The 2008 Australian Historic Road Race Championship at Barbagallo Raceway in Western Australia, provided motorcycling in this country with a groundbreaking piece of history. The event witnessed the first female to ever win an Australian solo Road Racing Championship, when South Australian Mandy Beales took out top prize in the Period 3 Classic Junior class. While Road Racing classes involving sidecars have been won by females previously, this is the first time anyone has performed the feat riding solo. Speaking after the presentation of her Championship trophy and medallion, Beales admitted that the significance of her achievement had yet to set in. “It feels unreal. It hasn’t settled in yet, but I am absolutely stoked. “I have been told that it is the first time that it has happened, but I really can’t believe it it just hasn’t sunk in. Beales was stoked that she managed to win both 500 races on Saturday especially given the field with the likes of Kiwi rider Dave Cole and Aussie hero Brendan Roberts. “We had a great day yesterday, but I was so nervous coming up against Dave Cole didn’t know what to expect knowing that he is a fantastic international rider. “To win the 500 race against him was mind blowing really. It was a great race and I battled with him for several lead changes, but couldn’t believe I won it. Beales was off to celebrate the occasion with her support crew, and was happy to announce that she will be defending her title at the 2009 Championship. “I am pretty sure we will be defending the title next year and will try to go for the 500 title as well!”