Spotlight on ARDC’s Fast Femmes

What inspired you to get involved in motorsport? And what was the catalyst or turning point that made you decide on a career in motorsport?

NATALIE: With no prior exposure to motorsports growing up, it surprised both my husband and my family when, at the age of 28, I developed a keen interest in motorcycles; not just the adrenaline, speed and sounds, but also the sense of adventure and camaraderie. Soon I found myself joining ARDC and fully immersed in the world of Ride Days at SMSP and crafting my own dedicated track bike. At age 31, I was invited to join friends camping at the Bathurst 1000, and it ignited my passion for car racing. Little did I anticipate that just a few years later, I would be tearing around Mount Panorama in my own race car at Challenge Bathurst!

ZARA: My journey started with the Bathurst 1000. For as long as I can remember I’ve watched Australia’s most iconic motor race from the top of the Mountain, opposite The Chase or sitting on the grass at Murrays Corner. But it was during the COVID lockdown that my family all got to think about what we really valued. I had wanted to race for a long time and one day watching Drive to Survive, I realised it was the only thing I wanted to do. My family were super supportive, and we came out of lockdown and hit the track!

RACHELLE: I was a big Supercars fan for many years, but knew nothing about the world of grassroots motorsport or even that car clubs existed. It wasn’t until I came across a CAMS (back then) stand at a Homebush round, when I was in my 30s, that I found out I could take my daily drive to the track – and compete! I signed up to the Come and Try Day that CAMS were running at SMSP the following month, and the rest is history.

KAYE: A friend at the time got me involved. I really enjoyed my first time trackside at Amaroo as a flag marshal, and decision made: I think I will enjoy standing in the heat, cold, wind, rain and hail!

DOREEN: My Dad from when I was about three years old would have me sitting with him while he watched it on TV. He bought me a red pedal car at three, and I rode it around our balcony singing When I grow up I am going to be a racing driver and drive a red sports car….. I did, and I did.

KATHY: My future husband was heavily involved in Motorsport and very quickly I developed a taste for it; I was travelling to events with him which further encouraged me.

What advice would you give to anyone who might like to get involved in motorsport, or might aspire to a career in motorsport?

ZARA: No matter what part of motorsport you’re trying to get into, whether it’s media, engineering, racing, being an official or a mechanic, the advice I would give to someone wanting to get involved or build a career, is ‘go to events, network, message people, get your name out there, talk to people tell them your story and your aspirations.’

KAYE:  Give it a go, it’s the best seat in the house and you will make lifelong friendships that you will cherish.

KATHY: Give it a try, don’t except the ‘knockers’ and stay true to yourself.

NATALIE: My advice? Just dive in! I vividly recall the day I told my mum about my desire to have a career in the motorsports industry. She asked me what my dream job would be, and without hesitation, I said, “Something at Sydney Motorsport Park.” Back then, I had no clue that my vague dream would catapult me into the role of President and Chair of ARDC, the very organisation overseeing Sydney Motorsport Park!

What initiatives or programs do you think are important for encouraging people to get involved in motorsport?

ZARA: I went to Motorsport Australia’s Girls on Track many times and started helping in the events where I could. Later on I was assigned a mentor, Emily Duggan, who helped me set goals and has been really encouraging.

RACHELLE: I think educational programs in various learning formats are important to encourage people to become involved. How to get started in motorsport is not general knowledge for people who may not know anyone who’s already involved. There are so many different types of motorsport to become involved with and also so many different areas that you can be involved with, it can be overwhelming on where to start.      

NATALIE: Creating more opportunities for women, young people, individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with disabilities to actively engage in motorsport is paramount. By fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, we can ensure that everyone feels empowered to pursue their passion for motorsport regardless of gender, financial status, or physical ability.

DOREEN: Those that break down the barriers of confusion, untruths and creating simple clear ways to get involved in either a Competitive or officiating role. Programmes like our STARTLINE initiative that gives you very simple, clear, inclusive, factual information in a non-threatening environment.         

In what ways do you think diversity and inclusion can be further improved in motorsport? 

NATALIE: Creating more opportunities for women, young people, individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with disabilities to actively engage in motorsport is paramount. By fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, we can ensure that everyone feels empowered to pursue their passion for motorsport regardless of gender, financial status, or physical ability.

DOREEN: Don’t expect anything to be easy and be prepared to work hard. You will be starting at the bottom, so be prepared for that. Be prepared to go through the correct steps to give yourself the best chance of creating a strong foundation. Listen, learn and take every opportunity that is even half coming your way, and never give up. Have courage, be brave.

RACHELLE: Women in motorsport is not one target market – there are many. We need different programs and initiatives for different age groups, different experience levels… People need to see themselves in our marketing collateral / initiatives / programs etc, so they connect with what we do.

Do you think more women would get involved in motorsport if:
-there is a program and/or sport specifically for girls and women AND/OR
-there is a program where genders are mixed, but is exclusive to those people NEW to the sport?

NATALIE: I strongly believe that both avenues hold immense potential for attracting more women to the sport. Creating a program exclusively for girls and women can provide a supportive environment where they feel empowered to explore their passion for motorsport without barriers. Simultaneously, programs that promote mixed-gender participation while catering exclusively to newcomers can also be highly beneficial. These initiatives create opportunities for individuals new to the sport to discover its thrill and excitement in a welcoming environment.

KAYE: Genders are mixed. When it comes to motorsport careers, it’s simply the right person for the job!

KATHY: I believe it should be aimed at all, not just the one sex!

RACHELLE: I think this may depend on the age of the group. From my experience and from what a lot of women have said to me is, women like women-only events/programs when they’re learning as they feel less judged. It’s also easier to connect with other women who are at the same stage of their motorsport journey as them in women-only programs. But…once they’re  confident and know what they’re doing, they don’t want women-only events, they want to participate / compete with everyone.