Toyosports Car Club NSW recently hosted a Women’s Introduction to Motorsport Autocross event at Colo Motorsport Park, northwest of Sydney, giving 20 women the chance to experience grassroots motorsport.

Courtesy of grant funding via Motorsport Australia, the club was able to cover introductory licences and club memberships, ensuring participants could get behind the wheel with minimal financial barriers.

The event provided a supportive and inclusive environment for women to push beyond their comfort zones, race the clock on a loose surface, and immerse themselves in the excitement of motorsport.

A total of 20 drivers took to the track, many for the first time, each receiving a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt featuring a special edition of the club’s logo. In the lead-up, dedicated club members worked tirelessly to ensure vehicles met safety requirements, making the event both safe and memorable.

Club Secretary Frances Tolhurst kicked off the day with an introduction to Toyosports Car Club, highlighting its 50-year history. Nineteen-year-old Club President Ruby Martin, now in her second year leading the club, welcomed participants before joining her sister, Tara Martin, to deliver the driver’s briefing. After an orientation lap of the Giddy Giddy circuit, participants jumped behind the wheel for a familiarisation session, with some accompanied by instructors to help turn nerves into confidence.

Early rain set the scene for an exciting day on the dirt, with muddy conditions adding to the challenge and excitement. Spectators were treated to an entertaining display as first-timers, juniors, and seasoned drivers navigated the slippery track in a diverse range of vehicles. AWD Subarus and the Yamaha YXZ1000R showcased impressive control, while 2WD entrants including a Mitsubishi Mirage, Ford Focus, and Hyundai, held their own and stayed on track.

The fastest lap of the day was recorded by Sarah Harris, not new to motorsport, however making her dirt debut in the Yamaha. Sarah narrowly outpaced track veteran Ruby Martin by a thrilling hundredth of a second. Nicole Bolton quietly surprised herself, posting the fastest time for the 2WD class. She completed her laps in her daily driven Hyundai, equipped with tyres better suited to the daily commute than racing, proving her skills.

Six Junior ladies battled it out for the coveted Junior accolade. Rookie Tileah Smith brought some finesse to her brothers Commodore Wagon, securing the Junior title. Jess Tipping in her Barina and Mia McIlvenna in the club Excel kept pushing each other against the clock, enhancing their skills and experience on the Giddy Giddy circuit. The friends battled to beat each other’s fastest time with every lap, providing endless entertainment for the timekeepers.

In the spirit of the day, most cars were entered multiple times, with mums, daughters, aunts, sisters and friends sharing the wheel while experiencing an exciting family day. Following the event, participants were granted car club membership, along with the opportunity to upgrade their Introductory Licence to a Speed Licence. This provides them with the network and resources to return and compete in future motorsport events, opening doors to further involvement in the sport.

Toyosports Car Club NSW hold bimonthly Autocross events on the dirt circuit at Colo Motorsport Park. Visit the Club’s Instagram for more details.