The first ever British Championship for female speedway riders has certainly got tongues wagging within the racing fraternity and one of the first ladies to be confirmed in the line-up is Taya Thirtle who will be 18 when the championship series starts later in the summer.
Based in Norwich, speedway has always been a part of Thirtle family life, with regular visits to the Kings Lynn circuit a treat for young Taya still in her pushchair – even then pointing at the riders saying, ‘I want a go’ and it wasn’t long before that wish became a reality as she clambered aboard a motorcycle at the age of four!
The ability to be at one with a two wheeled machine has developed over the years as have her skills on the shale speedway circuits. Ever willing to learn, opportunities to practice and compete have seen Taya taking to tracks as far apart as Glasgow (one of her favourites) and the Isle of Wight where she was particularly impressive last summer. As a female she has recorded several ‘firsts’ most notably the first female rider to race at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester and that was followed up with a very successful amateur summer series in Kent.
Taya is certainly one to watch in the NORA British Championship as she said, “I just can’t wait for the season to get going and to make more progress. My family and sponsors, especially Alan Critcher, are so excited. I really do want to do them proud. This new British Championship is fantastic for all the female racers, and we have to say a big thank you to NORA and the promoters on the Isle of Wight for making it happen. I’m sure the meetings will be a true test of our ability and serve up some great entertainment for the fans as the matches fall in the middle of the holiday season. I had great fun racing on the Island last year and we were treated so well - it will be marvellous to go back.”