for International Women’s DayThe Motor Sports Association’s Women in Motorsport Committee is inviting women that are involved in UK motor sport to convene at Silverstone on Monday March 8th in recognition of International Women’s Day.Motor sport is one of only a very few sporting activities in which male and female compete alongside each other on an equal footing, yet with only 8% of registered licence holders being women, the female sex is hugely under-represented among motor sport drivers.There are, nonetheless, an estimated 50,000 women actively involved in British motor sport, organising events, running clubs and associations, timekeeping, marshalling and fulfilling a host of other support roles without which the sport itself could not continue.To celebrate their importance to motor sport, female competitors, marshals, officials and volunteers are being encouraged to attend a photocall at Silverstone, the home of British motor racing and the 2010 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix. Drivers are being asked to bring their race or rally cars and trophies to the event, while marshals and team members should wear their overalls or team shirts.Sue Sanders, Chairman of the MSA Women in Motorsport Committee, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate the diverse range of roles that women undertake within the sport at all levels. We believe that motor sport is truly fair and equal but there is plenty of room for more women. We hope that this gathering will celebrate those already involved and stimulate others that may be interested in getting started.”MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: “Motor sport still tends to be seen as a male-dominated activity, but there is nothing stopping women from rising to the very top of the sport. We are seeing a substantial increase in female participation among the junior ranks, especially with the Let’s Go Karting initiative that gives young people a first experience of karting for just £5. Similarly, the Go Motorsport message that we are taking to schools across the country is aimed equally at girls and boys.
“One of our best female role models at the moment is Sarah Moore, who last year claimed the Ginetta Junior Championship title at the age of 15. I am sure she will go on to even greater heights in the future and in doing so will help to inspire a new generation of female racing drivers.”Details of the event are as follows:From 11am – all parties convene at Silverstone in the car park next to the Paddock Diner12 noon – cars moved into position on start/finish straight12.20pm – final call for participants12.30pm – photo call12.40pm – event ends, cars moved from circuitAnyone interested in attending is requested to advise media@msauk.org
