The First woman to tame the Jaguar

Resident Columnists

Wednesday, 20 January 2010 17:58

Gail Hill is one of the most versatile racers to date in her class, from the V12 XJ-S to the Mazda MX 5, a writer and down to earth lady whose main passion in life is speed.

You have a passion for the Jaguar XJ-S, what made you turn this into a racing career?

I originally bought a Jaguar after my Audi got smashed up by joy riders (when I was in it). They bolted after writing it off. I then got an XJ-S with the insurance money and did a track day. After that I was hooked. I rented a car for two years to learn my trade so to speak, get track and race craft but then as I got quicker I bought the car. I was getting quite good and beginning to win my class and press for Championship honours. The sheer exhilaration and excitement of racing though, the feeling after a good race was just brilliant and just can't be beaten. My old competitive spirit returned from when I was younger .At my age it's hard to find something you are still good at and so as far as I'm concerned I can't imagine not racing.

You are now in your 9th year of racing the Jaguar XJ-S, how long do you see yourself competing for in this class?

This year I have actually raced 5 different cars and for the first time have raced more non XJ-S's than XJ-S's. I now have a Jaguar XJ6 which is great fun and a Mazda MZ5 both fully race prepared. I got a bit disillusioned with my V12 XJ-S due to mechanical unreliability and engine problems consequently next year I will be racing the saloon and Mazda. The XJ-S though, particularly the V12 will still come out for special occasions like Spa as it would be rude not to.

Which season would you say was your best in the Jaguar class and why?

Undoubtedly the best year was 2006. I won the overall Jaguar XJ-S championship. This was exactly one year after a horrendous accident at Brands when I had been leading the championship and another driver caused a major pile up at over 100mph. I ended up in hospital, lost my car and the championship. I had to settle for a class title instead. In 2006 on the anniversary of the crash after 9 out of 10 class wins I won the series at Oulton Park. The only woman to ever win a Jaguar title. It was brilliant.

Towards the end of last season you acquired a race series MX - 5 what are your future plans for this race car? Will you be competing in the jaguar class and also the MA5DA Championship?

I hope to do the Mazda Championship which will be televised again so that should help me raise some sponsorship money. I only need a relatively small budget to do all 20 rounds. In addition I still write for Jaguar World Monthly magazine. The Mazda is totally different to drive to the Jag so I would not expect to win but I would expect to be in the top 10 and develop both car and myself with a view to as serious challenge the following year.

What excites you most about racing? Can you describe the feeling you get when you're racing at high speeds round a track?

The concentration required when blasting round corners at up to 100mph really helps to put all other worries aside. When you race it is the only thing in the world that you think about. It's like a fast moving game of chess, thinking about the cars around you, those in front (not too many hopefully), how you are going to get past or stop those behind getting past you, keeping the car on the black stuff, particularly in the wet which I love and squeezing a bit more speed out by driving just over the edge...it's just perfect!. Even after a short sprint race you are mentally and physically worn out but also on such a high especially if you had a good race or result that I can honestly say apart from having a child is the best feeling.

If you could have a seat in any race series with full backing what would it be and why?

It would have to be British Touring Cars. I know I'm an old bird but that is still my goal. To race at the highest level with real professionals and greater speeds and such close competition would be brilliant. Other series might be quicker but it's the close racing that makes the difference for me.

By Becci Stubbs for Girlracer Magazine www.girlracer.co.uk