Already a multiple world champion, Jane Daniels made headlines this year for her amazing performance at the Dakar Rally. Borough Life caught up with the Standish born speedster.
Whether it was tinkering with bikes in the garage of the family home in Standish, or watching her dad, Andy, competing, Jane’s life has revolved around motorsports for as long as she can remember.
It was a hobby, that turned into a passion that – after a lot of hard work – saw her forge a successful career.
The 30-year-old has four world-titles to her name in the motorbiking event Enduros, which is an extended cross-country race involving racing through forestry, rock gardens, moto-cross type sections, rugged terrain and over obstacles.
She is one of the most decorated riders on the scene. And it certainly sounds like this was destined from a young age.
“My dad always had motorbikes and I grew up around them,” she explains.
“When I was really young, he got me a quad (bike) and I’d go in my grandma’s garden or down the fields at the back of our house.”
Inspired by dad, a road-racer, and brother Gary (a fellow Enduro competitor) she decided to try off-road racing.
“Dad would follow me around to make sure I was okay, at first. The first race I ever entered (when she was 12) was on a flat track, because my dad thought if she goes off and falls, at least she won’t be upside down on a big hill!
“I did that race and I absolutely loved it.”
First race ticked off, the track to a motorsports career was clear and Jane was ready to accelerate. In 2012, a friend competed in the first two races of the world Enduro Championship – a concept which was entirely new to Jane.
She was immediately sold on the concept, however, and soon after made her first international trip to Italy.
“It was 42 degrees when I did my first international event, and I drank too much water. I ended up doing the opposite of dehydrating, which is an actual thing; overhydrating.
“My first race went well, I really enjoyed myself, although my body wasn’t feeling great and I ended up in the medical tent!”
“I came third on the first day, but then I couldn’t start the second day because I was still sick.”
But all was not lost.
During that race, a scout for one of the racing teams noticed Jane and she was signed up for the next year.
For the last 11 years, she’s completed every season of the World Enduro championships, winning four times.
Her journey has taken her to some extreme locations, and she says this has taught her discipline, resilience, patience and consistency.
All these qualities were required in abundance earlier this year as she competed in the Dakar Rally – a gruelling 8,000km race across two weeks in the Saudi Arabian desert.
She attracted international attention, finishing as the highest placed Britain in the field and the sole female finisher.
This was all after a difficult start and after recovering from a crash on day six, and a few more crashes throughout the event.
“It’s a truly relentless race that’s a real test of your body and your bike; you’ve got to get both of them to the finish line. You’ve got to be very consistent and pace yourself, and ride within yourself.
“Every morning you would have two to five hours riding before you start the special stage, and then the same again.
“You’ll do six or eight hours in the special stage, and another few hours back to the paddock.
“I actually got into a really good flow. I forgot about racing everyone else and thought, I’ve just got to enjoy it.
“I’m here to finish and there is no pressure from the team for an outstanding result. I’ve just got to finish and enjoy it.
“When I kept reminding myself of that, it was way better; I wasn’t stressing or making stupid mistakes.”
A proud representative of her hometown, Jane was thrilled that her achievement led to a special congratulations from Wigan Borough’s first citizen.
An invitation was extended to visit the town hall for a civic reception and Jane, alongside dad Andy, were thrilled to attend.
“Receiving a letter from the mayor of my hometown isn’t something that happens every day, we couldn’t believe it,” she recalls with a beaming smile.
“It was amazing to see the stained-glass windows in the town hall and it was a great day, definitely something we’ll remember for years to come.
And this was followed by a special guest appearance at the council’s International Women’s Day event.
The former Standish High School student spoke to a packed-out audience at the Edge conference centre about being a trailblazer for women’s motorsport.
“I’m proud of my achievements and I hope I can pave the way for others to start a career in motorsports.
“I’ve got a lot of people looking up to me, there are a lot of young girls riding in the UK, with a lot more coming through the classes which is a really nice thing to see.”
From the back garden in Standish, to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, via many tracks and courses along the way, Jane Daniels is a homegrown champion whose two-wheels are most certainly on the right track.
We can’t wait to see what comes next.
Listen to an extended interview with Jane on the Borough Life podcast (external link).
Watch some behind-the-scenes footage with Jane for our magazine cover shoot.