KATIE Gordon says she will benefit greatly from making her international debut in speedway.

A Hooked on the Heath fish and chip shop employee who has just finished her A levels at Knutsford Academy, she made her debut for Great Britain in a women's open meeting during the FIM Flat Track World Championships in Diedenbergen, Germany.

The 18-year-old Redcar Cubs competitor is one of only a few female speedway riders.

"It was an amazing weekend and I learnt a lot about reaction times and how important they are to help improve your racing skills," she said.

"I was very welcomed by everyone there and it was great to meet five other girls that are involved in such a male dominated sport, all having great potential and talent.

Knutsford Guardian: Katie Gordon. Picture: Jan PetersKatie Gordon. Picture: Jan Peters

"I really found who I am as a racer and the passion I have for it, which was shown in my racing as I proved how much I wanted it.

"Unfortunately my score of two thirds doesn’t show how hard I worked.

"A massive thank you to everyone who donated to my Gofundme page and all my sponsors."

Donations just short of the £3,000 target aided Katie to make her GB debut.

She started racing 125cc grass track bikes in the Formula Grasstrack Association at the age of nine.

Katie sat on her first speedway bike at 13 and progressed to a 500cc speedway machine.

She is now part of the Redcar Cubs in the Northern Junior League, riding in her second season with them.

Knutsford Guardian: Katie GordonKatie Gordon