Women in Motorcycling: Grace Webb

Women riding Ducati. Stories at full throttle.

In the first of a series of 'Women in Motorcycling' articles we catch up with broadcaster and motorcycle enthusiast Grace Webb to hear about her personal two-wheel journey, from life in the paddock to becoming a leading motorsport presenter, all whilst helping inspire a new generation of riders.

Family fuelled passion

Grace Webb’s path to motorcycles was a family affair, and while she never raced herself, the influence was everywhere growing up.

“I got into riding motorcycles through my family connections. My younger brother started racing mini motos from a young age and went through the process of Metrakits, 125s, 600s... I was the annoying big sister that went along and got involved in the garage antics.”

Watching her brother race was a big inspiration to get into motorcycles, but Grace took the road -riding route rather than a racing one, becoming the first of four siblings to get a road license.

“My two brothers raced, but I never did. I got my road license instead and got a trusty scooter to begin with and then a 125 before moving up to big bikes. Taking my road license is something that I will never regret because of the opportunities it's led me to.”

Her parents, both bikers, were incredibly supportive, teaching Grace how to ride sensibly rather than discouraging her interest. From basic motorcycle maintenance, checking tyre pressures, checking petrol tank fuel levels, and ensuring protective clothing was worn, the family support ran deep.

“My Grandfather, Tom Wheatcroft, founded Donington Park so as a kid we’d go to watch the racing at Donington every weekend. Donington Park was where I saw my first MotoGP race and my first World Superbike race. Being in the fortunate position of being just a couple of metres away from world-class riders with the best machinery on the planet definitely does something to your heart.”

Chatting with Grace it’s clear that her family background, from her brothers’ commitment to racing, her parents' guidance, and her grandfather's role in the sport, all inspired and helped shape the decision to become a rider.

From classrooms to camera

Grace’s career path is a fascinating blend of her two biggest passions: education and motorsport. Although she took her full motorcycle license as soon as she could at 17 years old, it was initially a hobby. Grace followed in the footsteps of her older sister, a childcare nurse, going on to earn a degree in primary education and becoming a qualified teacher.

But the pivot to presenting came via a rare opportunity after being spotted in the paddock. “A producer from the BBC saw a YouTube clip of me in the motorcycle paddock when I was watching my younger brother race. They said that they were looking for a presenter for a children's show that was about machinery, motorsport, and engineering. That married my two loves of education and motorsport and became the first step for me in broadcasting.”

The BBC show 'Grace’s Amazing Machines,' proved a brilliant springboard. It allowed Grace to fulfil her goal of having an impact on children, especially with the programme centred around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) topics.

“It's really heartwarming when parents send me messages to say that their children enjoy watching the programme, their vocabulary has improved, or it's given them confidence to try and ride their bike without stabilisers - because they've watched you do it. It’s like the best feeling.

Grace’s Amazing Machines has definitely been a career highlight. Motorcycles can sometimes have a bad reputation, and I think Amazing Machines does a good job of making motorcycles approachable and showcasing them as an exciting mode of transport. The fact that the show is enjoyed by families, and that both parents and children will watch it together, is great. It creates discussion, and enjoyment from all ages.

It was my first broadcasting job. Getting to do something that was my hobby and that I I loved and had a passion for was a really surreal moment. And I’m forever grateful for that opportunity. The reason I got into education was to have an impact on children like my older sister did with me, For a children's programme that was based around STEM topics, knowing that it would reach hundreds of thousands of children, it kind of was a big tick in my box of fulfilment to know the impact it had, and thanks to iPlayer Garce’s Amazing Machines is still being watched now.”

Isle of Man TT

Grace’s initial broadcast opportunity with the BBC snowballed, leading to work with high-profile presenting roles at events like Motorcycle Live, British Superbikes and the Isle of Man TT, as well writing for publications like Fast Bikes Magazine.

“Presenting at the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 2023 was another huge highlight for me because it's the world's oldest motorcycle race. And for a broadcast team to believe in me to help tell the story of one of the most fascinating races in the world is a huge honour. There’s no place like it, and the experience of being so close to the action and interviewing the gladiators of the course is just amazing.”

Not content with merely presenting at the TT, Grace has also ridden the 37-mile circuit. “Ducati UK were looking for some content to showcase at Motorcycle Live in 2024 to document the seventh-generation Panigale. “I racked my brain and knew a lot of videos of the flagship sports bike had been on track, rather than the road. And what’s the most iconic bit of road? The Isle of Man TT course. So that's where that idea to ride around the island on the Panigale sort of came about.”

The ride took place in November, meaning typically cold wet and wet conditions, but the experience was unforgettable. “It didn't really matter what the weather was doing to be honest. I was riding one of the best superbikes on the planet on the best bits of tarmac on the planet. The attention the Panigale V4S received on the island was amazing. Perhaps I can repeat the experience in drier conditions someday!”

I sort of fell in love with paddock life when my brothers were racing and I think that's probably why I enjoy being in the TT and BSB paddock soi much, because it reminds me of when I was a teenager, growing up around various UK racetracks and getting involved with pit boards, tyre warmers and bike maintenance. I guess I took Inspirations from my family, my heritage if you like. I’ve then moulded that into what I've managed to call a career. 

I’m grateful to all those who have inspired me, and hope with my passion and the opportunities I’ve been given that I can continue to inspire others to enjoy the thrill of motorcycles more.”