Member Profile 2005 Racer Molly

Name: Molly Gower Date of Birth: 13^th Dec 19?? Home Town: Biggleswade Height: 5’ 2”

Race bike: SV650, GSX R1000

Race series: Mini-twins, Powerbike

Comments:

I’m a XX year old divorced racing mother with three grown up children. Some of my friends think its dead cool that I race but others think I’m nuts. Some of my family don’t like it but my niece has my racing pictures plastered on her wall. My other niece has decided to take up bike riding to be like her cool aunty.

I think the thing my family and friends hate the most about me racing is me crashing. Yes, I’ve had quite a few high speed crashes but luckily I haven’t really hurt myself. This grandmother is a bouncing babe. I see crashing as part and parcel of racing, if you aren’t crashing you ain’t trying. I can honestly say that crashing hasn’t put me off. It’s made me a little more cautious for about 5 err seconds.

I’m a little bit rusty not having raced last season but I’m sure that as soon as I get back on the track it will be like…er riding a bike. It will be great if I could achieve a podium or two or three or more but it will be tough. I’m not getting any younger…right? After all I’m nearly 14½ now.

I’m fairly sure I can get on the pace quite quickly and will probably do a few training session throughout the winter to get up to speed. My first priority is to get my National licence and I only need a signature or two for that. I’m determined not to let the girls down and hopefully join them on the podium. No room for blokes there.

Profile:

Molly was hewn out of the rugged mountains of the Rhondda Valley and grew up in the South Wales Valleys. During her teenage years, road racing was just that, naughtily racing on the road with road bikes such as the Triumph Tiger Cub and the awesome [then] Triumph Bonneville. On her way to gaining her PhD in Computer Sciences Molly did an apprenticeship as a machine tool engineer with a company that sponsored her through university. The most remarkable thing about her apprenticeship was the bike racers she met. A fellow worker in this small family firm was no other than Malcolm Uphill who won both the 350cc & 500cc Manx Grand Prix and was eventually awarded Freedom of Caerphilly.

Molly’s work career took off when she became the Technical Director of Commodore Computers and then Managing Director of Spectrum Computers. She was head hunted by giant LG Electronics and became the CEO of Europe. Up until two years ago she was CEO of the Fountain Group based in New York, LA and London, turning over several $billion. A lot of money, even in those days. She is now a member of the CNA International Think Tank and a Management Consultant and has far too much time on her hands.

Molly has ridden many different bikes ranging from her old James Villers 125 to her current GSX R1000 road bike. Molly likes the odd stunt [the odder the better, ed.] and her riding style tends to be on the aggressive side. She has also raced the Death Valley dune bikes. On the track she loved the old GSX R600's and as someone from Team Suzuki put it, "If you were younger, you may have had potential". Charming.

Dr. Molly lists her two most valuable qualifications as her City and Guilds in Welding and his 25-yard swimming certificate, stating that the former can save her money and the latter, her life.

Bizarrely enough, Molly is listed in "Who's Who in the World" - the Citation reads "For outstanding achievements of lasting benefit to mankind". In actual fact, it was for the Research and Development work Molly did in the early 80's on laser-based systems and the development of the first multimedia system.

Two seasons ago Molly did a full season in the KRC UK Endurance championships with a best result of 4^th in class (Class “D”) There’s so much talent out there, I raced against the likes of Mike Edwards, Davey Wood and Gary Haslam, they are so good it makes me think that I’m not very good at it but I do enjoy it. I’ve had quite a few big crashes but luckily walked or crawled away from them all.

Interview:

How long have you been biking?

Thirty Five Years (I know) but I didn’t pass my bike test until Jan 2000 even though I had my ACU licence for what seems like donkey years. I even had to do a CBT and was told off for leaning a GS125 around bends. I passed my DAS and promptly bought a Fireblade which I found a bit tame. I now abuse a GSX R1000 on the roads.

What inspired you to start racing?

I was racing dirt bikes on illegal tracks as a 15 year old then someone told me I should take it up properly so I did.

I started racing back in the late 60’s on dirt tracks around Merthyr Tydfil and gained a reputation for being a “nutter” winning several races by hook or by crook. I had a 2^nd and a 3^rd at Aberdare Park races. I was then in and out of racing for many years doing mostly dirt track racing but decided about ten years ago to join the New Era. I did win an invitation race at Cadwell Park one year then got 2 seconds and third. I then raced a GSXR600 off and on for a few seasons recording a second at Mallory Park once in the wet but then finishing mostly middle back of the pack

What are your ambitions?

Not to crash too often and to finish the season in one piece with a few trophies in my cabinet and to do Feisty Racing Proud. I feel so honoured to be in the team.

Who do you look up to in racing?

Mike Edwards and Davey Woods and all the privateers in the BSB. I also admire Chris Walker. Many years ago I was practicing at Mallory Park and was in the same Pit as Chris Walker and decided to follow him out just to see how long I could keep up with him. He didn’t even seem like he was trying but I thought I was going to die. Back in the pit I was sweating like a sweaty thing and he wasn’t even hot. I panted out “Chris you look fast just standing there”. He laughed. Actually he’s a very nice man.

The people I respect the most in racing are the marshals, they do a fantastic job and it’s a great comfort knowing that they are looking after you. Take a bow, you deserve it.

What do you do in your spare time?

I play lead guitar and sing in a band. I’m an astronomer. I teach stunts to blokes who usually ask me not to tell their mates. I like spending time with my grandchildren. I like running and keeping fit.

Who's your favourite racing hunk?

Without a doubt Frankie Chili, he’s absolutely flipping gorgeous. SWOON. Did I tell I like Chili? SWOON again.

Anything else which is relevant?

Just really want to say thanks to everyone who is helping me out, it means a lot to have so much support and I don’t think I could do this without those people (they know who they are), you’ve all been great and I hope I can do you all proud! Let’s Go Feisty!!