Key motorsport groups receive Government support to combine forces on behalf of 'Women in Motorsport' at Autosport International, NEC, January 13-16 Stand No. 9445, Hall 9
The Government Motorsport Unit (GMU) is helping to fund a unique stand (No. 9445) at next week’s racing car show – Autosport International, NEC, January 13-16. Under the banner of ‘Women in Motorsport’ it is combining the resources of:
· Formula Woman – Britain’s innovative new female-only race series· British Women Racing Drivers’ Club (BWRDC) – THE club for women in motorsport. Founded in 1962, it actively promotes female involvement in circuit racing, hillclimbing and sprinting, rallying, karting, officiating and supporting, and organises a range of related championships· Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) – the Government-recognised trade body that has already done much to support the cause of ‘Women in Motorsport’ and actively assists women working within the motorsport industry· Motor Sports Association (MSA) - the governing body of motorsport in Great Britain, committed to promoting additional opportunities for women as competitors, volunteer officials and marshals
The stand will serve as a mecca for women already competing in motorsport or looking to do so in the future and be staffed by those best placed to help and advise the female motorsport fraternity.
CELEBRITY VISITSLeading female motorsport stars will be visiting the stand at intervals during the show, including: Natasha Firman (winner of the inaugural Formula Woman Championship of 2004); Helen Bashford-Malkie (Chair of the BWRDC and many times winner of the ‘Britain’s Fastest Woman Racing Driver’ award) and Lyn St. James (former Indy 500 competitor and one of the world’s most successful female racing drivers to-date).
On Sunday at 1.30pm, such top names as these will be interviewed live on the Autosport stage, in order to highlight the many opportunities open to women in modern motorsport.
COMPETITIONThose visiting stand No. 9445 at any time during the show will have the chance to win one of several fabulous prizes, including a day's training with former BTCC Champion Tim Harvey and a free entry for the BRSCC T-Cars Scholarship. Participants merely have to identify a range of female motorsport stars from their respective childhood photos. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase the 'Women in Motorsport' book by Susan TP-Jamieson and Peter Tutthill.
The ‘Women in Motorsport’ stand follows the very successful ‘Women in Motorsport’ forum held at last year’s Autosport International Show. Attended by hundreds of female drivers and supporters, it featured a star-studded panel including: racing driver Susie Stoddart, driver and TV commentator Amanda Stretton, and Lyn St. James, who flew in from the USA especially to attend.
Said the Chair of the British Women Racing Drivers’ Club, Helen Bashford-Malkie, “Thanks to the support of the GMU, MIA and MSA, the ‘Women in Motorsport’ movement continues to gather momentum. Having a stand at Autosport International will allow the BWRDC to offer valuable help and advice to women already involved in the sport and encourage others to join the fray - not to mention our club!”
Graeme Glew, founder and organiser of Formula Woman said, “Following last year’s very successful inaugural Championship, we have literally thousands of women looking to compete for a place in the next Formula Woman series. The stand will allow us to further promote the series, our new 'Club Formula Woman' and the cause of ‘Women in Motorsport’ generally.”
Said Chris Aylett on behalf of the MIA, “We are delighted to once again be offering support to the ‘Women in Motorsport’ movement. As representatives of the motorsport industry, our key role on the stand will be to offer help and advice to women either already employed in the industry or looking for a career in the sphere.”
