GIRL racer Katie Gordon admits she is “proud” to be part of the groundbreaking ATPI FIM Women’s Speedway Academy.
The Knutsford kid will be the headline star of the event taking place at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester on August 4/5th.
Gordon, 18, became the first NORA British Women's Speedway Champion in an unofficial event at the Isle of Wight last year.
Now she will be a headline star of the ATPI FIM Academy and along with other entrants will have tuition from three-times World Champion Jason Crump and ex-British Champion Rory Schlein. Great Britain Speedway Team bosses Rob Painter and Vicky Blackwell plus new Premiership CEO and GP Race Director Phil Morris will also be there to give advice.
Gordon admits that it’s a huge milestone for women in the sport and has been given backing by big female names in motorsport including TV presenters Suzi Perry and Natalie Quirk.
On International Women’s Day, Gordon said: “It’s a massive moment for women in speedway. I’m so proud to be part of this milestone.
“I think it’s been building for a few years. I’ve definitely felt that people are realising that women deserve their place.
“Even just making progress in the British Youth Championship I think made people sit up and take notice that women can win races and compete with the guys.
“Then Celina Liebmann was given a wild card slot in the SGP2 last season and definitely didn’t look out of place.
“But like any sport, to get better we need the opportunities to improve. This ATPI FIM Women’s Academy is a brilliant new venture and I’m very grateful that the FIM have acknowledged our role in the sport.
“I firmly believe this is the start of something really big. Obviously I want to improve personally and my aim is to get a team spot eventually in the National League and Championship.
“But looking at the bigger picture, I just hope we can persuade more women to take up the sport and make a really bigger impact.”
BT Sport MotoGP presenter and broadcasting legend Suzi Perry also congratulated the FIM on the new Academy.
She added: “I am delighted to see this wonderful new venture. Women are now getting so many more opportunities and profile in sport.
“It’s fabulous that this is now happening in speedway. The talent is there and this platform can really help women progress to a higher level.”
Manchester-based Natalie Quirk, a BT Sport MotoGP reporter, added: “This is wonderful news. I firmly believe we can see women make huge strides in the sport.
“Katie Gordon has already proved she can mix it and win races on a youth level. With the backing of ATPI and top names in the sport, all the girls can really push on now.”
The event is open to riders from around the world and all abilities – from beginners to experienced riders aged 16 and above.
The two-day masterclass will cover all aspects of racing from on-track techniques, nutrition and physical preparation to machine maintenance and set-up.
Manchester-based company ATPI have backed the new Academy. CEO Ian Sinderson said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of such a groundbreaking moment for women in motorsport and world speedway. ATPI have been a company proud to seek diversity and inclusion in both business and sport.
“This is a wonderful addition to the speedway calendar. We have been a long supporter of eight-times FIM Women’s Trial World Champion Emma Bristow, this is another chapter in our backing of equality in sport.
“We are excited to partner the FIM Women's Academy at the National Speedway Stadium and anticipate a new era for the sport, starting in Manchester.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.