Bike-mad pensioner hits 163mph at Silverstone

A pensioner, who had never been on a bike before, reached 163mph and took part in high-speed wheelies courtesy of “Rocket” Ron Haslam.

Riding pillion with the former racer, 63-year-old Vanessa Forsdicke completed six laps of Silverstone. 

Forsdicke said: “I’ve watched many MotoGP and superbike races, until I had been around the track I could not imagine the speeds and leans that go into it. I am so proud of myself and now feel capable of anything!”

The ride, which took place last month, was made possible by the Stannah “Think Again” fund (www.thinkagainfund.co.uk). The fund randomly selects a participating over-50s member each month to fulfil an ambition they’ve held since youth.