Your bike? Kawasaki ZXR250C, Kawasaki ZX-7R and Honda CBR400RR Race Bike
Why these machines? My first sports bike was a Kawasaki ZXR250 and I loved the look of them, everything else looked outdated. I then upgraded to the 7R because they weren't common but were known for their amazing handling. The CBR just came at the right time at the right price. I originally wanted a ZXR400 to race but I'm not complaining. The CBR has proven itself to be a fantastic handling bike, and is very reliable.
Why did you become a biker? My dad has been biking for most of his life. When I was younger I started going on the back with him to see what the fuss was about and I soon realised that's what I wanted.
Did you take rider training? Yes, I took a lesson with the Irish School of Motoring before I got my first bike. Then I took a course with Easy Rider Training before I sat my full driver's licence test. Since then I've passed the Hibernian Ignition Course for Bikes.
What does your insurance cost? For just the ZXR250 it is €1,749 third party and for just the ZX-7R it's €4,749, third party. Both quotes are with AON as Carole Nash keep making different excuses and won't quote me on the ZX7R.
Was there any family resistance to your racing? At first yes, but not anymore. Obviously my mum was freaked when I got my first bike, but over time she's accepted that it's a major part of my life. She hasn't totally accepted that I race yet though. She came down for my first ever race in Mondello Park but couldn't stand to stay the full day, and I haven't been able to entice her down since.
Do you worry about your survival as a racer? Every time I put the helmet on I think about what could happen. It doesn't matter how good a rider you are, or how aware you are, you can still be taken off by "someone who didn't see you". All I can do is more training and hope for the best that nothing serious will happen.
Had any accidents? Yes. I've had my fair share. The first one was on a ride out with the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club and that was just down to inexperience. The front wheel slid on gravel and down I went. On the second there wasn't much I could do. I was down a country road and came across gravel. The front wheel washed out and both the bike and I slid down the road. The third accident was a bit more serious. I was coming home from work one day and I was t-boned by someone coming out of a garage not looking where he was going. I tore most of the ligaments in my left leg but it didn' t keep me off the bike for too long. I've only had one serious accident on the track.
At the end of summer last year I was at a track day getting pictures taken for an article in the Bike Buyers Guide when I high-sided and landed heavily on my head and left shoulder. Next thing I knew I was in Naas General hospital with a broken collarbone and bad concussion. As soon as that healed, I was back out again.
Any tips for survival? Do as much training as you can, stay aware, keep your distance from other cars and give yourself lots of time.
What's your dream bike? A World Superbike spec Kawasaki ZX-10R race bike.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ray Kerr from BikerTagz and Ned Gaynor from Bikerbazaar for all their support and sponsorship during the 2005 race season. Your help is greatly appreciated.
- PATRICIA WESTON