GEMMA Horrocks has celebrated a successful return to Speedway after injury forced her away from the sport for several years.
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After flipping her car and injuring her back, Horrocks was forced to give up the sport for an extended time before returning this year and having a stellar season with the Horsham Motor Sports Club.
Her year consisted of 12 wins, 13 seconds and 10 thirds, seeing her crowned the most improved driver, modified driving champion and the ladies runner up champion.
The modified driver's championship and the overall ladies champion was decided by a points system from throughout the season, but the most improved trophy had increased meaning after the club decided Horrocks was most deserving.
The presentation of her trophies really opened her eyes as to how good her year on the track has been.
"I'm really pleased with my efforts," Horrocks said.
"I'm surprised my form was as good as it was. Normally after time away from the sport you struggle and to achieve what I have is awesome."
Adding to Horrocks' stress of returning was the fact that she was in a completely different car.
Having driven a Datsun Sunny for almost seven years to swapping to a Ford XF, her form is even more impressive.
"After seven or so years you get pretty comfortable with the car," Horrocks said.
"The XF is so much bigger and has more power. It makes my Datsun feel like a Suzuki Swift."
Despite a super year as far as results, Horrocks was just happy to be healthy and back competing in a sport that she loves.
"It sucks having to watch all the time. I just wanted to be out there all the time," Horrocks said.
Horrocks will now take the winter off as driving is too dangerous in the wetter months.
She extended her thanks to her family Pete, Kris, Jesse and Adam and almost one year old nephew Charlie, Nan and Peter Dowling and Pat and Daffy O'Donnell.
Without her sponsors Frewstal, Panel and Paint, Auto Pro, Designs and Signs and Farrers Tyre Power she also said she would not have had the opportunities she has.
Next season will see Horrocks compete in a new look car with the Frewstal colours set to be the main focus.