolling starts so the Pole position race is really important so I knew I had to do well in this.  The class I was riding in was Superstock and although it’s a ladies championship we were riding with the boys in their class!  You should have seen the look on my mums face!! Although riders meeting, tech and transponder fitting is in the morning and free practice is in the afternoons the actual races are not held until early evening when it is cooler. Longer to get nervous!!

In Pole position I couldn’t believe it when I hole shotted and then led the race for 3 laps but then I took a dive (stupid me!!), it was an open lake but it soon chopped up. So I was now in fourth position but wanted to get to third so that I was on the front line in the races but Smurf, Audrey and David Selles who were in 1st, 2nd and 3rd had differant ideas and as they wanted to be on the front row too they just rode so good and there was just no way  I could work my way up the pack! So I finished fourth overall however I did take the fastest lap time which I was really pleased about.

In warm up my boat went down with a starter motor problem so I had to use my back up boat.  I haven’t ridden my back up boat for a while so I was a little un nerved by the change but didn’t have a choice as there wasn’t time to take the engine out and change the starter motor!! Lucky I used all the warm up time or it would have been the next moto when it went down (phew!).

So in the final moto I was on the second row – not good so I knew I had to be on the ball. Flag down and I just pinned it as I didn’t have anything to loose really and I couldn’t believe it when I hole shotted again.  I really feel the pressure when I am out in front (as it is not something I am used to!!) and I knew I had to concentrate on everything especially staying on!! I couldn’t believe when every lap I was still in the lead – I knew the big boys were behind me and I guessed Audrey wouldn’t be too far away either, so I just tried my hardest. 

Every lap I prayed for the white flag – this race seemed a lifetime already and after 12 mins I just felt so tired I didn’t think I would be able to keep going – my body just ached and my arms were killing with hanging on, it really was a tough race I was so shattered and I had no idea how long I had got left to race – this race had already seemed a lifetime – I have never raced for 17 mins before!!  My stamina was a problem and one by one after 12 mins the top three riders went by me – I knew they were all men though so from somewhere I seemed to get some extra strength as I saw Audrey really close on my tail and then eventually I saw the white flag -  thank goodness I thought.  I had a tough last lap keeping Audrey from taking me she was so close on my tail (infact she finished just 1.4 seconds behind me)and I was absouletly shattered – it was a massive relief to go through the chequered flag to win the ladies!!!  I just couldn’t believe I had won and my Dad’s face was just amazing (think mum was hiding somewhere!).

I have never felt as tired in my life and I had another race to do yet as I was riding in the runabout class too for the first time ever.  I really want to ride runabout next year but have a long way to go to persuede mum and dad to let me (come on Bushey help me persuede them!).  The ladies were running seperate to the men so mum and dad under pressure said I could (thinking no one would lend me a boat, lol!!!).  Within seconds the offer of a boat was there. I really enjoyed the practice and finished fourth in the pole position race but I was so tired and now I had to fight for twenty minutes with a runabout!  However as soon I got on the start line I was all excited and raring to go but as the flag went down the steering cable snapped on the runabout and so I was left standing – not a good start to my runabout career (what career mum and dad say!).  Many thanks to the team that loaned me the boat though, it was very kind of you and hope to see you again soon.

Thanks also to all the riders that I met - 46 pilots from 10 countries and to the U.I.M for organising the championship. Also to my mum and dad who make everything possible and many many thanks to Les, James, Laurent and Doug who all help me out in many way (see my sponsorship page for more details).  Without all this help and support I wouldn’t have been crowned (and sprayed with champagne) the.......

2007 U.I.M European Ladies Superstock Champion!!

Mirendella, Portugal – EJSBA round 3 (July 20,21 & 22nd).

This is my favorite of all the rounds as a venue – I love the place, the people and the bumper cars!!  Although as for the racing it is always a tough one for me – in Holland you could see the waves but in Mirendella it is like suddenly a hole just appears and eats you up!  Its tough – the back straight is a killer and I always seem to end up swimming in Mirendella.  Yves always says “you can’t call yourself a racer unless you have raced in Mirendella”.  I think most racers find it tough here.

I usually compete in the Potugese nationals but this year it meant I would have had to take three extra days off school and mum and dad wouldn’t allow this so I missed it.  We did however still arrive early and I loved the build up as usual.  This year I met Brandon and Lauren Macmillon and had a good time with them. I also had lots of water time and fun particularly with the Boscche, Jacobs & Edward families. On Wednesday the Brits arrived so even more fun was had! I also met up with Nedra, the Bell Lady and she was soon chanting a song about being pink!! Then on Thursday evening the dodgem cars opened so the fun really began except for Mac – hope your hand gets better real soon.

Friday was practice and as I expected it was tough – I had a test swim ready for the race!!!  Friday was then the opening ceremony which is always really nice and of course a visit to the dodgem cars.

Saturday was race day – all was going well with my ski and I was ready for action.  In moto 1 I got the holeshot, I was amazed and I concentrated really hard on staying in (not an easy task in Mirendella for me!) I stayed out in front the whole race and was really pleased only to then found out I had missed a buoy – I didn’t know I had missed it so was very disappointed, this meant I got docked a lap.  Moto 2 soon seemed to come around and I was very nervous on the line. For some reason I didn’t get a good start, then took a swim and lost my goggles so a bit of a disaster moto for me – I finished 9th in this moto two.  Not a good day for me especially when I am not allowed to compete in Paris and therefore cannot choose which 3 motos to drop. I was very disappointed.  Saturday evening saw more fun on the dodgems though.

Sunday morning was my last moto – moto3.  I got a crackin start and led the race from start to finish – I did however take a little dive on the next to last lap and even I couldn’t believe how quickly I got myself back up and on track to take the win in Moto 3.  I could hear bell lady ringing her bell!! Sunday evening of course saw amazing fun on the dodgems until the early hours of the morning.  I had a great time xx

EJSBA round 2, Zanvoort, Holland (July 6,7,& 8th).

I have never raced in Zanvoort before but thought it would be like the JSRA round in Scarborough.  When we arrived the weather was terrible – it was sooooooo windy you could hardly walk.  We walked up to the sea front and just thought Oh No!!  The waves were massive with huge rollers.  Having sunk a ski before in the sea at Monaco it was a scarry thought.

On Friday morning at race directors Yves said that due to the severe weather conditions no one would be allowed out on the sea today – so it was a day sat around chatting.

On Saturday the sea was a little better but still very rough – it was fnally decided that ladies, novice and juniors were again not allowed out on the water for safety reasons.  So I could chill and watch the Pros race.  It was crazy racing!!

Sunday saw a calmer sea, although still rough and it was decided that this round would just be a two moto round and that round four would become a four moto round.

The hardest part was on the start line, it was just soooooo hard to hold the ski – mine rolled even with my dad, Garry and Aaron holding me. 

I hit a wave on the start and had an off but got back on and battled through the waves to finish ?  For moto 2 I had extra holders to dad - Garry and Aaron and it was still difficult, I took another swim on the course but then so did most people and finished 5 in moto 2.  As mad as it seems although it was really tough I enjoyed it.

This weekend we went over to Belgium to compete in their championship and had a great time.  On Saturday evening we all went ten pin bowling which was a good laugh.  The racing started at 10am Sunday morning and I entered two classes – we had 3 motos in each class so I had 6 motos to do all on Sunday!  The race site was very similar to Willen Lake so it was a big course.

It was good racing as I had top riders Lisa Barsby and Marina Urbain in my class.  I also loaned Emily Hart (199 racing) pinkie and she had a fantastic time – in one of the races she was in front of me and she was really difficult to get past – I think it took me 5 laps to pass her as she blocked me really well. Well done Emily and really glad you had fun.

I ended up third overall in the ladies with Lisa taking the win and Marina taking second.  Special well done to Matt who got some great race practice.

When we arrived at Scarborough on Friday evening we couldn’t see the sea because of the fog – yes its June!  We all thought Oh no but by Saturday morning everything was good. 

 We were racing on the sea on South Beach along with the Thundercats – it was their World Championships.

 I wasn’t really looking forward to this round as although I love riding on the sea I don’t like racing on it!!  I need more muscles!!!

 Just as I had thought it was tough out there, I found it really difficult.  The wakes kind of just took you where you didn’t want to go.  I had four difficult motos and wasn’t impressed with my placing but I managed to stay on so that was good.  I also had a couple of parts I enjoyed – I had a tough job trying to get past Kev Pope for a few laps but got there in the end and then in my last superstock race I took full advantage of an error by Lisa and she saw me so we both pinned it to the finishing line together – we had a good laugh about it afterwards.

The schedule was changed a little this weekend and because bad weather was forecast for the Sunday Jeremy – our race director decided we would do as many motos as possible on Saturday (except Ski Superstock as one of the riders was unable to attend on the Saturday).

So on the Saturday I had a Limited Moto.  It was like Stockton and a pontoon start.  My dad and friend Garry Smith held for me but I blipped the throttle and they just couldn’t hold me so I got my first ever hand on head! 

My very first hand on head penalty.

Lanyard in and time to go......come back here boys!

So with my hand above my head as everyone else left the start line I quickly got my lanyard in and set off chasing everyone!!  I was on a mission and I got myself up to fifth place and then set about having to get passed Kev Pope which I managed then for the next 6 laps I was chasing Josh Harvey trying to get myself into third – then on the last lap and just two buoys from the end I overtook Josh.  It was a hard race but I enjoyed it. That was the end of my racing for today so a good day.  Well done to Jason who was way out in front.

On Sunday the weather was better than we all thought it would be and we had a bit of a later start because we had done nearly all the first motos on Saturday.  In my second Ltd moto it was all going ok and I was in second place for the whole race despite Lee Wheeler being very hot on my tail for the entire time and then on the last lap I made a tiny error on my splitter, subbed a little and this allowed Lee to catch up even more and in the same place as I had taken Josh on our last moto Lee took me which meant I was down to third place – I wasn’t happy with myself but fair play and good racing from Lee.

In Superstock I had a brilliant start and I couldn’t believe it but I came out in second behind Luke Brooks.  Lee Wheeler was in third place and we held this position for about 8 laps and then I just caught a wake wrong on the back straight and I was off – at full speed too.  I couldn’t swim initially as I was winded but eventually I got back to my ski and rejoined the race.  I saw my dad and Garry calling me in but I wanted to finish the race so carried on!  They were just worried about me as it was a big spit off and I broke the peak on my helmet, lost my goggles, hit my face a little and ripped my race vest so think I looked a bit of a sight!  In Moto two I had a rubbish start and came out second to last so I had to try and set about trying to make up some places but that’s not easy.  I was chasing Josh Harvey who had loaned my other pinky for this race following a problem with his ski.  Also we only had a one race gap in-between Ski Ltd race and then Superstock so I was shattered.  Well done Josh you rode old Pinky well especially when you are so used to riding Kawi.  I think I finished Fifth in that race but not really sure.

Well done to Brooke too who also rode my pinky in Novice and had a brilliant start – that’s want we want to see Brooke, well done and good luck with all your exams.

Well done to Lisa, Jim and Aaron who all did really well at the Belgium round this weekend too.

Our next round should be loads of fun as it is on the sea at Scarborough on June the 7^th & 8^th……………so come along and see all the fun!

Well the weather this weekend was like a British winter round!!  I had a great weekends racing though.  This round I had a Limited Ski moto on the Saturday after practice and then 3 moto’s on Sunday.  I like having a race on the Saturday.  It was a good line up including no other than British, European and World Champion Lisa Barsby.  The weather was bad though – the wind was up and the water was choppy! Moto 1 was great for me…….I got a great start and hole shotted only to see the red flag!  Back to the start line…..and again I hole shotted, I couldn’t believe it.  I had Lisa behind me so knew I had a tough race.  The splitters were spot on so knew I couldn’t make one mistake or Lisa would be waving at me as she passed by me. Lisa is technically so good and is always fast. I really had to think the whole race through, at one stage a buoy came loose and I had to think really quickly what to do.  I did make one mistake coming up to the backmarkers and I took the wrong splitter though but fortunately Lisa had a dip too so although she made up ground on me I managed to hold on to my position (just).  What a good race.

On Sunday the weather was even wetter although the water wasn’t as rough.  Superstock was out first and I didn’t get a very good start but plodded on through the race having a good battle with both Jason and Lee which I really enjoyed. 

Jason & I coming out 2nd and 3rd from the hole shot splitters!

When I had my knock at Tatts I couldn’t go out in Superstock so I have missed a moto already but I still enjoy competing and racing with my friends.  In my Limited class I had pole position but unfortunately someone pushed me so not a good start for me!  I was doing ok in third then I just went too close to a buoy and hit it head on with my chest…..I went for a bounce!  I got back on my ski (after getting my breath back!) and started working my way through the pack as I was obviously in last place.  I had a great race and enjoyed working my way back up – I got myself into 8^th place so was really pleased.  In my final superstock race again I had a real good battle with Lee and got good practice getting past backmarkers in race conditions. 

 I would also like to say well done to the other Girl Power Riders this weekend…..  Brooke went out on Pinkie after blowing her ski……you rode really well Brooke, well done especially when you aren’t used to riding the HSR.  Also well done to

• Ria who got 2^nd in Open and Ist in 2 Stroke in Ltd Runabout
• Karen 9^th in Open and 3^rd in 2 Stroke in Novice Runabout
• Sam 6^th in Freestyle
• Sophie Childs got 2^nd in Open juniors and 1^st  in 2 Stroke Juniors
• Emily Got 4^th in Open and 3^rd in 2 Stroke Juniors
• Sophie Perrin got 2^nd in Novice Juniors and
• Lisa Barsby who won Ltd Ski and got third in Superstock on her HSR.

Thanks to all the Girl Power supporters too.

Think this sums up the weather at this summer round!

I really enjoyed the racing this weekend.  I ended up getting third on the day in Ltd and brought myself up the grid a little overall after my bump in round one at Tattershall. Not long to round 3 …..See you all there.

Corona Extra European Tour 2007 Round 1

Well round one of the 2007 European Tour started this weekend May 4^th, 5^th & 6^th in San Javier, Spain. I was really excited as quite a lot of Brits were going and it’s a long time too since I have seen my European friends …Valetine, Kevin, Nico, Laurent, Vicky etc…I also thought how lovely it will be to race in the sunshine…but at first the weather was very strange on the Thursday. It WAS hot and sunny then suddenly it began to rain, hail, even a hurricane was beginning to form. The Streets were flooding and then about 30 minutes later the sun was back out again. I thought it’s going to be fun here if the wind gets up and that sea gets rough!  It was lovely to see everyone and I was really looking forward to my racing.

 In the Europeans I am riding in the ladies class and I might ride some junior motos for race practice. I have a difficult job though because I am not old enough to ride in Paris and although you can drop your worst three motos this year I don’t have a choice which ones I can drop – I have to drop Paris.

 I got a brilliant start on my first moto and took the hole shot. I came out in first and defended my position for the whole race. I had a six second lead at one stage so I think this was probably one of my best races. It was tough but exciting.

Keeping tight on those bouys, this first place is mine!

In the afternoon the wind picked up and the sea was a lot rougher. My start was good but the two people next to me came to the right and pushed me way out but I kept the gas on. Two riders then collided at the hole shot buoy in front of me, fortunately I managed to avoid them. I came out in 5^th then I took Marie in the splitters and came out 4^th in that race. My last moto was the worst for me I was pushed so much on the start. I came out in 5^th and finished the race in the same position. I have learnt from this weekend I need to become stronger and definitely tougher.  I am very pleased though with a podium finish and really really pleased with my moto win especially as the heat was on me the whole race from both Julie and Stephanie who are both good fast riders. Most important it was a safe race and no one was injured and I had fun.  I look forward to seeing everyone in Holland at round two.

Louie Cooper and Jim Goodchild 'together' on the log jump

Quinten Bosche getting into girl power!

Ludo & Willy. Thanks Willy for the technical help for dad.

Dad & Skippy chilling after the races.

Valentine and I

Mum and old friend Mel and me.

This years racing started at Tattershall where the winter racing finished.  I have just been away on holiday so I haven’t been on my ski for a month so I was really looking forward to getting back on pinkie.

My Limited class start line up

We arrived at Tattershall straight from school on Friday so it was good to have chill out with everyone.  I didn’t have any racing on Saturday which meant I had four moto’s on Sunday and with only one race gap in-between.  This year I didn’t want to do Juniors as I want to push myself and do Limited and Superstock.  I don’t have a superstock ski but I am happy to ride my Limited in superstock as I am doing it for the experience.   

Me in action

My main class is Limited and as I thought I am the only lady in the class with all those men! Moto 1 in Ltd went good for me, I got a good start and raced a good race for me throughout coming through the chequers in second place – I just couldn’t catch Kev Pope on his twin pipe Kawi though.  It was a good race.  In Moto 2 I had the beginnings of a good race too and I was up there in 3rd position when suddenly a rider came into me, hitting my leg and causing me to come off my ski.  I tried to get back on and continue but my leg really hurt me (luckily I wear runabout leg guards after my last accident and they really saved me from further injury – I would recommend them to anyone, honestly they are brill). I think I got last place points in that Moto.

 In Superstock I was amazed that in moto 1 I finished 6^th against really good riders like Luke Brooks on his HSR 160 and Simon Gill on his Kawi-Doo.  However following my accident in Limited I decided I wasn’t in a fit enough state because of my leg to go out in Superstock as I really didn’t want to cause any more damage so I watched from the bank. It did upset me but I know its more important to look after my leg especially as I am off to Spain next week for the first of the European races.

Special good luck wishes to the Girl Power Racers....

Sophie Child  (18)

Emily Hart  (199)