On Wednesday 8 March, Motorsport Australia will be joining the rest of the world as we recognise International Women’s Day.
 
Over the course of the week, Motorsport Australia will be celebrating all women who contribute to the sport.

Based in Tasmania, Mel Beets has held many roles across multiple disciplines at both state and national level, including at last month’s AWC Race Tasmania in Launceston where she was Deputy Clerk of Course.
 
While she has been in the sport for more than two decades, the volunteer firefighter wasn’t always the passionate fan she is now.
 
Selected for Motorsport Australia’s Senior Officials Development Program this year, Beets has a bright future ahead of her and she looks to continue up the ranks.
 
“I grew up not knowing a thing about motorsport as my only exposure was dad occasionally watching Formula 1 on Sundays,” Beets said.
 
“It wasn’t until I got a boyfriend and went to a race track with him that I was introduced to the sport – to which I competed in motorkhanas and rallies every so often.
 
“When the relationship ended, I continued as an official and began as a flag marshal at club days and even did road closure in rallies.
 
“I then started working more in the control tower for state events, then Comms and now I am often a Clerk of Course at both state and national level. It can be challenging, but I learned a lot and it keeps me on toes.
 
“I am looking forward to being part of the program, as it’s a great honour and I think it will help bring up more people through the ranks which of course will be a benefit for the sport.
 
“It’s also always nice to see other women in a typically male-dominated sport as we bring a different perspective to how motorsport operates, so to see more and more coming through is great.”

Beets was also recently named as the Tasmanian State Official of 2022
 
A dedicated member of the Hobart Sporting Car Club, Beets has held many roles as a volunteer official for a number of years, including her club's administrator for many years and as a fire marshal at the Australian Grand Prix.
 
A reliable hard worker, Beets has been making plenty of progress as an official as she has served as a communicator for race meetings and is currently training to be a Clerk of Course.
 
“I feel lucky and honoured to be nominated and I couldn’t do what I do without a whole team of officials working alongside me," Beets said in her video acceptance speech.
 
“Let’s keep working together in 2023 and hope we have another great year.”