Shanklin resident Steph Whitlock won’t have far to travel far to take part in this season’s NORA British Ladies Speedway Championships at Smallbrook.
Visitors to Smallbrook will be familiar with Steph because if she is not on track twisting the throttle with the Wightlink Wizards, she will probably be helping her mum and dad selling Warrior merchandise in the club’s track shop.
Being a woman in what is regarded as a man’s sport has also generated some unexpected interest as she has featured on several radio broadcasts and podcasts as well as being the highlight article in a Polish speedway magazine.
Meetings being staged on 27-year-old Steph’s home circuit is certainly a terrific advantage and clearly makes her one of the pre-tournament favourites. With support from fiancé Zac as well as all the Smallbrook regulars, it would be fitting if the local lass ended up with some silverware.
Steph Whitlock has said:
“Blame mum and dad for my speedway interest. When we lived on the mainland, Arena was our closest track, but when we moved to the Island it was only natural that we went to Smallbrook. Our family involvement grew over time and when Barry (Bishop) and Martin (Widman) re-launched the Warriors in 2016 and introduced the training school My First Skid (MFS), I just had to have a go. I fit this in around my day job as a Duty Manager for Southern Co-op.”
“I’m really looking forward to the meetings and racing against some other fantastic ladies. I’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice between now and July, so will be ready to go.”
