Motorsport Australia’s popular Dare To Be Different (D2BD) program will continue in 2020 and beyond under a new brand, FIA Girls On Track.
The program will continue to provide young girls with the opportunity to grow interest in STEM subjects and industries, with the aim of increasing female participation, using motorsport as a tool to expose them to the incredible opportunities and career paths. The program will be co-ordinated with the FIA and other ASNs around the world.
While a number of events were planned for 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of these events with a new calendar of events to be released soon.
Starting this week, a number of digital initiatives will be rolled out as part of this year’s program, using both the global FIA Girls On Track network, and also specific local content featuring the many Ambassadors who have supported the program. Those Ambassadors include Jessica Dane, Molly Taylor, Betty Klimenko, Kate Peck, Romy Mayer, Emma Notarfrancesco, Jessica Yates, Bonnie Beard and Emily Duggan.
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said while much of the in-person activity had to be postponed, there was still a strong commitment to this program.
“The FIA Girls On Track program has been very successful and extremely popular,” Arocca said.
“While there is a new brand, we’ll continue to grow on the success of the program to date and ensure there is strong interest and that will encourage girls to consider motorsport as a career, whether as a competitor, engineer, in the media or whatever path that might be interested in.
“The overwhelming positive feedback from the FIA Girls On Track events in the past provides us with confidence that when it is possible and safe to do so, these events will be just as popular once they return around Australia.
“With the program now part of the FIA’s Women In Motorsport network, there will also be more opportunities for young girls to learn from those in the sport overseas, as well as the many talented women here in Australia.”
More information about FIA Girls On Track can be found at motorsport.org.au/GOT.