Start of new era in motor racing?

Press, 17 January 1986, Page 26

Start of new era in motor racing?

Women competitors will have the chance to meet other female drivers on the race track for the first time in a new event at the Lady : Wigram Trophy competitions this week-end. So far the Quinn’s Fashion Cup has attracted nine competitors. The winner will receive a $l5OO wardrobe from Quinn’s Fashions, and the runner-up will win $5OO. A $lOOO prize will be awarded to the owner of the first car

home. According to the president of the Motor Racing Club, Mr Don McKay, it is the first women’s race ever held at a national level in New Zealand. Mr McKay instigated the race because he felt women needed the chance to become involved in car racing. In the 19505, women drivers such as Sybil Lupp were a common sight on the race track, but today fewer women were taking part, he said.

“There was no reason why we shouldn’t give them (women) the opportunity to be involved,” he said. Mr McKay thinks it could be the start of a new era in motor racing in New Zealand. “Lady Wigram is New Zealand’s oldest motor race and was the race which introduced circuit racing as we know it today,” he said. “Equally this ladies’ race is another first for New Zealand and we hope that other

promoters will also see their way clear to promote something similar.” The top contender for the title will be the Palmerston North driver, Debbie Lester. Lester has been successfully competing in the Formula Vee competition this season. Last week-end she won her heat at Manfeild, near Palmerston North, and two weeks ago she won at the Grand Prix meeting at Pukekohe. Sandy Inns, who has won the Ratec women’s cham-

pionship title twice, will also line up for the race. Jenny Steere from Kaiapoi will drive a Ferrari in the event. Mr McKay was pleased with the response to the race. Some entries had to be refused because they did not fit the criteria set. All entrants must drive road cars built later than 1980. On Saturday there will be a practice day to give the drivers a chance to get used

to the track, and Mr McKay will also hold a briefing session bn flag signals. “We will have to ensure that they have a good knowledge of flag signals,” he said. “It’s not hard to understand, but we have to make sure they know the basic flags.” About half of the entrants have not raced competitively at this level. They will race under a closed club permit which entitles them to take part in only one race.