Now that we have two British Formula One racing champions how much longer till we see a woman driver taking podium places at a big racing event that gets serious recognition.
Not long I predict if the two young female racing drivers I know have their way… Zoe Wenham and Carol Brown.
Zoë Wenham became the youngest female circuit racing driver in 2008 when she passed her ARDS test and started racing in Saxmax, a championship in Citroen Saxos for 14 to 17 year olds. She has been the only female driver in the championship for most of 2008 and all of 2009.
Next year Zoë is 16 when she’ll be able to race with full sized adults in the Volkswagen Racing Cup, running alongside Formula 3, British GTs and National Formula Ford Championships and here are the dates and venues when she will be racing.
17th/18th July – Rockingham, Northamptonshire
14th/15th August – Silverstone, Northamptonshire
18th/19th September – Brands Hatch, Kent
16th/17th October – Donington Park, Derbyshire
Carol Brown is older at 21 and has fitted in an action packed motorsport CV to date. She was voted Scottish Lady Driver of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and recognised as the person most likely to progress in motorsport by the award of the Sheila White Trophy.
Carol began her motorsport career in karting at the tender age of six claiming Scottish titles when 8 years old including third in the British championship – all competing against boys.
By the age of 18 Carol was ready to step up a level – opting to try her hand at Legends racing. In her first full season she claimed Rookie of the Year and fourth place in the Scottish championships. In 2008 Carol dominated the championship from start to finish and claimed the SMRC Legends Cars Championship title.
Carol’s ultimate aim is to become a winning driver in the highly-competitive British Touring Car Championship and her racing plans for 2010 will appear on her website when finalised.
Both these foxy lady drivers are exceptional racing drivers and beating boys as they go but it is an expensive career to fund. So if you are reading this blog and know of a potential motorsport sponsor please ask them to consider helping girls (not just boys…) reach their podium ambitions.
And if you organise corporate hospitality events, why not contact Zoe’s Dad Paul for details of hospitality packages when Zoe is racing in 2010.
Good luck next season girls – I really do admire your motorsport talent and hope you can attract the funding you need so you can concentrate on the racing in future.
FOXY Steph
