Fastest female climbs the Mountain, then tackles BSB
Carli Ann Smith meets racer and Isle of Man TT record holder, Jenny Tinmouth, just before this year’s event to find out more about her experiences on the Island.
Jenny currently holds the record as the fastest female around the legendary Mountain course, an accolade she gained during her first TT in 2009, and then went on to break again the following year with an average lap speed of a whopping 119.9455mph – to be precise.
She’s the first female to have raced in the British Superbike Championship – she joined the premier class in 2011 – and is currently part of the Honda Racing team alongside team mates Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran aboard the Superbike-spec Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
The Isle of Man still has a place in her heart: “I will be over at the TT this year but I won’t be racing – we’ve decided to just concentrate on the BSB this season. I haven’t raced over there for a few years – it’s quite nice not having the pressure of knowing I’mgoing out on the circuit, as I can enjoy myself and experience the event from the other side. There’s always a great atmosphere.”
Jenny’s no stranger to setting herself challenges, and cites this as one of the reasons she got into motorcycle racing. “I just loved riding my bike. I passed my test when I was 17 and was into motorsport. I enjoyed watching racing on TV and going to see it at my local circuit – Oulton Park. I don’t think there was just one reason why I wanted to start racing; I guess it was because it looked like something hard to do and combined a number of things that I enjoyed – riding a bike and challenging myself – so it seemed like a good idea. Plus I’ve always been a speed freak anyway, and I love getting the adrenaline rush that racing offers.”
It was this sense of determination that made her set sights on the landmark Isle of Man TT race. “It’s a big event and I knew it would be such a personal challenge– it’s just one of those things that you have to do. It’s mentally and physically challenging – its ace, it’s just awesome. You’re legally thrashing round the road like a hooligan – that’s definitely part of the appeal!”
Lining up on the start line with the other competitors and knowing what you’re about to do must be a nerveracking experience – even for the most experienced riders. With average laps more than 100mph on public roads, with hedgerows and spectators just feet away, is it possible to describe the feeling? “It’s an excited nervousness if that makes sense? You’re really excited about what you’re about to do but nervous at the same time. When you’re out on the track you need a huge amount of focus to get yourself around the course. For me, it’s the ultimate buzz – it’s just brilliant.”
After setting so many firsts for women in motorsport, but keeping her feet firmly on the ground, many – both female and male – see Jenny as an inspiration. But who does she look up to? “There’s a few – I really like Formula 1 racing and I admired Ayrton Senna and his racing ethos. I was a big fan of the British Superbikes too so I liked when it was Chris Walker, Neil Hodgson and John Reynolds – that sort of era.”
So, what’s next for a lady who has achieved so much? “I don’t really know! It’s so hard to try to plan ahead. For now I am just enjoying this season and trying to do the best I can. BSB was a really big thing for me, and something I really wanted to do. So, to ride in the Championship with this calibre of team is a huge achievement and something that I never thought was possible, so I’mjust revelling in the moment and enjoying it!”
For those wanting to start racing, she’s got some great advice: “Just get in and never give up. There will be times when you think it’s too hard and you can’t do it, but if you feel like giving up – just don’t. Keep cracking on and it will come good.”
The Isle of Man TT takes place from May 30 to June 12. For more information, visit www.iomtt.com. Check out www.britishsuperbike.com for information on where you can see Jenny in action racing in the British Superbike Championship.