Ashleigh in fast lane in race for Compact Cup
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ASHLEIGH Morris is on track to notch up her best season in the Scottish BMW Compact Cup.
Approaching the halfway mark of the 2016 season, the Reay racer is currently ninth in the standings against her 25 male rivals.
Despite being the only woman competitor, that is forgotten about as soon as she gets behind the wheel and lines up on the starting grid, where everyone is seen as a racer.
But she is proud that in a male-dominated competition, she is making her mark for female motor racing and gaining a reputation as one of the top drivers in Scotland.
The 24-year-old health physics surveyor said: “It’s not really a major deal because I work mostly with men at Dounreay and I’ve been in the competition for three years so I have got used to it.
“It is not something that puts me up or down to be honest, once you’re on the race track and behind the steering wheel, you forget that you’re surrounded by men.
“There have been women in the past who have competed but I am the only one this year.
“I am not saying it is hard for women to get into motor sport, but I would like to think I have showed there is nothing to stop anyone doing what they want to do.
“Everyone thinks because motor racing is so male dominated, women can have a hard time breaking through but to be honest, I have never experienced that.”
Miss Morris started competing in the championship three years ago after being inspired to take up motor racing after a track session at the Knockhill circuit in Fife with British Touring Car champion Gordon Sheddon.
With help and advice from him, she gradually got into the racing scene and she now has become a regular driver in the Compact Cup.
"My Dad used to compete in sprint and hill climbs.
"But it wasn't until I took part in a racing session at Knockhill in 2013 that I decided to get behind the wheel competitively.
"After practising on the track with Gordon Sheddon, I was hooked on motor racing and I haven't looked back."
The competition consists of 16 rounds which take place over eight race meetings.
Seven of the meetings are held at Knockhill between April and October with one round taking place at Donington Park in Leicestershire during July.
All cars which compete in the competition are based on the BMW 318ti Compact model.
The Compact Cup is currently one of the fastest growing championships in British motor racing and its rules and regulations are designed to give cars of equal performance leading to close, competitive racing.
Last year, Morris finished 13th overall but was unfortunate during the season when she was forced to retire during two races and crashed on the final day of the season.
“I had a bit of bad luck last year, as there was two races when the car packed up and in my last race I had an accident,” she said.
“But I also had my best result ever at Donington Park and I am looking forward to going there again during the season."
Motor racing is not a cheap sport with Morris having to shell out a four figure sum every year travelling to competitions and keeping her car in tip-top condition.
Being based in Caithness, she also has to use up her holidays to compete in the circuit and to ensure she can progress her career.
She said: “Being based in Reay does have an effect on preparation and personal life as it eats into my annual leave.
“Some of the competitors are only five minutes away from Knockhill where as I am five hours away.
“If I want to do a track day I need two and a half days off to compete."
But thanks to backing she has received through sponsorship from a number of companies in Caithness, she’s living her sporting dream.
“It is an expensive sport, but the sponsorship I have had is unbelievably appreciated.
“You’re talking around quite a few thousand pounds to compete every year, but my sponsors have been brilliant and I couldn’t have done what I have without their help.”
With the support of her parents, Cammy and Yvonne, she has had a new car built which has led to better results on the track.
She feels with how she has driven so far, she is in the fast lane to secure her best ever season.
“ I am looking for at least a place in the top 10," she said.
"Over the winter we have built a brand new car in a bid to improve my performances from 2015.
“I am pleased with how I have competed so far and my lap times are faster than last year.
"I am driving a better car and I am a more confident racer than I have ever been."
