Nicola Drew

Profile

Biography

Nicola joined the Sociology department in 2023 to complete her doctorate under the supervision of Dr Raphael Nowak and Professor David Beer.  Her research is a sociological examination of the pinnacle motorcycle racing championship in the British Isles - the British Superbike competition. Prior to joining the University, Nicola combined a teaching career with writing for both national and international motorcycle and motorsport publications.

Nicola is a qualified lecturer in post-compulsory education, a member of the British Sociological Association, and in 2016 she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute with recognised research interests in motorcycle racing and motorcycle cultures. She currently rides a Suzuki GSX-R750 motorcycle. 

Career

• PhD in Sociology, University of York (in progress)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education, University of Huddersfield
• Master of Arts in Anthrozoology (Distinction), University of Exeter
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Hull
• Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, London

Research

Overview

Nicola’s research interests include:

• British motorcycle racing
• Sociology of sport
• Qualitative research methods
• Visual sociology 
• Cultural heritage

Funding

Nicola has received funding from:

• The University of York, Department of Sociology - departmental scholarship
• HM Government Department for Education - initial teacher education bursary award
• The University of Exeter – University award for academic excellence

Publications

Full publications list

Articles

Drew, N. Spring 2024. Motorrijder: Vriend of Vijand? (Motorcyclists: Friend or Foe?) GRIP Motorcycle Magazine p18-21.

Drew, N. Winter 2023. Zij Rijdt Motor (She Rides Bikes) GRIP Motorcycle Magazine p18-21.

Drew, N. 2023. Autumn 2023. Bijgeloof: Zin of Onzin? (Superstitions: Sense or Nonsense?) GRIP Motorcycle Magazine. p36-39.

Drew, N. (2021). The Classics at Cadwell. Motorsport Radio. https://motorsport.radio/crmc-the-classics-at-cadwell/

Drew, N. (2021). Xavi Fores: I really appreciate the British fans. Motorsport Radio. https://motorsport.radio/bsb-xavi-fores-i-really-appreciate-the-british-fans/

Drew, N. (2021). Bjorn Estment: I aim to inspire through my life story. Motorsport Radio. https://motorsport.radio/bsb-bjorn-estment-i-aim-to-inspire-through-my-life-story/

Drew, N. (2021). Bradley Ray: Everything is about racing and finding a better me. Motorsport Radio. https://motorsport.radio/bsb-bradley-ray-everything-is-about-racing-and-finding-a-better-me/

Drew, N. (2021). Ben Tolliday: My Story into Supersport. Motorsport Radio. https://motorsport.radio/bsb-ben-tolliday-my-story-into-supersport/

Drew, N. (2021). James East: I’m back in the Superstock 1000. Motorsport Radio. https://motorsport.radio/bsb-james-east-im-back-in-the-superstock-1000/

Drew. N. 2020. The London Lowdown. British Dealer News March edition. P24-25. Exeter: Mayo Media Ltd.

Drew. N. 2020. What Every Woman Rider Wants. British Dealer News January edition: p26-27. Exeter: Mayo Media Ltd.

Drew. N. 2019. The Stranger Side of Biking. Bike Social Online. Available at https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/travel/the-stranger-side-of-biking

Andringa. F and Van Den Berg, L with Drew. N. Winter 2018. Ode Aan Een Eeuwige Rebel (Ode to an Eternal Rebel). Grip Motorcycle Magazine. p10-15.

Presentations

Drew, N. 2023. Guest speaker – Ron Haslam, award of Honorary Master of the University of Derby. 19th July 2023. Graduation ceremony of the School of Computing and Engineering, Pride Park Stadium, Derby, United Kingdom.

Drew, N. 2019. Motorcycle enchantment: machines, humans, and the space in-between. Paper presented on the 11th of September at the RAI Conference, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford.

Exhibitions

January (May 2022) – Curatorial research support, ‘Women in Motorsport’ exhibition, Coventry Transport Museum, U.K https://culturespacecoventry.com/women-in-motorsport

Drew, N. (January 2022). Sovereign. Metal Wire Sculpture. Westgate Unitarian Chapel Art Space, Wakefield ‘ArtWalk’ exhibition, West Yorkshire.