Podium place proves her power
Brentwood Park’s Janine Davies (25) made history over the weekend, as the first South African woman to compete in a national championship race for 1 000ccs, and as the first woman to achieve a podium place in the first round of the South African National Super GP Championship.
Participating in the SuperM class on a BMW S1000RR, in two races at Phakisa Freeway, Davies surprised everybody, including herself, by finishing in an overall third place.
Davies, who usually rides a 600cc, was competing for the first time on a 1 000cc machine.
“I was kind of scared going into the race, but also extremely excited,” she said.
“To be honest, I was just trying to achieve my 600cc time and never thought I would make podium.
“It was only on Saturday, when I qualified in fourth position, that I felt I could actually go on and make a podium.
“The bike was so amazing and it was great to ride a bike that is so comfortable and also such a lot of fun.”
The Benoni racer emerged the better from two excellent dices with young prospect Kyran de Lange, on a Triumph 675, and Teddy Brooke, on a Kawasaki ZX-10R, to get among the places.
“I must admit it was very hard work,” she said.
“It was not that straightforward; I really had to fight.”
When asked how it felt to be on the podium Davies said: “It was like a celebrity moment for me, and very exciting.
“I have gained an extra bit of confidence in my ability.”
Following this fantastic achievement Davies admits that the pressure is definitely on her to finish in the top three at every race.
The next round of SuperGP is scheduled for Redstar Raceway, in Delmas, on April 26 and 27.
