(Left to right) Motorcycling for Women (available in reprint). Nancy and Betty with Poncho
As we look back into the history of motorcycle racing, since motorcycling began over a hundred years have pasted. Throughout motorcycle racing mention that women have not only entered racing competitions ~ female racers have been making history and stamping their own mark on the profession, matching knowledge and riding agility, facing men on equal terms, smashing speeds and records in the process. Proving female racers are breaking all the stereotypes that women bikers are masculine and lacking skills to make it in a predominately mans world of racing.
Continuing with memorable female riders and moving forward into the mid 1920's, I would like to give worthy recognition to two notable ladies and whose names most of you may know ~ twin sisters Betty and Nancy Debenham, often noted as eccentric ladies of the time and sometimes nicked named the 'terrible twins'.
Betty and Nancy were a well-known pair of young adventurous lady motorcyclist, a subject of which they had proven to be hardy, tough, brave, knowledgeable and resilient motorcyclists in their own right and proved they were not just selected for their looks.
These two ladies were breaking all the masculine misconceptions. They were attractive and feminine, happy young ladies who entered trial competitions on equal terms with men in the 1920's and thoroughly enjoyed their motorcycling in both leisure and racing.
In 1926, Nancy won a Gold Medal at Brooklands Racetrack, and the two ladies showed that female motorcycle racing and leisure riding during the 1920's could be achieved while remaining stylish and comfortable in female biking attire. Although they were serious motorcyclists, Betty and Nancy never let racing get in the way of their sense of fun for touring on their motorcycles.
Along with their motorcycling, Nancy and Betty wrote a selection of knowledgeable articles on motorcycling in the golden inter-war period that reflects a golden period of recreational riding during the 1920's, when there were more motorcycles on the road than cars. At that time anyone could ride a motorcycle at 14 without passing a test or wearing a helmet.
For many years they were mentioned prominently in every issue of every English language motorcycle periodical, and at times referred to as the 'terrible twins'.
Their book 'Motorcycling for Women' published 1928, their enthusiasm and fun is visible throughout, while focussing on advice about touring aimed to promote motorcycling for women at a time when motorcycle sales had dropped due to the introduction of cheap manufactured cars.
Along with clothing tips for 'road girls' include the choice of headgear. Based on their experiences, and dated language there are some humorous tales such as sidecars coming adrift, running out of petrol, camping, boating and avoiding modern arterial roads in favour of lanes and by-ways. Many of the tips are still relevant today. Such as, start motorcycling with a smaller machine, and keeping fingernails clean by digging into a bar of soap prior to any dirty work, to their statement that 'road sense is a mixture of imagination and concentration'.
The two sisters were often photographed accompanied on their journeys by their little dog, Poncho, known to sometimes stow away in the sidecars and cars of strangers.
Nancy and Betty became poster girls for BSA motorcycles in 1927, giving women a view of independence and a cost effective mode of transport. And, it worked~ more women were taking to riding, to some it gave a sense of achievement on and off the race track.
Time to move forward to present day.
(Left to right)Charlotte and Maria Costello MBE (sponsor and friend) #17 Charlotte on track.
This month I chat with "one to watch" #17 Charlotte Marcuzzo, 16 year old racer from West Runton near Sheringham, along with her dad, Mack, as she shares her thoughts and enthusiasm on motorcycle racing and her hopes for the future.
How did you you first become interested in motorcycle racing?
"Charlotte has been around motorbikes from the day she was born so the interest started quite young," said her dad, Mack. "However, her mum wasn't too keen on her going on a bike to start with. For her 11th birthday I paid for her to do a motocross experience day. Which she was nervous and shy, but she did enjoy it."
Any significance to riding the number #17?
"Yes, Charlotte turned 16 on the 17th January, and we share the same birthday date, so that's why Charlotte runs #17 on the bike," Mack explained.
When did you start racing?
Not until May 2018. Before that I only did a few weekends during 2017, learning the basics on how to ride the bike. Training and practise tracks were (BMB) British Mini Bike tracks.
My first race was at Whilton Mill Kart Circuit with the BMBs. I rode the MiniGP pit bike as it was the closest looking bike to my dad's road bike. I was a bit nervous about being out on the track for the first time, but after my first race I never looked back.
I missed the first two rounds of the 2018 championship but still managed to finish the year 7th in the championship, and just one point behind 6th. As the year progressed I made my way to the sharp end of the racing. I wanted to race and to win before the 2018 season ended.
2018-2019 Winter Series. We decided to race the winter series championship to help hone my skills and to keep improving. I proved to be very competitive throughout the winter series and was able to take my first win in the first race of the winter series and backing it up with two more wins at the next round. I finished the winter series as Champion in my first full race championship.
The loss of the 2019 (BMB) British Mini Bike Championship - what happened?
In 2019 the goal was to compete in the British Mini Bike championship again to win the main championship title after the winter series. I proved to be a real force by taking the championship lead by the second round with two wins at Teeside race circuit. I stayed in the lead for the championship right till the last round, where unfortunately, I crashed out on another riders oil losing the championship to my friend, Lucca Allen, and ending the season as Vice Champion.
2019 brought changes?
During the 2019 season I took my ACU licence so that I could move onto bigger bikes and ride bigger circuits. The first big bike being my Kawasaki Ninja 300, which meant I could compete in the Bemsee Team Green Junior Super Sport Championship.
It was our main goal to compete for the MiniGP Championship in the British Mini Bike Club. My first race weekend with Bemsee was at Cadwell Park in April 2019, and I finished 5th in two races and 3rd in two races. The time of bigger bike was for me to get up to speed and comfortable and ready for the move up in 2020.
Due to commitments on the MiniGP I only took part in 4 of the 9 Bemsee rounds. and even after competing in the 4 rounds I finished 9th overall in the Bemsee series. A real achievement after such limited amount of time on the big bike.
First time at Donington Park?
During the 2019 season I was very proud to take part in the first No Limits Ladies Race at Donington Park. This was for charity and I was on track with 33 other ladies on bikes. All bikes ranging from 1000cc, 600cc, 500cc, 400cc and 300cc. It was my first time ever at Donington Park and I manged to finish 17th overall. With only one other female on a 300 in front of me who was on a BSB Spec R3 300 with 10bhp more power and far more experience. A real achievement.
Taking lessons with Dean Ellison - What experience did you gain from that?
In 2020 we went to Spain at the beginning of the year to get more time on the bike, practice and to test the bike. I also had some one-to-one lessons with Dean Ellison former BSB racer. I took a giant step forward in my confidence and ability after my lessons.
Bemsee Team Green Junior Sport Championship - 2020 new season start for you?
I started the season really well with two 4th places and two 5th places at the first round. But Covid19 put a halt on racing until later in the year. So, I only raced part of the season as Bemsee only got to run 5 of the 9 rounds.
Once racing restarted there was only 4 rounds, and I remained consistent and finished within top 8 every race. It was on the very last round where I had my first big crash. I happened at a very fast part of the Brands Hatch circuit in the first race of the weekend. Not being put off by the crash I went out in the next race and finished 6th, followed by a 4th and the last race of the season and in very difficult conditions I reached a podium in 3rd place.
I finished the championship in 6th place out of 18 riders and the only female on the grid in my class.
I was also the 300 rider, all 5 of the riders that finished in front of me in the championship were on the new Kawasaki 400. Although they run the same BHP the 400 is a better bike and has better engine torque making it very difficult for the 300 riders to keep with. My bike was getting a bit old, and was at least 5 years old. During the short 2020 season I managed to take part in the No Limits Ladies Race again, this time Cadwell Park circuit. Again, the racing was against all sorts of race bikes and CC's. By the end of the race I managed 7th out of the 28 ladies that finished behind BSB JSS racer Chloe Jones on her powerful R3 and my good friend Katie Hand, also on a BSB Spec R3. To compete I had to run a lower powered bike as this was a requirement to compete in the Team Green Bemsee Championship.
It was while I was competing in the Ladies Race I was spotted by our now team sponsor, ScenePRo Forensics. With their support and sponsorship we have now managed to get a 400 Kawasaki for me so I am now able to move into a new Championship 2021.
What has been you biggest challenge so far in racing?
Building my confidence and having self belief that I am as good as the guys I race against. I doubted myself at first, but dad has always believed in me and has given me the confidence to believe in myself.
How do you feel as a female competing in a mostly male dominated sport?
No different. I feel equal to the boys and I don't think my gender makes any difference. I go out there to beat everyone I can on track.
How did you get to meet Maria Costello?
Maria saw a post on social media that Lissy Whitmore and I were riding at Mallory Park. It was our first time on the big bikes on a big track, other than the ACU licence test day. Maria came down to see us and we have been supported by her ever since. She has been more involved recently with helping us getting more sponsorship. Maria has also to me to be more proactive with social media to try and promote myself. Maria has also helped me by telling me to believe in myself, and that girls are just as capable as boys. And I would like to thank Maria Costello MBE for all her support and mentoring over the past two years.
What is your favourite circuit and why?
Cadwell, because how technical it is. Snetterton because it's fast and flowing and enjoy slip streaming other riders.
How often do you train normally?
One day on and one day off.
How has the past year influenced your training?
Well, due to Covid19 I have had to work on my fitness at home using my cycling machine, going running and HIIT training.
What has been the most exciting moment so far?
Winning for the first time on my MiniGP bike and winning the Winter Championship. Weirdly, I was also excited when I had my first big crash on my Ninja 300 in the last round of the Bemsee.
As a racer yourself who is it you would most like to meet?
Anna Carrasco, Valerie Thompson Rossi and Valentino Rossi.
(Left to right) Dad and Mum
Would you say your parents have been supportive in your pursuit to race?
My parents have been there for me right from the word go. They have supported me and paid for all my racing. It's dad that has always taken me racing. He has only ever missed one race meeting when I was racing the MiniGP as he was away on holiday for his 50th birthday with friends. My dad does everything, from prepping and painting the bike, organising the team, taking me to track days for practice in between meetings. Promoting me, and trying to get sponsors onboard. The list is very long and he takes care of it all for me.
Plans for the future?
Thundersport GP3 Junior Cup Championship 2021.
For 2021 it is our goal to get me to the front of the new championship, and to be the top female racer in the championship. This will be a tough year as there is meant to be nine other females on the grid racing along with all the boys and the grid will be full. We are looking forward to the challenge ahead and as much success as we can achieve.
About the bike for 2021?
The 400 Kawasaki was previously raced by Ash Barnes, winning him the Team Green Bemsee Championship on it. So I know the bike is a good platform for me to compete on.
What about sponsors for 2021?
My first sponsor other than dad was a lady call Valerie Thompson who saw a post dad posted on Twitter, and Valerie contacted us and sponsored me for the past two years. Valerie holds the 2-wheeled land speed record in the United States, and is known as the 'Queen of Speed'. She is a real inspiration. Valerie is still setting land speed records now. DRC Race Leathers have come onboard fully this year and have also supported me from the start of my racing.
Sponsors for the year?
DRC Race Leathers
ScenePro Forensic's
Valerie Thompson 'Queen of Speed' and personal sponsor
FWR Tyres
NGK (Maria Costello MBE organised this for me)
Rock Oils (Maria Costello MBE organised this for me)
Palmer Performance Engine Builders
Track Electronics (set up the bike engine)
Helmet City (provide helmet at cost)
If there are any businesses that would like to become part of the team and support #17 Charlotte's Journey, please get in touch.
Twitter ~ @CAM_racing17
Facebook Charlotte Marcuzzo
Instagram ~ charlottemarcuzzoracing