She who is powerful, or something like that.
They say if you want to make a small fortune in racing, start with a big one - so I started with nothing but a name, Sekhmet.
It’s been a while and a lot has happened since we last spoke. I miss writing to you. I miss sharing my thoughts and life lessons and all the things I wish I’d learned sooner. So let me fill you in - I started a world championship motorcycle racing team, because there must be something wrong with me. They say if you want to make a small fortune in racing, start with a big one - so, I went one further, and started with nothing.
Starting from scratch has its perks - theoretically, there's not much at stake. In reality, all you've got is an idea, your most precious possession. Let's be real, I'm still not fully equipped. But I've come a long way from square one. Now, I've got a team. A team I'm proud of. Next month, we hit the testing grounds, and let me tell you, I'm feeling every emotion imaginable as we kick off what promises to be an epic journey. One for the ages.
It all started with spite, I'll admit it. When I get fed up with the world's nonsense or the idiocy of certain individuals, spite kicks in. But here's the thing: I've learned to channel that spite and anger into something productive. I've turned it into new ventures, keeping myself occupied, albeit exhausted, yet ultimately content and satisfied. Sure, I still have my moments of self-doubt, but I remind myself that the glass is always half full. And when it seems a bit less than that, I grab a smaller glass. That way, it's closer to the brim. There's no room for emptiness in what I'm striving to achieve here.
Sekhmet Racing came to life one Sunday morning over coffee with a friend, around 8 am. It was that simple. The idea sparked when I casually mentioned, "I should start a team!" My friend likened me to Sekhmet, an ancient Egyptian goddess, and in that moment, Sekhmet Racing was born.
Truth be told, I had no clue who Sekhmet was at the time of that conversation. But as I delved into her story, I found profound resonance in my friend's words. Sekhmet, known as "she who is powerful," was born from fire. She embodied fierceness, yet also kindness. The more I learned about her, the more I saw parallels with myself, or at least aspects of me.
I reached out to various contacts in the motorcycle racing world, seeking advice and insights. Through these connections, I eventually found my business partner, DB. For some reason or another, he saw the potential in my idea and believed in it wholeheartedly. Reflecting on the past 10 months, I realise that where we stand now wouldn't have been possible without his contribution.
What he brings to the table is something I've come to realise I desperately need: structure. Moreover, together, we've worked on defining our values, which have always been a priority for me. It's this collaborative effort that has propelled us forward and brought us to where we are today.
They might seem straightforward, but holding oneself accountable to the standards they set is perhaps one of the toughest challenges humans face. When we fall short, it's a struggle to muster the courage to try again. Yet, even in failure, I find solace in returning to my values and pushing forward. What makes this journey rewarding is that it's no longer just about me; it's about my team.
Recently, I had a profound realisation. Meeting a little girl named Julia at The Circuit of the Americas made me understand the significance of what we're doing. Julia, no more than 5 or 6 years old, was introduced to me by her proud father. He commended our team and expressed how meaningful it was to expose his daughter to the myriad of possibilities, even at such a young age. Oh, and she is Pecco’s #1 fan!
Talk about pressure, huh? But it's a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly.
When it comes to building wealth, whether big or small, time is your most valuable asset. Your idea holds worth, and even if you're not yet where you want to be, stay dedicated and focused. The only barriers between you and your aspirations are the lessons you've learned and those still to come. Mistakes are inevitable; they're part of the journey. But from those missteps, you gain a keen eye for detail and insights you might have missed before.
Sekhmet began as nothing more than a concept, and now it's a reality. We're still in the process of securing sponsorships, aiming to be one of the few teams competing in the inaugural Women's Motorcycling World Championship with 2 gifted and talented motorcycle racers. What's truly inspiring is that we're surrounded by like-minded individuals who share our vision for the championship: a platform for racing. Sexism and skepticism? We're not here for that. We're here to vie for a world championship title and set an example for young people to admire, support, and learn from. Love us or hate us, at least we're out here making it happen. And to think it all started with a simple coffee conversation one Sunday morning — that's pretty cool.
Have I struck it rich yet? Ha! Definitely not. But my values are unwavering, my drive is relentless, and I continue to connect with those who share our mission, one day at a time. Our venture is too compelling to be overlooked. I know people are watching, some waiting for us to stumble. That's to be expected. But if we're going to challenge stereotypes and rewrite the narrative, we need that doubt. After all, no great story is complete without a good fight.
And I've got to throw it out there. Let's not overlook the fact that yours truly isn't just running a race team. I’m the Managing Director of a digital media and marketing agency, PHNX — another role that I wouldn't have imagined for myself five years ago. In fact, back then, I would've scoffed at the idea of working in an agency again and sworn it off. Funny how things change, isn't it?
Our team and agency have experienced a remarkable synergy as we've gradually expanded. It's gratifying to attract clients who view us as a gateway to new audiences, leveraging motorcycle racing as our driving force. Audiences are abundant; it's all about cultivating them. I can't help but envision the impact the Women's World Championship will have in bringing forth a fresh and engaged fanbase to the sport — an opportunity for brands to rethink their approach to audience engagement and the demographics they wish to reach. Data excites me; it's the key to unlocking new possibilities - matched only by a clear mission and values.
Motorcycle racing is a global enterprise, extending reach to every corner of the globe. That's what makes it so compelling; it epitomises a truly global sport. It transcends borders and language barriers, making it accessible to all. I can only imagine the influence it has on manufacturers worldwide. And let's not forget, we're not Formula 1; we're racing motorcycles. In comparison, there's a lot more edge-of-your-seat action. We’re a bit nuts, but we’re fun, promise.
The anticipation is palpable, especially for my riders, Lissy and Mallory. It's sinking in now — they're world championship racers. Then there's Verity, our media and marketing executive. She reminds me so much of myself at her age — determined and brimming with excitement. Somehow, I found these individuals, and there was an instant synergy from the get-go. And obviously our mechanics, who probably think I’m a few pence short of the full quid - but will do anything to go world championship racing, and anything to support the riders they have developed over the years. None of this was by accident.
The work never feels truly finished, but a new championship heralds fresh opportunities and new roles. Our team is a blend of seasoned veterans and eager learners, all ready to absorb wisdom from the best in the field. And this is just the beginning.
And let's not overlook our engineering interns, either — partnering with The Cosmic Shambles Network and their colleagues at UCL Racing | Mechanical Engineering, they're joining our team to gain invaluable hands-on experience in racing, an opportunity they might not have had otherwise. Creating jobs and opening doors to opportunities has always been a priority for me, and we're nearly there. It’s worth mentioning that our interns are the top women in their class, by no coincidence.
As for sponsorship proposals, we're still wide open, and we're not afraid to be bold about it. If you've been following our social media, you know we're not shy about calling out the bad guys, sharing our journey as we evolve, and inviting fans into our community, a place to call home.
I just wanted to take a moment before it really all kicks off to say thank you to everyone who has supported us from the start - for all questions asked of me and the doubt too. They’re the things that have shaped our ethos, have given me ambition and have created a home for my team and our fans.
The calendar you ask? That can all be found on our website.
See you on track soon, for the first ever #WorldWCR Championship round…