Laura Brown is a 30-year-old of many talents, not only a qualified vet, she’s also an accomplished Latin dancer and social media celeb. Laura is also bloody quick on a motorcycle, and an inspiration to young women wanting to get a start in road racing.
The 2017 season will see Laura return for a full season of racing following a nasty injury which sidelined here for most of the 2016 year. We caught up with Australia’s fastest animal doctor for a quick chat.
AMCN:
How did you get started in racing and bikes in general?
LB:
a friend of mine put GXR fairings on my 250 ninja road bike for a race in a club race. I did it. Then I was hooked. I bought a race 300 a few weeks later in January 2015.
AMCN:
Which riders are you inspired by
LB:
I have the normal inspiring great riders such as Rossi and as a female Maria Costello but I think for me it comes more from a mentor of mine Warwick Nowland believing in my ability and encouraging me to be the best rider I can be.
AMCN:
Are you aware that you are a big inspiration for female riders and those wanting to give racing a try?
LB:
I am very flattered by this. I want more than anything for women to not be intimidated by the male-dominated world and learn safer riding skills which will help them get out of a dangerous situation.
AMCN:
What advice do you have for them?
LB:
I would encourage them to start with training courses, learn skills then go from there. I would also say that even if something is daunting or scary at the time it’s often pushing through those things that give you a real sense of achievement.
AMCN:
You returning to racing following an injury, tell us about that.
LB:
This injury has been a physically, mentally and emotionally difficult time. When I first broke my left femur and right foot in the Queensland round last July I didn’t want to ride again. I had broken 23 bones in 18 months. As days past I began to change my thought process and being able to ride again was the main inspiration for me to get out of bed and push through the pain. My first race back five months after the accident at Sydney Motor Sport Park at the final round of the ASC was also a very nervous yet rewarding experience. I was competing against a field that had been racing and riding while I was rehabilitating. Without the help and support of others this would not have been possible. I am very appreciative of this.
AMCN:
What are your plans for 2017?
LB:
My aim is to be the first female in Australia to win the 300Supersport championship, I also plan to race in Europe in the 300 class.
AMCN:
So you will be racing at next weekend’s opening round of the 300 Supersport series as support to the WSBK Championship round?
LB:
Yes, I am really looking forward to competing in this event at now one of my favourite circuits, Philip Island.
AMCN:
There appears to be three strong contenders for the 300 Supersport class this year, the Ninja 300, Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390, what will be your weapon of choice?
LB:
I will continue to ride my Ninja 300 but am also planning to ride a Yamaha in the R3 cup.
AMCN:
You are well known around the race paddock, but tell us something about yourself we may not know.
LB:
I use to compete in Latin American dancing and went to Europe to compete and represent Australia.
AMCN:
Anything else?
LB:
I was the youngest Head Veterinarian in Australia for the Animal Welfare League prior to my current job. I got promoted after being a veterinarian for three years, which was a great achievement and I was raised on a farm and taught at home instead of going to School.
So now your readers know all about me.
