Scunthorpe Telegraph - 06 February 2008
Race ace
Sam Burman admits she is 'excited' about the new motorsport season.
The Messingham rider, who rode for Virgin Yamaha team last season, begins
testing for the 2008 campaign at the end of the month.Sam has revealed she will
compete less in the British Championships this summer, as she tries to balance
track time with education.
But she believes that will have a better impact on lap times and, ultimately,
her future in the sport.
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Scunthorpe Telegraph - 15 December 2007
Messingham
race ace Sam Burman travelled down to the capital last week to take part in the
London Motorsport Show.
Burman, who took part in the British Championships this year in the 125 class,
presented her racing bike on the Girl Racer stand at the annual event.Joining a
number of girls from all different forms of motorsport, Burman helped to promote
female involvement in the sport.
"I really enjoyed the show," she said. "The bike looks great and seemed to get
loads of interest.
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Scunthorpe Telegraph - 13 November 2007
SAM ENDS SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE
SAM Burman ended her season on a high with four wins and two second places in the 125 Class at Cadwell Park.
"It was what I was expecting really, I'd have been disappointed if I wasn't among the leaders" said the teenager, who expressed her thanks to local sponsors.
"We wanted to end the year on a high and we've come away feeling positive about next year."
Sam admits she's had an 'up and down' year, but knows she will benefit from her experiences in the British Championships.
"They have been a struggle" she conceded.
"My best finish was 30th but there's 55 to 60 riders trying to qualify and only 44 grid positions.
"There's times when we've been home having not qualified, which is a struggle, but at club level we've not been out of the top five all year
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Issue No. 575 May 31st - June 13th 2007
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Bikesport News (Website) - 12 June 2007
By David Miller
You wouldn't think Sam Burman was in anyway unique or special. Stock-ish name, a 17-year-old apprentice engineer from Messingham in Scunthorpe who started racing bikes at the age of six, now competes in the 125cc GP class and lives in the same paddock as the big boys of British Superbikes most weekends.
But there is something a bit special about Sam. Sam is talented and has caught the eye of a certain Rob McElnea, who lives not far away from Sam. Oh, and Sam, in case you hadn't guessed yet, is female.
At the risk of upsetting the likes of Germaine Greer, it is a well-established fact motorcycle racing is a male-dominated sport and always has been. Some female riders, like Katja Poensgen, have made it a fair way along the path and some women, Nicky Foulston to name one, have done well behind the scenes. Unfortunately, it is a rare sight.
Lincolnshire lass Sam is a bright, likeable brunette who has tons of ambition and has one thing on her mind: to be the best motorcyle racer she can be. And her family definitely agree. Father Phill is an ex-250cc Clubmans champion who now builds the engines and helps with Sam's technique and lines, mum Linda is team manager with responsibilities for wielding a big stick to make sure it all goes according to plan and Sam's gran even bought some of her race kit for her.
Most families would be happy with a small dog and a kick-about in the park of a Sunday afternoon.
"Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to race motorbikes," says Sam. "In fact ever since I can remember I have raced motorbikes in a variety of disciplines, starting at the age of six with a good deal of success ever since. I dream of the day when we reach the top and become world champions. I know that I can make a career for myself out of my passion – the only thing that’s to stop me reaching the top would be lack of funding."
Sam started racing motocross in 1995 at the age of six, moving on to grasstrack in 1997. "It was always the aim to move on to road racing," she said. "I favoured grasstrack as I was battling against other competitors rather than fighting the elements of a motocross circuit."
Six years ago, she moved to minimoto racing with great success
and finally, in 2004 she progressed into road racing on an Aprilia RS125
production bike where she consistently finished in the top ten. Later that
season she moved into the highly-competitive 125 GP class riding a Honda RS125.
She now campaigns a Honda RS under the Virgin Media Junior colours.
And doesn't have a handbag and shoes to match (we think...).
TEN QUICK QUESTIONS FOR SAM:
BSN: Obviously racing runs in your family. Did you start voluntarily or is your
father a bit of a football dad?
SB: Voluntarily, I was never pushed into the sport. I started out very young but
it's all I can remember wanting to do. Yes, I got involved because my family are
passionate about the sport, but I don't do it for them, I do it for myself and
love it.
BSN: What did your friends/teachers/grandparents think
to it all. Shouldn't you have been riding horses or something?
SB:My gram actually bought my kit for my bike so
she's all for it which is great. she was the one who signed my dad's entry forms
when he started against his father's will, so when it's not going so well it's
gram's fault.
Lads think it's great and come along when they can, lasses really aren't that
interested... when I was at school and the majority of friends were girls nobody
was interested and when I had a good weekend racing and wanted to talk about it
nobody would ask. Now I walk in work and everyone asks, it's bloody hard work to
keep a smile when you've had a bad one, that's how life goes I guess.
I have a tutor from college that comes along when he can and Corus CW in
Scunthorpe (where I work) are currently forming the Sam's Angles Supporters.
BSN: How come most good female road racers come from
the north (Kate Parkinson, Sandra Barnett etc)?
SB: All good racers come from the north, or should that be Lincolnshire, for
example, Paul 'Marra' Brown, Rob Mac and Phill Burman were all British Champions
in the same year (1991) and live within three miles of each other.
BSN: What is your absolute aim in racing (and don't
just say world champion, as everyone says that)?
SB: To have a sparkle in my eye and a smile on my face. This only comes from
racing others, winning races and continual improvement. I set out in the sport
to win races at the highest level and that is what I am working towards, the
chase to always better yourself is what keeps me going.
BSN: Who inspires you every day and who is your
absolute inspiration?
SB: My family, the people I love, and I would like to take this opportunity to
thank them for all they do (mum, dad and Ben, and Tracey who does the website,
plus all the photographers who have given their photos for free for the
website).
BSN: Pretty-boy bike racers with silly footballers' hair. Discuss...
SB:What a bunch of goons to be honest. Just not my type of guy, posing
is fake, passion is real, le'ts face it look at the guys winning the races then
look to the mid-field preening themselves after scoring a goal...
BSN: Is 17 your real age or your racing age? We all know Chris Walker is
actually 44...
SB: Seventeen is my real age, I am 18 on July 28. I will then not only be able
to drink legally, but I will be able to sign myself on.
BSN: What did you really think when you got Rob Mac's backing (and you
are allowed to swear)?
SB: Excited! Couldn't sleep for weeks. Just kept going over things in my head,
this could be the start of my dreams becoming reality. I have got to say the
bike does look great in their colours and the Alpinestars leathers are pretty
trick and very nice.
BSN: Burger King or McDonalds?
SB: Neither I love my grandma's Sunday dinners!
BSN: Nicky Hayden or Scott Smart?
SB: Nicky Hayden
Photo Courtesy of Sam Burman/www.bsbsuperbikes.co.uk
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Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph - 30 April 2007
Sam Burman, on her Flexihire 125 bike, has had a tough
start.
Both circuits have been brand new to her and a real eye opener at the pace of
the championship.
She is really enjoying the experience and when we get to the circuits she knows
I am sure her sharp learning curve will prove to be working.
Here we go again. The weekend off seemed very short and we are back into a manic
couple of weeks with Bank Holiday weekend next week being one of our biggest
events.
Let's hope we can get some luck and bring home some silverware!
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|
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Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph - 14 April 2007
'TIME TO PICK UP BOTTOM LIPS FROM
TRAILING ON THE FLOOR'
Ah well, we could not have
landed any heavier if we had jumped off the control tower at Brands Hatch. What
a massive let-down for all our team.
I was trying to keep everyone's feet on the ground and be realistic towards what
was going to be a tough weekend. The pre-season testing had been the best we
have ever had and all the guys and girls were doing great.
But this is racing, and the only sure thing is that your strapped in the roller
coaster for another year - and we are currently at the bottom in the big water
splash all soaked to the skin!
I can't tell you how
deflated we all were from the weekend. Our riders caused pretty much all of the
misery and we have had a week of sending them to Coventry. I'll probably get a
big boxing ring planned and have a good scrap with them all to get rid of some
aggression!
Tommy Hill, our Superbike star, had a stupid crash, wrecking our brand new bike,
setting us back all weekend.
James Haydon really struggled to get confident and had rubbish results, Tom
Grant the 06 Virgin Media Cup champion amazed the establishment by missing out
on pole position in his first Supersport race only to jump the start and get a
'ride-thru' penalty.
Billy McConnell his team-mate choked under pressure, made terrible starts from
the front row, and eventually crashed out when catching the leaders.
Sam
Burman, our 125 entry, had the same amount of luck, crashing twice, ruined her
hopes of qualifying and she had to watch from the sidelines. It's a sharp
learning curve for her this year.
You can imagine the usual Monday morning tea brief was a bit less jovial than
normal! We all needed a session on the couch; we were all shell shocked. We went
to Brands Hatch heads up and smiling, and came back heads-up-butt with bottom
lip trailing on floor!
But that was last week and we are back, the truck is already rolling down South
to Thruxton our next round. I supplied match-sticks for the guy's eye lids and
we are ready to rock. The crash bikes are mint, we have new engine parts and a
we are right at the top of that bloody roller coaster, ready for a great
weekend!
I love this job, I occasionally burst into gibbering laughter in my office, and
there is a van outside with men in white coats ready and waiting with the
straight jacket!
I am confident the tea brief will be perky on Monday and I will be bringing you
happy news! 'Til then.
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Messingham racer Sam Burman rode brilliantly to
qualify for the first round of the British 125 GP series at Brands Hatch.
She posted a blistering time in the second round of qualifying to win 45th place
on the grid for the race.
She didn't finish the race but she is upbeat about her season.
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http://londonbikers.com/ 05 April 2007
The Team
closed its pre-season programme in style with a national media launch at Bar Red
in London's trendy Soho last night. Packed with media and team partners Tommy
Hill's Superbike provided the centrepiece to the basement bar, guarded by the
very capable Virgin Media Police!
After a successful winter test programme the team are looking forward to a great
season ahead of them. Superbike riders Tommy Hill and James Haydon are hoping
for a strong start to their campaigns. The all-new Virgin Media Yamaha
Supersport team are confident to continue at the top of the timesheets after the
official test at Snetterton.
Virgin Media Junior team rider, Sam Burman is keen to get out on track on-board her number 13 machine in the British 125cc Championship
Rob
McElnea, Team Owner: "It's going to be a huge year for the whole team. Tommy is
coming out of his ‘apprenticeship' to prove himself as one of the top runners in
the highly competitive BSB championship. James is back with the team and will be
a great asset and influence for our younger riders with his proven race
experience. Billy and Tom continue to impress me with their raw talent, we have
high hopes for both of them in Supersport this year.
Then of course, we have the Virgin Media Cup, a packed grid with some strong new
entrants, along with some more established riders coming back for another crack
at the cherished and unique prize of a place in our Supersport team for 2008.
Sam Burman is
another example of our commitment to youth development. She's only 17 and I have
no doubt she will embrace this opportunity in the Virgin Media Junior team to
shine in the ultra competitive 125 class.
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| Scunthorpe
Evening Telegraph - 04 April 2007
|
| Two North Lincolnshire race aces are preparing for the biggest weekend of their lives over the Easter period at Brands Hatch. |
Dan Frear
from Winterton and Sam Burman from Messingham have both teamed up under the
umbrella of Rob McElnea's Virgin Yamaha British Superbike squad. It's the start
of a great opportunity for the two youngsters who have already made their mark
as privateers.
Dan will take part this season in Virgin Yamaha's prestigious R6 Cup which has
already unearthed talents such as current British star Tommy Hill.
And Sam will race at 125cc level, testing herself against some the top talent in
the country at that standard.
"For Sam, it's a massive step up for her to take from where she has been, for a
young girl in a blokes' sport," said McElnea.
"But we're really excited at having her with us and seeing how far she can go.
"This season is going to be a big, big learning curve for her.
"I think if she can qualify and work on that, then that will do us for the first
year.
"Her bike is perhaps not the quickest out there, but I don't think she needs
that just yet.
"What we are going to do is take her testing with us and hope she can gain some
spin-off from that.
"The Virgin people are quite excited about having Sam on board.
"It came about after they came to us for advice at the end of last season.
"I liked her, she is a good grafter and it will be good for us to have her with
us.
"She is really dedicated and fitness wise she is right up there at the front
with the professionals Tommy Hill and James Hayden.
"She is as strong as the other guys and has earned their respect from that.
"All my team are keen to help her.
"We are not trying to put any pressure on her because she will get plenty of
that from where she is at now.
"But we have talked to her about that and she is up for it.
"She will be racing in the British 125 Championship, but will be running in the
cup series which is a separate championship within that, like we have the
privateers cup.
"I think there are about four other girls in there so that should help her as
well."
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Scunthorpe Telegraph Sports. 1st November 2006
RACER HAS IT ALL IN FOCUS
The season will end on a high note for local road racer Sam Burman, but it could
have turned out very different were it not for a regular driving lesson.
Over the summer 17-year-old Sam
realised that she was having difficulties with her eyesight, but only realised
the extent of the issue once she turned her attention to vehicles of the
four-wheeled variety. She said: "I started to struggle and had problems with my
eyes, but when I started driving it highlighted the problem."
Since then the Messingham ace has had to grow accustomed to wearing glasses when
she races on her Honda RS 125.
"It's taken a long time to get back up to speed and to sort it out in my head,"
she explained. "I struggled at first, but now I've got back on my feet. I
thought they were going to be annoying but I've got used to having them."
Whilst she admits that wearing the glasses was a little trying initially, this
was nothing compared to the frustration Sam felt when her form dipped
beforehand.
"It was frustrating because I didn't know what was wrong. Things started
gradually and just got worse," she described.
Now though, Sam is back on track and has been on top form. She recently came
third in a 125 race and fourth in an Open 400 at Cadwell.
"It was a good weekend," Sam enthused. "I was lapping faster than I ever have
done."
With this season now drawing to a close Sam is beginning to focus on next year's
challenge, when she will be moving up to the top level racing championship in
the 125 class.
Although the meetings constitute tough competition and are screened on Sky
Sports Sam remains unfazed and insists that she is not nervous.
"I can't wait," she said. "I'm looking forward to having a go. If I don't move
up I'll be stuck in a rut, but at least the pressure's off because no one
expects you to do anything. I'm confident about trying to do some good
====================================================================================
Scunthorpe Telegraph Special Publication. May 24th 2006
SAM IS HOPING FOR BRANDS NEW POWER
Messingham ace Sam Burman
is hoping improvements to her Honda RS 125cc bike will help her power through
the championship field. Sam (16) had a disappointing weekend after electrical
problems with her ignition forced her to pull out of a 125cc New Era Club
Championship race. And she struggled to an 11th-place finish in her second ride,
spoiling her third place standing in the champion1ship.
"My bike is 10-years-old now, and we are running against much newer bikes," she
said.
"We are going to look into electronic jets in the carburettor, because the bike
is struggling at the low end.
"I am running up to other racers on corners, but then mine does not push out
like them."
But Sam is still hopeful of improving her fortunes in round three of the ACU
Star Championship at Brands Hatch on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29.
She has not had the start she might have hoped for in the ACU competition, lying
11th in the table.
Two weeks ago, she managed seven points at Cadwell Park after a second-place
finish in a 125cc race and an eighth in an open 400cc ride, finishing second
amongst 125cc riders.
"I love the open races, because I like competing against the most powerful
machines," added Sam, a trainee engineer at Corus.
"At one stage I was having a good battle with a couple of 250cc bikes."
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Scunthorpe Telegraph Special Publication 03 May 2006
FAST-IMPROVING
A
Mechanical fault restricted Messingham road racer Sam Burman to a 12th place
finish in the first round of the ACU Star Championship at Oulton Park. The
17-year-old finished 21st in Cheshire after qualifying in 19th.
New track for Sam
She qualified in 11th on her Honda RS 125 at the Cheshire circuit.
And the 16-year-old sped into fourth place before the silencer fell off her
machine.
"I was struggling with not knowing the track," she said. "I was a bit
disappointed.
"I got into fourth, but then I overshot a corner, and then my silencer fell off.
"The bike was losing power, and I didn't know whether to pull in, but I needed
the track time for the championship, so I managed to finish.
"Plus I needed to learn the track for when I race there next time. I loved the
track.
"Next time I can think about it before I race because I know what to expect."
Sam races at Cadwell Park on Saturday in the ACU Star second round, before
competing in two 400cc events and two 125cc races in the North Gloucester Club
Championship the next day.
==============================================================================================
Scunthorpe Telegraph Special Publication 29 March 2006
RIDER OF THE DAY
Flying Sam Burman was the
pick of more than 300 racers on Sunday when she scooped the rider of the day
award in a club meeting at Cadwell Park.
After scoring two second places the day before, the 16-year-old, from Messingham,
then went one better by coming home first during the New Era Motorcycle Club
event, three seconds clear of her nearest rival. The teenager, who rides a 1997
Honda RS 125, looked set for the top step of the podium again in her second race
of the day, but was just pipped on the last lap and had to settle for second
place.
"I pulled out a bit of a lead in that race," recalled Sam. "But then I was
caught and passed on the last lap, which was a bit disappointing.
"But overall it was a great weekend and I was really proud to get rider of the
day."
Sam's performance was all the more impressive as she equalled, and passed, some
faster 400cc bikes, who were racing in a different class.
It was her third meeting of the season. Previously, she had competed at Mallory
Park in an East Midlands Racing Association meeting, finishing sixth and eighth,
despite encountering set-up problems.
Sam then took a creditable 17th and 18th in the ultra-competitive MRO series in
an event at Brands Hatch, which included riders who are taking part in this
year's British 125 GP Championship
================================================================================================
SUN NEWSPAPER - FRI, 20th JANUARY 2006
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www.motorsportvision.co.uk/cadwell-park/ April 2005
Fifteen year old school
girl Sam Burman took three race victories at the Auto 66 Motorcycle
Championships at Cadwell Park on Sunday in only her second season with the club.
Burman, who is currently studying for her GCSEs, had a clean sweep of wins on
her Honda 125 after fending off the challenge from Karl Hennington who twice
finished second and finished the final race in third position.
The 125cc field was
expecting to see 2003 Club Champion Denzil Vallance on the top of the podium,
but a disappointing race day for the rider from Goole saw him only finishing one
of the three outings in second place.
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Scunthorpe Telegraph Special Publication. March 29th 2005
Ace Sam on fast track to triumph
"It's my life, I can't imagine doing anything else."
That's the answer 15-year old Sam Burman gives when asked what it is about motorcycle racing that makes her dedicate so much of her time to it.
Messingham ace Sam is one of just four female road racers across the country. And she is easily the youngest - by 11 years.
Sam is confident a successful season lies ahead, following on from her fifth position at Mallory Park while riding her Honda RS125 Grand Prix bike in her first outing of the new season. She made the jump to road racing last year after a successful apprenticeship in Mini-moto racing.
Now she hopes to repeat some of the form she showed while racing the pint-sized machines. But while winning races is always a good sign, the focus is set on adding to the knowledge she has accumulated over the last year.
"The aim for the season is to learn as many circuits as possible ready to move on next year." she said. "I am really looking forward to the coming season. The amount of meetings we are able to compete in will be limited by the lack of financial support, but the plan is to compete in 20 meetings around the country."
People would be forgiven for wondering why a 15-year-old girl who is preparing for her GCSE's is so dedicated to the motorsport. Racing is something Sam has been around all her life. Her dad Phil Burman is a former British Champion who only retired through injury two years ago. She competed in her first motorcross at six-years-old, and was never pushed into anything by her parents. In fact she jumped in feet first after getting the taste of competing.
"I have been involved with it all my life, it has always been around," she said. "That is why I got into it, but it's not why I do it now. I love it. It is the rewards which made me want to carry on. When you get it right it's brilliant. That chase, you are always trying to get that bit better. You are trying to get there all the time. It is such a strong feeling, that's what keeps you going. My dad is really happy I am involved in it, but he has never pushed me into it. It means he can still be involved in it, and I can benefit from his experience. Both my parents have given me loads of support, but they would have supported me in what ever I had chosen to do."
And Sam hopes their support will go a long way towards her long term goals. She said seeing first-hand the pitfalls of a cut-throat business will prepare her for any disappointments along the way.
Sam is on the lookout for sponsorship to aid her push for the top. She added "I know I will always be doing it. But it is hard to get the breaks at this level because it is not as easy to get the encouragement they get at the top. I think I will not be naive because I have seen a lot of it already through my dad. A lot of young racers are coming in because age limits are coming down, and they think they will be British Champion within two years, but I am more realistic because I have competed at a lower level."
It is easy to expect a few eyebrows will invariably be raised by Sam's success. But she says she doesn't see herself as any different from any of the other racers she rides against - and beats - regularly.
"I get mixed reactions from people who see me racing." she added. "People assume I am riding against other young girls all the time, but that's not the case. If I win, some of the lads have stopped talking to me because they have been beaten by a girl. Some people cannot take me seriously because they think I am a novelty. But this is my life, and I take it seriously. I don't think I should be treated any differently. I am always in the shed cleaning my bike and getting it ready for meetings. My bikes are always turned out really gorgeous. I make sure they are turned out well. My school friends say I should be wanting to go out with them, but this takes up all my free time, that's how serious I take it. People will speak about me because I am that bit different. But it is a bit more publicity for any sponsors, so that can only be a good thing."
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BURMAN'S NEW 'OUTFIT'
Sam Burman, the 15-year-old daughter of former 250 racer Phill, had to use dad's old racing leathers when she took up the sport in March last year. Like all young ladies she was not happy to be seen in the shapeless mess, but could not afford to do anything about it, until this season, that is. Now thanks to hours and hours of part time work, including some in mum's Jane Cross Salon hairdressing business in Messingham and a generous donation from grandma, she has been able to buy a new set and a brand new helmet. Sam, who wiped the floor with the male opposition at the recent Auto 66 meeting, notching-up three wins from three rides
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