Carolynn Sells: first woman to win at IOM

On the last day of racing at the Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix I went to watch the Senior race at Signpost Corner. This was in the front yard of a residence owned by Martin Bullock. He and Paul Morrissey are well known sponsors at the Isle of Man, including Australian, Graeme McGregor. Whilst there I was introduced to Carolynn Sells who was busy trying to handle and contain her three children. She is the only woman to have won a race at the Isle of Man which she did in the Manx Grand Prix Ultra-Lightweight 2009 on a FZR400 Yamaha, owned by Paul Morrissey. Her race time was 1.25.24.51 at an average speed of 106.22 and a full minute ahead of the second place getter on a 650 Suzuki. There were 55 riders to finish in that race which is no doubt an incredible feat for any rider. I made a comment that having three children no doubt slowed her down a bit. Her reply was that she rode in an endurance event late last year in which she had just passed her partner Roger, and shortly afterwards fell off in front of him, which was rather embarrassing. See you next issue, Pete