SCOTLAND’s first all-female sidecar racing team were on the track at East Fortune over the weekend – including the niece of an East Lothian sporting legend.
The team of Yvonne Davidson, from Drem, and her co-pilot Mary Grant, from Aberdeenshire, took to the county track for Saturday’s newcomers event to gain their Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) road race licenses.
Davidson is the niece of Pencaitland’s legendary World Sidecar champion the late Jock Taylor.
The pair underwent practical tests on Friday evening, before they completed laps of the county circuit the following day to get their licenses.
Davidson told Courier Sport being able to race in sidecar events this season was “a dream come true”.
“It is something we’ve always wanted to do but life took over a bit, but we’ve been really lucky and we’ve had a lot of support from people to help us,” she said.
“We are hoping to compete in all seven rounds of the Scottish Championship.”
The 51-year-old also revealed how her long-term friendship with 44-year-old Grant would stand them in good stead for the season ahead.
She said: “We’ve known each other for years – we grew up in the paddock. Mary’s mum, Helen Ross, was a sidecar passenger.
“We’re like sisters really and that is a massive help. You’ve got to be on the same page when you’re racing.”
Davidson said they would miss the season opener at Knockhill in Fife and added: “We had a few problems on Saturday night so we’re in the process of rebuilding the engine.
“We rely on help from mechanics but we’re keen to learn all the time – we’re not afraid of getting our hands dirty.”
Their first race together is set to be at Knockhill at the end of next month.
Davidson thanked all their sponsors, but encouraged anyone who would like to get in touch to visit their Team DT Facebook page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here