(For the full interview listen and watch the On Track Mind podcast on Youtube and Spotify)
I think it is clear to see that on On Track Mind that I like to focus in on the individuals that maybe dont always get recognised. The wives, girlfiends and partners are sometimes left out however it is those people that keep the riders we love going.
Lauren Trotter is Dom Herbertsons girfriend and we caught up about all things emotions of road racing as well as tackling a hard year in 2022.
Lauren got involved in racing at a young age like many do and would attend alongside her dad, and later on into her teens, with her step dad she told me that "once i got a car that was it! you couldlnt keep me away. Me and my cousin would put a ten in the back of my litte ford fiesta and we would be all over going to all the race meetings".
Lauren has been alongside Dom for 4 years now however 2022, was the first proper year she was fully involved in the TT. She had done the Manx GP with him before, and pit-boarded around the TT but no where near as involved as she was last year. She told me how the TT felt, before Dom set off. "I've grown up with it, however its different when its your partner racing...you try not to think of the negatives. I'll always remember standing on glencutchry road, but the TT is different....It was very overwhelming." Lauren found herself crying under her sunglasses despite not being an emotional person but it was just so overwhelming for her.
At the TT, they do everything on a "shoe-string budget", with just a couple of people helping out such as the absolute icon that is piggy (See picture below). "I tried to learn as much as possible about electronics on a BSB weekend to help". Lauren finds that it adds pressure as they want to prove that they are capable of beating the big teams in the paddock.
In this mini series I wanted to focus on the experience women in the sport have and Lauren shared her point of view, "I've always been one of the lads...I've grown up with the craic. Even if some things have been said to me I haven't taken it personally because in this industry you have to". Although Lauren did admit that over the past couple of months she has found elements difficult in regards to mens attitudes. "Its the looks I get, Dom will say 'this is Lauren, shes my data technician' and I technically am and I know im only starting out but I'm trying and I dont mind asking for peoples help, but I've noticed that alot of people will still snigger and give a certain look and I noticed it has started to get to me....I dont think men have faith in the fact that women can actually do things in this industry".
I ask my guests on On Track Mind if they have any advice for a certain group of people and I asked Lauren what advice she would give to young women coming into the sport as a partner, here's what she had to say, "Don't be afraid to speak to the other girls. We are all like a big family, we all help each other out. Dont let the nerves get to you and do not let them know you are nervouse. You standing there shaking like a shitting dog is not helping anyone, but everyone is there to help eachother. Do not wear white." (Very valuable info).
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