The British Women Racing Drivers’ Club (BWRDC) has launched a new initiative titled Into Speed that has been designed to encourage female participation in motorsport.
The BWRDC was founded in 1962 with the ambition to support women through all disciplines of motorsport, with members competing across an array of championships.
Now, the club has sought to initiate a programme that will “introduce women to the thrills and rewards of motorsport competition” to commence this upcoming March.
Into Speed will aim to provide a “clear, friendly and cumulative pathway for women of all ages”, with continued guidance from BWRDC members and expert tutors throughout.
This extends to include driver kit, seating positions and driving styles upon their first stages of sitting in a car through to the eventual position of entering a competitive event.
The programme will pivot on hillclimbing, which revolves around individuals competing against the clock on short courses in a range of affordable road cars in the United Kingdom.
A three-stage process will be implemented, beginning with tuition day at Harewood Hill near Leeds to enable those involved to get acclimatised with the basic requirements.
At this moment, they will have the opportunity to become comfortable in the car and learn about “timing” and “safety” in motorsport before then trialling the hillclimb course.
The second day, regarded as optional, will see the participants be guided through one-to-one tuition by those aforementioned experts at the Curborough Sprint Course.
Moving on, the final stage will comprise the opportunity to enter an event with “the full support of a BWRDC mentor”. This will cover three events, which are scheduled to be held at Shelsley Walsh (Worcestershire) in May, Prescott Hill (Gloucestershire) in June and Harewood Hill (Yorkshire) in August, and each will see points awarded to yield a series winner.
Those who engage in the programme will also be introduced to other roles in the motorsport sphere, including engineering, media roles, marshalling and stewarding.
Furthermore, the BWRDC will help women acquire a racing license with the support of Motorsport UK, who have also contributed “to underwriting the programme as part of its ongoing commitment to increase female participation throughout the sport.”
Participants have been asked to use their own personal road car for the driving tuition days and events, but a representative fee will be deposited to cover the entry fees.
Helen Allen, Chair of the BWRDC said: “The British Racing Drivers Club was created to represent women in a sport that is perceived to be only for men. In 2022 we celebrated our 60th anniversary, but we wanted to continue to inspire a new generation of ambitious women.
“With the support of Motorsport UK we are proud to have created this programme to take women through the sport from the very early stages to their first competition. It is all about access and enjoyment, and trying to show that there is a place for everyone in motorsport.
“We aimed to create a safe environment for women to ask the questions they may not have the courage to do in a mixed environment, and to build their confidence in a welcoming and open way. We will offer training, tuition and hand-hold through every step of the process until each participant feels able to compete independently.”
Caroline Ryder, BWRDC Vice Chair added: “Over a racing season we meet many women who attend events either as a fan, or as part of a family group, but have never tried out motorsport for themselves. One of the principal reasons has always been a certain element of trepidation in competing.
“Hillclimbing is a great place for women to start their motorsport journey. It’s a very open and friendly paddock and while competitive, the only person you compete against is ultimately yourself. We just want the women to know that they can count on us to support them at every stage.”
Meanwhile, Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, regards the “largest unrealised opportunity for motorsport is the greater involvement of females” in any capacity.
“Motorsport is one of the few sports that presents no fundamental barriers to full gender inclusivity,” he added. “And yet, at present women make up just 10% of our membership.
We know from recent research that many more follow the sport within the community or via the media, so it is not from lack of interest but rather a lack of clear pathways into the sport.
“We are very proud to assist the BWRDC, which has for so long supported women, in reaching a new generation of women to enjoy the challenge of motorsport.”
