FEATURE: Meeting Macie

Fourteen year old Macie Schmidt, from the Poole Cycle Speedway club, came within inches of becoming National Champion just a few weeks ago, barely 24 hours after being crowned under 16’s Champion.

One of the stand-out moments in the eyes of many people attending British Finals day at Exeter, came in heat 3 of the Woman’s final, when Macie outpaced one of the pre-event favourites, Vicky Brown, in the first of five impressive rides, which saw her come within inches of reaching the top of the podium.

That was the margin between Macie and eventual winner, Lauren Hookway, in the title deciding race, when they clashed later in the programme, but those in the crowd who had not previously seen the young Poole rider in action, could not help but be impressed by her sharp gating style and turn of speed.

Macie Schmidt was crowned British U16 Girls champion in August. Photo by Denis Murphy.

Macie Schmidt was crowned British U16 Girls champion in August. Photo by Graham Robins.

The build up to this outstanding achievement started a couple of weekends prior, when Macie, a former National under 13’s Champion, collected the trophy at her home track of Harbourside Park winning the South and South West individual title.

With three wins from her three starts, she soon made the final look easy, as she was first to react to the tapes and led the final all the way to the chequered flag.

Macie recalled that she first attended the track around 7 years ago along with older brother, Oscar, who at that time raced in the Poole BYJL squad. It did not take long for her to make the switch from the ”family tradition” of junior motor cycle racing, to cycle speedway, where she has raced ever since, progressing through the age ranks with increasing success.

Away from the track, Macie, like all other young girls, enjoys shopping and long walks with her dog Brandy. She is unassuming and modest by nature, and clearly enjoys the competitive challenge and the friendly camaraderie she has acquired along the way in Cycle Speedway.

Macie has many within Speedway who have admired her rise to prominence as she has progressed through the ranks.

Macie Schmidt in action on her home track in Poole. Photo by Denis Murphy.

Macie Schmidt in action on her home track in Poole. Photo by Graham Robins.

The future looks bright as she changes from a mainstream secondary school to the Leaf Academy, which specialises in a more sports based curriculum, where those at Poole hope will lead to even greater racing success, including the prospect of her representing Great Britain in the world series in Australia in December next year (2017).

Meanwhile Macie can be found three times a week at club training nights and at weekends racing to a high level, as she continues to impress with her burgeoning talent.

Words by Graham Robins and Graham Sutton.

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