The first FIA Girls On Track event for 2021 begins this weekend with the Shannons Insurance International Women’s Day Festival aiming to build the confidence of women both in a car or on a bike.
Taking place at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Broadford in Victoria, the two-day event will give novice drivers a chance to get behind the wheel and learn some vital skills to driving safely.
While Motorcycling Australia will take charge of the festival on Sunday with a ride day and a networking dinner in the evening, Monday will see the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne take over the event which features Girls On Track components.
Hosted along with Race Chix Motorsport, 17 women are confirmed for the joint Come and Try and Driver Training day, which will include multiple classroom sittings, driving sessions under the attending instructors’ supervision and solo runs once participants are confident.
One of the key organisers behind the event, the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne’s Events Coordinator Jo Mawson believes the day is important not just for women wanting to compete, but any woman who needs a boost in confidence behind the wheel.
“This event is focused at giving people an opportunity to get out on track at level and in an environment they are comfortable with,” Mawson said.
“It’s about learning how to drive on the track, as well as gaining life driving skills properly. That includes learning how to handle cars and brake testing with the assistance of instructors.
“The main goal of the event is to give these women the confidence to drive, regardless of on the track or not. We have one individual who had a bad crash out on the roads and is now hopeful she can gain the skill to drive again.
“We will also be focusing on women getting the chance to gain experience about what it takes to be a Motorsport Australia official, where they can learn how to do it.
“The event was the brainchild of Race Chix Motorsport and it’s a great initiative. We’re really happy to support it and looking forward to Monday. Should be a good weekend.”
Entries for the event will close on Saturday 6 March.
The Shannons International Women’s Day Festival takes place at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Broadford on 7-8 March.
This feature is part of a series of stories celebrating International Women’s Day on 7 March.
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