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Collin Matiza
SHE is currently making waves in both the South African and European women’s motorcycling circuit, riding on a South African flag but she is a Zimbabwean through and through.
She’s the daughter of one of the most respected men in the local business and motor sport circles.
Meet Jessica Howden, who on August 9 quietly made her way into Portugal and raced in the Portuguese leg of the 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
Taking to the track against some of Europe’s top female motorcycling racers, Howden showed no ghost of inferiority complex as she came 7th in the race which was dominated by bikers from Spain.
And it will be interesting to see whether Howden will make her to these three last races after enjoying her ride in Portugal.
She cut her teeth into the Superbike World at the home of local motorsport — Donnybrook — after having been introduced to the tough sport by her father.
Howden is the daughter of the now retired main circuit racing and motor rally driver, Ian Howden, who is also best known for running the Toyota company in Zimbabwe for decades before he called it quits as the company’s Managing Director in July 2018.
Ian turned his daughter Jessica into a Superbike rider in 2018 before he moved her to South Africa where he said she would get more racing opportunities than here in Zimbabwe.
Since then Jessica has made a name for herself in the demanding South African motor racing circles where she has won numerous races.
She’s now the biggest drawcard Down South and has also been flying to Europe to race in a number of female motorcycling races, including August 9’s FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
Coming from a motorsport family, Jessica has ex surrounded by people competing in motorsport. Her father Ian Howden has been a rally and circuit racing driver. But in the end, it was motorcycles that finally caught Jessica’s attention.
“My father used to race cars, and he would take us to the circuit. In 2017, my brother was racing motocross, and I said to my father that I wanted to try as well. But when I saw a superbike at the race circuit, that was what I really fell in love with. I’ve wanted to be a rider ever since.”
“Coaching, and from that, I have learned what’s better to do during those moments when I’m stressed or anxious. For me, it was a good idea to remember and practice mindfulness. I give myself the space to breathe and think about my reactions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also helps me with having a positive attitude in life. It reflects onto the race track.”
Having raced against many of the other riders on the entry list of WorldWCR, Jessica has a pretty good assessment of herself and the field.
“I feel that my strength at the moment is that I have run the pace and at times beaten some of the more fancied riders. I know some of the circuits. But my disadvantage will be that the Spanish girls have an advantage at Jerez and Portimao. In the past I would say my weakness was making mistakes at critical times, I have managed this with my team and only push when the bike allows it.”
Online Reporter