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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
FAST-RISING Zimbabwe female Superbike rider Jessica Howden met with mixed fortunes during the South African National Championship race meeting at Aldo Scribante Circuit in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.

The 15-year-old rookie rider, who is now part of one of South Africa’s top motor racing teams, Monroe Racing Team, fell while “dicing for the lead” of the AMSC 300 race much to her disappointment.

According to Howden’s trainer at Monroe Racing Team, Vic Rich, the team travelled to Port Elizabeth to compete in the support race of the South African National Championship.

“Jessica Howden from Zimbabwe represented us aboard the Yamaha 300. The class she entered was mostly bigger cc machines and focus was to use this outing to gain further experience on a new circuit.

‘‘Jessica immediately raised eyebrows by qualifying in 2nd position out of 20 motorcycles for the up-coming races.

“The bigger machines had the advantage from take off on the first heat which saw Jessica fight for 8th place in the first corner.

“(In) the next two laps Jessica managed to climb to second, but a bit of over enthusiasm while challenging for the lead saw her touching the leader’s rear wheel causing her to crash out. (She was) a bit disappointed obviously but crucial lessons learnt.

“This coming weekend we travel to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where Jessica has entered two classes aboard two different size machines,” Rich said from his base in Johannesburg yesterday.

Monroe Racing Team also gave Howden a pat on the back despite her misfortune in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.

“If there was ever a team member we have ever been proud of, that’s our very own Jessica Howden.

‘‘Entered into the regional class aboard the Monroe Yamaha 300 and with most locals aboard various 1000cc machines, Jessica proceeded to place her 300 Yamaha in 2nd position for the first heat.

‘‘(In) the first 4 laps the positions changed from 1st to 8th and back to 2nd, but over enthusiasm going for gold, Jess touched the leader’s wheel resulting in a fall.

“The normal medical checks have to be carried out in hospital, but unfortunately she ran out of time to return and repair a not so damaged bike for the second heat.

‘‘Jessica raised some eyebrows with her pace which essentially would place her in top 5 of National racing. In-between a host of autographs and new fans crowding the pit to chat, Jess took it all in with a smile. Three days, 150 laps and times to be proud of, Jess can hold her head high amongst the fastest in SA.

“Well done Jess, and special thanks to all the support from all over SA and abroad. We think it’s official to say, we have a star in the making! Special thanks to Zante Otto, Nicole van Aswegen and all sponsors on this journey with us,” Monroe Racing Team posted on their Facebook wall on Sunday.

One of South Africa’s top female Superbike riders Zante Otto also backed Howden to comeback stronger during this coming Saturday’s National Championship series in Bulawayo.

Howden is the daughter of veteran Zimbabwean motor racing driver, Ian Howden, and she has only been riding since early June this year.