NSW Road Racing Club Ladies Club Level Motorsport ... FINAL REPORT - for website.pdfNSWRRC Ladies Club Level Motorsport Development Program Final Report – November 2016 Page 1 of

NSWRRC Ladies Club Level Motorsport Development Program Final Report – November 2016

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NSW Road Racing Club

Ladies Club Level Motorsport

Development Program

Final Report

November 2016

A joint funded program by:

NSW Road Racing Club Confederation of Australian Motor Sport

(CAMS)


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The main objective of the NSW Road Racing Club’s Club Level Motorsport Ladies

Development Program was to take the intimidation out of the sport for women.

The Ladies Development Program (LDP) was a six part program, run over 4 months, which

took ladies through all aspects of club level motorsport. At the end of the program ladies

now feel comfortable to be able to enter Supersprints, Motorkhana’s, Hillclimbs and

Regularity events with confidence, knowledge and event readiness.

Participants of the program are now confident in being able to read and understand

supplementary regulations, know which class their vehicle falls into, fill out event entry forms,

know what clothing they are required to wear, how to check the cars water, oil, tyre tread

and what tyre pressures they should be running, know what to do when they get to a race

track on event day and most importantly how to be competitive on the track.

The LDP involved a series of skill building events which included:

Two driver training sessions with Barton Mawer – racing driver and high performance

driver coach

Hillclimb training (from senior NSWRRC club members)

Supersprint training (from senior NSWRRC club members)

Regularity training (from senior NSWRRC club members)

Motorkhana training (from senior RTDC club members)

Officials training (from senior accredited CAMS officials)

RETENTION OF PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Our aim for the program was ten participants. Unfortunately with our short time frame for

advertising the program from when funding was approved to our first event, we only had six

weeks to advertise to the program. We commenced the program on 12 March with three

participants with a fourth joining the program in the second round. All four participants

completed the program, therefore we are happy to report that we had a 100% retention and

success rate.

http://www.bartonmawer.com.au/index.php/about-barton-mawer/motorsport-cv.html


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THE PROGRAM

Program Part Date Discipline Location / Details

PART 1 Driver Training

Saturday 12 March 2016

Initial driver training day that covers the basics of driving on the track, flags, what to do if you start to lose control etc.

Marulan Dirt & Tarmac Circuits (MDTC), Open Practice Day Training to be carried out by Barton Mawer – high performance driver coach.

PART 2 NSWRRC 6 Hour Relay Regularity

Sunday & Monday 27 – 28 March 2016

Regularity Training Officials Training

Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) North Circuit Training will be carried out by regularity experienced NSWRRC members

PART 3 NSWRRC Come & Try Supersprint & Hillclimb

Saturday 23 April 2016

Supersprint Training Hillclimb Training

MDTC Training will be carried out by senior NSWRRC members.

PART 4 Road & Track Drivers Club Motorkhana

Saturday 7 May 2016

Motorkhana Training SMSP Skid Pan Training will be carried out by senior RTDC members.

PART 5 Driver Training

Saturday 14 May 2016

Follow up driver training with Barton Mawer – high performance driver trainer

MDTC Follow up driver training day with high performance coach Barton Mawer to look at how far participants have developed in four months and to build on their learning’s moving forward.

PART 6 NSWRRC CAMS Supersprint

Sunday 19 June 2016

Entry into first full competition Supersprint

SMSP North Circuit


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PROMOTION OF THE PROGRAM Promotion of the program was through the clubs Facebook page, club e-newsletters, word

of mouth from club members and also printed flyers.

Our promotion of the program prior included:

Promotion NSWRRC Facebook page

Promotion on the CAMS and WAMS Facebook pages

Promotion on GirlsTorque Facebook page

Promotion in CAMS Speed Read and on CAMS website

NSWRRC e-newsletters to club members,

NSWRRC email to all CAMS affiliated car clubs in NSW and ACT

Hand delivered printed flyers to MDTC

Hand delivered printed flyers to The Garage café at Sydney Motorsport Park

A stand at PowerCruise and interview over PA.

Promotion of the program on Linked in by Girlstorque Motorsport

Media releases sent to CAMS, WAMS, GirlsTorque Motorsport and Speed Cafe

Our Facebook posts about the program had the highest reach the club had ever achieved. Prior to this program our highest reach was around the 800 mark with the posts about the LDP being around up around the 1200 mark. The LDP certainly got people talking (Facebooking) and was also a great way to promote the club along the way. Facebook posts continued throughout the program with CAMS being tagged in posts.

https://www.facebook.com/NSW-Road-Racing-Club-228409093897404/?ref=bookmarks


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PART ONE - 12 MARCH 2016 DRIVER TRAINING WITH BARTON MAWER – MDTC Part one of the program was run on Saturday 12 March at Marulan Dirt & Tarmac Circuits with great success. Part one of the program was initial driver training with Australian GT driver and high performance driver trainer Barton Mawer. Barton put the girls through their paces throughout the day tailoring each session to each of the ladies skill and confidence levels. The training day also included a theory session and finished off with an emergency braking exercise. From the feedback received the ladies had a great day, learnt lots and are looking forward to part two of the program which is Regularity and Officials training at NSW Road Racing Club’s 6 Hour Regularity Relay event at Sydney Motorsport Park on 27 and 28 March.

Stephanie Katz “what a great day, broke down many of my fears, learnt a greater understanding about tyres and why you see people on track days checking the pressure when they come in. This type of training is exactly what I need, I am on such a high right now and don't think I will be able to sleep.”

Sharee Warren “Thank you so much for organising such an amazing program. I took so many learnings from today and Bart is an absolutely fantastic coach. I can't wait until the next part of the program.” Participants: Stephanie Katz Amy Neal Sharee Warren

http://www.bartonmawer.com.au/index.php/high-performance-driver-coaching-services.html

https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.katz.940?fref=ufi&rc=p

https://www.facebook.com/sharee.warren?fref=ufi&rc=p


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PART TWO – 27–28 MARCH 2016 REGULARITY AND OFFICIALS TRAINING – SMSP DRUITT (NORTH) CIRCUIT Part two of the program was Regularity training and officials training at the NSWRRC 6 Hour at Sydney Motorsport Park. Regularity Training Sunday the 27th was Regularity training with senior members of NSWRRC.

Development Program Participant NSWRRC Driver Trainer

Palak Bhatt Paige Butchers

Amy Neal Terry Mayfield

Stephanie Katz Peter Byrnes

Sharee Warren Paul Ormerod

For this part of the program participants were taught to focus on consistency rather than speed with the driver trainers focusing on driving lines, braking markers and driving to their tachometer. Participants were taught that being able to consistently drive the same line, consistently brake at the same points and consistently changing gears at the same revs is what makes a good regularity driver. Officials Training Monday the 28th was officials training during the NSWRRC 6 Hour Regularity Relay. Officials training was included in the program as we believe that this is an important component of driver development as drivers learn just as much off the track officiating as they can do on the track. Program participants were paired with experienced CAMS officials with some being moved between flag points throughout the day. They were trained in the use and purpose of the different flags and gained valuable insight into the importance of and requiring officials.


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PART THREE – 23 APRIL 2016 SUPERSPRINT AND HILLCLIMB TRAINING – MDTC Part three of the program was Supersprint and Hillclimb training at MDTC with senior NSWRRC members.

Development Program Participant NSWRRC Driver Trainer

Palak Bhatt Paige Butchers

Amy Neal Terry Mayfield

Stephanie Katz Peter Byrnes

Sharee Warren Paul Ormerod

The format of the day consisted of: Morning session: Supersprint training Lunchtime: Theory session Afternoon session: Hillclimb training Topics covered on the day by the driver trainers were:

track position - very important aspect of competing in a Supersprint

tyre pressures - starting pressures will vary from competing in a Supersprint to a Hillclimb

driving lines

braking markers Theory session covered:

Supplementary Regulations

Filling out event entry forms

Vehicle classes and how the scoring/points system works

Flags - refresh from your officials training


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PART FOUR – 7 MAY 2016 MOTORKHANA TRAINING - SMSP SKID PAN Part four of the Ladies Development Program was Motorkhana training at SMSP, which was carried out by senior members of the Road Track Drivers Club (RTDC). NSWRRC partnered with RTDC for this part of the program as Motorkhana’s are a discipline that RTDC specialise in and do very well and it is not a discipline that is currently in NSWRRC’s remit. Unfortunately only two of the program participants could attend this part of the program due to family commitments. Participants on the day were Stephanie Katz and Palak Bhatt. The Motorkhana discipline was included in the program for two reasons. Firstly to introduce the discipline to the program participants and secondly Motorkhana’s are a great form of motorsport to learn car control.

PART FIVE – 14 MAY 2016 FOLLOW UP DRIVER TRAINING WITH BARTON MAWER – MDTC Part five of the development program was a follow up driver training day with Barton Mawer. Since the ladies first met Bart in February they had since had Regularity, Officials, Supersprint, Hillclimb and Motorkhana training days. The design of the follow up training day was to then take the ladies driver development to the next level. Conducting a second driver training day allowed Bart to gauge their individual improvements, built the ladies confidence and increased their event readiness. This was also the first time program participant Palak Bhatt had driven a manual. By the end of the day Bart had her completing laps at a competitive pace in a manual car. Development program participants on the day were:

Stephanie Katz Amy Neal Palak Bhatt


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PART SIX – 19 JUNE 2016 ENTRY INTO FIRST COMPETITION SUPERSPRINT - SMSP The final round of the Ladies Development Program was entry in to their first competition Supersprint. This was Round 3 in the CAMS State Supersprint Championship, which saw three out of the four program participants graduate from the program on this day. The ladies were well prepared (albeit very nervous) and unfortunately mother nature was not considerate at all with the weather, being one of the wettest days of the year, which made tackling their first Supersprint more challenging. Stephanie and Amy had spins in their first session on the wet track with Amy nearly ending up in the wall. This understandably really unnerved her as she was using her every day drive. Through a lot of talking with our driver trainers and program supporters we got her back out on the track for the second session. In leading up to the event the ladies were taught how to enter an event using the CAMS Event Entry and successfully entered themselves into the event. From their first day at MDTC with Barton Mawer to this final part of the program, it was evident that the ladies had certainly come a long way.


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PROGRAM EXCEPTION Palak Bhatt was unable to graduate from the program at the Supersprint on 19 June due to study commitments. She was then due to graduate from the program in July at a super sprint on the south circuit at SMSP, however her husband had an unplanned introduction to a wall at Phillip Island in the Victorian 6 hour which put her husband in hospital and their track car off the road for the remainder of the year. Understandably this accident left them both shaken and Palak’s confidence of hitting the track at our next event took a backwards step. That was until the Huntley Hillclimb on 20 November, run by Wollongong Sporting Car Club, that got Palak back in the driver’s seat. It was the last round of our club championship and Palak was ready to graduate from the program. By the end of the day she was in her element and found a motorsport discipline that she loved and was excited about. Palak has decided that Supersprints aren’t for her however she is now looking at entering the Hillclimb championship for next year.


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COMPILED PROGRAM PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

Below is our compiled feedback from program participants from their feedback surveys. Each colour represents an answer from the different program participants.

Q1 What did you enjoy most about the program?

Gaining experience on racetracks with the guidance of a professional driver and having a designated mentor throughout the program. The way the program was set up to ease me into the sport and not throw me in deep end. The organisers and trainers are a great bunch of people and welcomed me with open arms at every event. I also loved how they explained the other side of the sport, like registration, car class, tyres and whiteboard training. So many highlights, a few were driver training with Bart, the great people who took their own time to engage with us and make us feel so welcome and entering an actual competitive event. Motorkhana, Hill Climb, Rally Navigation

Q2 What did you enjoy the least about the program?

Early mornings The rain on the last day The officials training day, 6 hours was a long time out there, but I have a totally new appreciation for the marshals 6 Hr and Super Sprints

Q3 What do you think we should include more of in the program next year?

More mechanical skills/knowledge e.g. changing tyres etc. I think the programme covered it all. I think the program was spot on for quite a few levels of participants Coaches that have cars in a similar class so they can best advise on how to hit an apex. Also some training on terminology. As a complete novice I found it difficult to always know what was being discussed as there is an assumption that you know the lingo (for example, I didn’t know what an Apex was, or what class meant in terms of cars). It made me feel on the outer sometimes.

Q4 What do you think we should include less of in the program next year?

N/A all components were relevant As above I thought the organisers nailed it, so nothing to include less Maybe the officials training not for a full 6/6.5 hours, it has discouraged me from being an official with how long we were out there.


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Not sure really. I think that depends on what each person likes. I don’t enjoy long days and I don’t enjoy going around and around in circles, but that’s based purely on my preference.

Q5 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely were you to enter and compete in a Super Sprint prior to the program?

2 1 2 1

Q6 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely are you to enter and compete in a Super Sprint now that you have completed the program?

5 6 6 2

Q7 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely were you to enter and compete in a Hillclimb prior to the program?

1 1 3 1

Q8 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely are you to enter and compete in a Hillclimb event now that you have completed the program?

6 6 6 4-5

Q9 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely were you to enter and compete in a Regularity event prior to the program?

6 (already enter regularity events at MDTC) 1 2 1

Q10 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely are you now to enter and compete in a Regularity event now that you have completed the program?

6 6 4 1

Q11 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely were you to enter and compete in a Motorkhana event prior to the program?

2 6 6 1

Q12 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely are you to enter and compete in a Motorkhana event now that you have completed the program?

2 (didn’t complete the motorkhana) 6 6 4-5

Q13 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely were you to volunteer as an official prior to the program?

1 6 1 1

Q14 On a scale of 1 – 6, how likely are you to volunteer as an official now that you have completed the program?

3 6 3 3

Q15 On a scale of 1 – 6 how confident are you in understanding the event Supplementary Regulations?

5 6 6 3

Q16 On a scale of 1 – 6 how confident are you in knowing where to go to locate event entry forms and supplementary regulations eg club websites?

5 5 5 3-4


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Q17 On a scale of 1 – 6 how confident are you in being able to set up your car to enter an event, including adjusting tyre pressures and checking your water and oil?

6 6 6 2-3

Q18 On a scale of 1 – 6 how confident are you in knowing what apparel you are required to wear?

6 6 6 2-3

Q19 On a scale of 1 – 6 how confident are you in knowing what to do when you get to the track and what processes you need to go through in regards to paperwork, timing devices and attending the drivers briefing?

6 6 6 2-3

Q20 Is there anything that you can think of that would have been useful to include in the program in which we didn’t cover? A track day at Wakefield? No Bit about apparel and the benefits about different materials and items (shoes/gloves/suit etc) Check list for each event. Help people remember and get into a routine

Q21 If there was one thing about the program that you could change what would it be? N/A again, all components were relevant and enjoyable A bigger pink L magnet, I was so proud wearing that on the training days, it was my little “leave me alone I am learning” indicator. Nothing, events were perfectly spread out along the months. Rachelle was amazing with her support and encouragement even during times where we weren’t feeling it. Rachelle is a great ‘pep’ talker! Some rotation of duties when training as a volunteer official. Being in the one place for 6hrs is not fun. Especially if you are not really a car enthusiast to begin with.

Q22 The main aim of the Ladies Development Program was to take the intimidation out of the sport, do you feel the program has accomplished this for you? Yes Oh definitely, I was wreck on track days before this program, yes I still get a bit nervous but nothing like before. At North circuit I was able to hold my own on the track even though there were cars passing me. I would never go on North Circuit before but now I love the track, can’t wait to get back on it. Absolutely, I never thought I would be able to compete in the types of events we have been exposed to but now I will enter them without hesitation and with confidence. Yes. The coaches were great. Especially the training session with Barton Mawer.


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Q23 Would you recommend this program to others? Yes Most definitely, I have already been bragging about it. Absolutely, I already have. Through this experience I have also recommended my club (NSW 86/BRZ Car Club) to become affiliated with NSWRRC Yes. Especially for partners to gain an understanding of their partners love and passion for the sport.

Please feel free to add any further comments The program totally exceeded my expectations and I feel like it has helped me become more knowledgeable and well-rounded in amateur competitive motorsport. Rachelle has done an exceptional job in pulling this together and created an amazing, encouraging environment for us to learn. This is a great initiative to introduce more females to the sport and encourage more engagement with the racing fraternity. It’s also a great way to improve driving skills in general. I certainly learned more about how I can best drive my car. I would never have gotten involved if it was not for this program. And I am very thankful that I did. So thanks again!


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LESSONS LEARNT

Lesson Learnt Rectification for 2017 Program

Lesson Learnt #1 Our lesson learnt from this year’s program is that we required a longer lead time to promote the program to increase the number of participants.

Promotion of the program will commence in December 2016 and training will commence in February 2017 so we have three months to promote the program.

Lesson Learnt #2 It was evident towards the end of the program the difference that two days with Barton Mawer made over only those participants that could attend the second day. Our second lesson learnt is that all participants really need to attend both days with Bart to get the most out of the Ladies Development Program.

If possible in 2017 we would like not to accept participants to the program after the initial training day with Barton Mawer has been completed. Our thoughts for 2016 were that we would accept entries into the program throughout the program, however to gain the full outcome of the program they need to enter the program from its inception.

Lesson Learnt #3 From the feedback received from program participants, the full day of Official/flagging training was too much for them for their first ‘officiating’ encounter and has discouraged them from flagging in the future.

In 2017 we will break up the officials training into half day of flagging with the remainder of the day on either dummy grid, in admin, race control or timing.

Lesson Learnt #4 From feedback received not everyone knows what we’re talking about when we speak motorsport terminology, for example when speaking about apex’s and vehicle classes in the theory sessions.

In 2017 we need to take into consideration participant’s level of knowledge when it comes to motorsport terminology and include terminology/definitions into the theory sessions.

Lesson Learnt #5 That not every program participant will like the same event discipline and/or will want to enter supersprints in the future. As a club where supersprints are our core event, we forget sometimes that supersprints aren’t for everyone.

In 2017 we need to ensure that we put as much training emphasis on all the disciplines of motorsport that are covered in the program as we do with supersprints.


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STEPH’S BLOG Program participant Stephanie Katz wrote a blog about her experience in the program which was published on the MX-5 Club of NSW’s website. It’s a fantastic insight in the thoughts and feelings of what a participant of the program was feeling and going through at the time, along being a great read a the same time. Part 1 - http://nsw.mx5.com.au/news/nswrrc-ladies-development-program Part 2 - http://nsw.mx5.com.au/news/ladies-motorsport-development-program-part-2

My partner, Guy, saw a post for a Lady’s Motorsport Development Program run by NSWRRC and sponsored by CAMS, he jumped and said “this is great, this is EXACTLY what you need Steph”. I agreed nervously after seeing that two of the events were at SMP north circuit. How many times at our race days have I heard discussions about the dreaded turn 1 and how unforgiving the turn is!!!!!!

To give this some context, Guy and I are also members of the MX-5 club of NSW, Guy heading up the Sydney Chapter and I have actively supported his racing since meeting him supporting the club in the tower. I bought my first MX-5 (and first manual car !!) about 2 years ago….

The general feeling was that this course was for people that had done a driver training with the club at Marulan but were interested in going the next step and asking themselves “can I do this….” And I have to say the answer is a definite YES. When I discussed this with other male drivers they frequently said “I’d wear a dress for that…”

First session: Driver training at MDTC with Barton Mawer (who won his class in this year’s 12hour at Bathurst)

First session we met the organisers and Barton Mawer. We started with what you need to know about prepping your car for scrutineering and the track, this included the importance of tyre pressures. I have always heard our racing mates discuss this and had no idea why this is so important on the track. I now understand why this is such a discussion topic and how important your tyre pressures are and the importance of checking them and making the adjustments at the start of the day and after several sessions on the track.

We then headed off onto the track where Barton rotated amongst us to observe our level of driving knowledge. During the following sessions on the track, Barton gave constructive advice and explained the rationale behind them. After having many sessions I was having a ball and feeling very confident.

During our lunch break Barton delivered a whiteboard training session, initially he discussed apexing. He showed us the different start and finish lines in corners and how this affects the outcome of your race line. Next was how to hold the steering wheel at all times and why this is so important. Last subject was about braking on the track compared to out on the street and how massively different the attitude is between the two.

After lunch we went back out for a few sessions and applied some of the classroom learning. Barton noticed that we were all a bit scared to fully apply the brake so on the last session he organised a special braking session down the main straight running downhill (against the normal track direction). He stood about halfway down the straight while we approached him (one at a time on the track) doing at least 60km, he yelled stop and waved a yellow flag and we had to hit the brake as hard as we could at that point. This allowed us to feel the car at its absolute limit and see

http://nsw.mx5.com.au/news/nswrrc-ladies-development-program

http://nsw.mx5.com.au/news/ladies-motorsport-development-program-part-2


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how the ABS reacts in the car. One of the ladies did not have ABS and Barton coached her through the technique of preventing wheel lock up.

Session 2: SMP North Circuit Regularity and official training

Day 1

“OMG North Circuit - Turn 1”

I was excited but terrified at the same time, I thought I can’t do this, I love my car too much to hurt her.

First up we were given pink L plates to put on our cars and told to prep our car for scrutineering as we were taught in session 1. We then headed over to scrutineering, it was noticed that I was a bag of nerves so they organised a veteran driver from the WRX club to come and talk to me. We had a little talk and I left scrutineering feeling much more relaxed. It was practice day for the NSWRRC 6hr regularity so all the practising cars were pulled of the track around 10am so the four of us could have the track to ourselves for 30 minutes (phew).

I was assigned a NSWRRC veteran driver, Peter and sent to the staging grid, then the nerves came back (grrrrrrr) it was panic stations. Pete calmed me down and explained how we were going to learn the race line and not go above my limit until I was ready. That was music to my ears. Clearly my worst enemy was my own Demons.

We were then let out onto the track, I was told that first we need to warm the tyres and brakes but at the same time shown the race line and braking points. After a few laps I thought this is not scary, it’s actually fun. We both identified that I need to use the gears more as hitting the rev limiter was not the ideal thing to do and my current inability to heel & toe coming down the gears was not doing the gearbox any favours. After a few leaps of faith (some took 3 laps to implement and many “NO’S !!” said to Pete) I was fully engaged with my instructor and followed every instruction.

Then the red mist came in.

I was having a ball, not every lap, there were many incorrectly applied gear changes and many profanities escaping my mouth. But when I got it right and the car just grabbed the tar and stuck to the corners, I was on fire – Wooohooo!!!!!! First session over and I was buzzing and running on adrenalin.

Second session was to start at 3:45 and ok the nerves are coming back. I decided to find a quiet area and hydrate and eat half a packet of jubes to get my blood/sugars back up about 30 mins before the session. Waiting in the staging grid again Pete asked if I was nervous, I said “Yes a little” but nothing like the first session. I then asked him if he feels this when he is about to go out, he answered “Yes a little”. That was great to hear, I am normal and like everyone else.

We started to enter the track and Pete explained that in this session, the first 10 min our laps will be timed and after the 10min are up we will be flagged into pit lane to find out what our regularity nominated time is. Then we go back out and beat it [Guy’s note -Regularity ??]. I was doing 1:30 with 2 x 1.83m plus people in the car “Woohooo !!!!

What I learnt from the two sessions is that turn 1 is not scary it is actually a nice corner to have after such a long high speed straight. When you line the car up correctly with the right race line, gear, acceleration and braking points it is amazing what the car can do.

Day 2


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This session I was placed with professional flag marshals on the track. My first position was start finish line where I got to green flag the start of the 6hr regularity, Yay! I was shown the correct way to black flag a car, I would like to say no one from the MX-5 club was black flagged, well done! My second position was on post 16, this flag marshal explained the passion that the flag marshals have and how they try to give the drivers the best communication that they can.

What I learnt from day two with the Marshals was how committed they are to the drivers on the track and how to understand what they are trying to communicate when I am on the track to keep me safe.

There are another 3 rounds in the development program yet to go and I will report on those in a later post so this report is to be continued………

Session 3: Supersprint and hill climb at Marulan

Hill climb at Marulan?????????????

The day started early (4:30 am) as we had to drive from North Sydney to Marulan, not one wombat to be seen, phew!!!!!. On arrival I started putting my car preparation training into practise and without any help, I did have to ask Guy about my oil level which looked a bit low to me. He was too busy chatting so another competitor explained that my car was not on level ground and to get a better reading I should move to a level position, oil level was all good after checking on level ground, Monty (my car) was all ready to go.

First half of the day was supersprints. The organisers explained how the competitor’s groups are formed into set groups depending on their nominated lap times and the importance of getting this right to ensure a safe and fun day for all. Getting the right position on the grid will give you the optimal chance of getting your best time for the day without holding other drivers up.

When looking at my group I noticed that we had two other drivers in our group that were not part of the development program, arghhhh panic! It was time for my group to enter the track, we all had our trainers with us and we were off, I do not know why I panic (those bloody demons…) but as soon as I am on the track the red mist kicks in and I am having a ball. On my second session I was struggling to pass a car that I knew I could beat through the corners but was unable to pass on the straight. The organisers noticed this and re-jigged our group grid positions for the third session.

It was lunch time and the supersprint session was over. During lunch Rachelle pulled all the ladies aside to explain how to read and understand supplementary regulations and the importance of reading these before you attend a race day. We also went through the super sprint entry form and how important nominating your correct track lap time is. This ensures that you are placed in the correct group at the start of the day, not too fast to catch the person in front of you and not too slow to hold up the driver behind you.

After lunch the track was set up for hill climb. Wow, now this was fun, running the track in the reverse direction. We entered the track, one car at a time through the pit entrance, the timer started here and the end timer was located just before turn one. The important thing to remember when doing a hill climb is that your tyres are cold and do not have the traction that a warm up lap can provide.

Driving the track in reverse gave the circuit a totally new perspective. The lines and method were totally different and we relied very heavily on the white board session that Barton gave us previously to assess the corners from a totally different perspective. Coming over the finish line I was straight down the pit lane for another go - next !!


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Session 4: Motorkhana at Eastern Creek

Although my first time at this discipline of motorsport was several weeks earlier with the MX-5 club (no this was not cheating), the day started with prepping our cars for scrutineering then the president of the Road and Track Driver’s Club, who were organising the event, explained what a motorkhana is.

He went through the timing process and the penalties and time deductions that will affect your race time, for example moving a marker or overshooting the garage. They then explained the different type of driving styles that are shown commonly by the drivers that love this type of motorsport: 1. Competition people that take the sport and timing results seriously and are there for the trophy’s. 2. People that want to improve their driving skills and want to explore their limits. 3. And people that want to thrash the crap out of their car while having fun with no interest in the timing results.

Next subject was the use of the handbrake, “you do not have to use the handbrake” WELL after this was said you could hear a big “Yay !” out of my mouth. Although the handbrake can be used this method does not necessarily give you a quicker and/or smoother run.

We then had our drivers briefing and were introduced to the professional trainers who covered all types of cars in knowledge, front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It was time to start. I looked at the first course and thought I don’t need a trainer, this looks easy. It was a straight line where you had to weave through the markers, turn around at the end of the line and weave back through the same markers and stop in the garage area. Due to my pre-introduction to motorkhana with the MX-5 day, I handled this course quiet well. BUT the next course was just a bit complicated.

“I need help” I screamed out of my window to a trainer. I grabbed the first trainer I could see. I didn’t care what wheel drive they were expert in, I just needed a navigator.

His immediate comment was “Will I fit in the MX5?”. I said “I’m 6 foot and I fit”. His response ? “Ummm, I’m 6 foot 5……”

As I had my removable hardtop on, oh this may be an issue.

We were off, trainers knees planted into the dashboard (see….I knew he would fit). This course was so challenging I was all over the place. Second round on the same course the trainer asked if I would give the handbrake a go “NO!” was my answer. Although I do realise that I need to explore this handbrake technique but I will do this in my own time.

I absolutely loved this event, it was and is so much fun and my confidence in motorsport and my abilities is growing enormously. This type of event teaches you how to control your car at low speed (I never got out of first gear) through tight turns on a wet surface while having fun. I would seriously recommend that all club members give this a go for the fun factor and to improve their driving skills.

Session 5: Driver training follow up at Marulan

This session was our final training session for the program and this was again with Barton Mawer. We arrived at the track and I jumped into gear, prepping my car for the day. The organisers at the start of the program recommended the use of a logbook to keep notes on car settings for each track. This came in use because Guy was off socialising and not helping his girl (I have always


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helped him prep his car on track days) BUT, I no longer had to ask Guy how many turns to adjust my coilovers and what should my tyre pressures be. <Guy’s note: She listens and everyone was impressed that she COULD do it by herself>

It was off to registration and to see what groups we were in. For Barton to help all of us we were split up into separate sessions, oh dear, panic “please don’t put me with a fast group”. We were off to the driver’s briefing and then a walk of the track, Barton separated us from the other drivers (it was an open track day available to the general public) and he explained the track in more detail. One of his pointers for turn 5 and 6 was to have your right wheel in the gutter, “are you kidding me ???????”.

It was time to start, I was now in a panic because I was in group of total strangers and there was the right wheel in the gutter thing (those bloody Demons again). With Barton by my side we entered the track, nerves went away and I was off. This is not so bad, I have come a long way and can hold my own with strangers on the track, I even had my right wheel in the gutter at turn 5 and 6 on every round.

The second session out with Bart I explained to him that I start to get scared when approaching certain corners, I feel like I am not going to slow down enough for the corner and go in too hot. Bart then focussed on my braking technique, he told me to come off the break slower as you enter the corner and this will settle the car (trail braking). Wow how smooth this made my race line, I was not fighting the car at the corners anymore and was using half the strength to go around the track. I said to Bart this is awesome, we are so smooth, he was stoked that I could feel at one with the car and the track. I have a long way to go with getting use to this technique but I now have the knowledge and just need the practice (track time)

This training program has been unbelievably inspiring, I have gone from a nervous wreck to a genuine lady competitor growing in confidence and can’t wait for the next track day. I highly recommend any lady, girl, female, sheila, chick (or whatever you like to call yourself) to give this program a go. The support and structure of the program nurtures you through the different parts of auto racing and just promotes confidence through education and seat time.

Where this programme has been awesome has been the initial isolation from the other competitors and the gradual introduction into the general racing fraternity. I felt protected – the programme was there to help me and did so by arranging sessions exclusively for the development program which took all the pressure off me and allowed me to focus on what I had learned. As we progressed, we were introduced into more mixed competition as we grew in confidence.

My next and final session in the development program is at Sydney Motorsport Park, North Circuit at Eastern Creek where I will be competing in the SuperSprint series with the other girls but also with the SuperSprint regulars. All my training will be brought into play as suddenly the bubble wrap will be removed.

Stay tuned to this space…….

Session 6:

Graduation Day at Sydney Motorsport Park north circuit

OOH NOOOO it’s starting to rain!!!!!!!!

My final session has arrived, I had a sleepless night because I was excited to be heading back to north circuit, but a little nervous because this was my first actual supersprint event. The day started as a normal track day event, prep car, register, scrutineering and then drivers briefing. At the


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drivers briefing all the ladies from the program had to stand up and be congratulated for finishing the program from all the other drivers at the briefing (feeling chuffed).

Ok the rain is getting even heavier, arghhhhh, I have never been on a wet track, is this part of the program? Bart pulled us ladies aside and said “This is the slipperiest track in the country when wet”. Did I just hear what he said? Bart went on to explain the track in detail about where the most grip would be and areas to stay away from. That rundown gave me a bit of relief, I just needed to remember what he said, and it is a big, fast track.

Before the day started we were offered a few familiarity laps with an experienced driver behind the safety car. This was a great idea.

My group was being called to the marshalling grid and the rain is now heavier than earlier, “oh dear”. This being my first wet track day I was starting to wonder how this is going to feel, how will my car handle???? We are off, wipers on. My first lap I warmed the tyres and brakes but when I entered the last turn before the main straight I lost all grip and pirouetted onto the grass. I put into practise what I had been taught and stopped safely, at least the flaggy had some entertainment for a few seconds. Safely back on the track I continued my session without any other incidents “phew”.

Next session I did the same again.

Take aways… One of the things this program has taught me was assessment of the situation and knowing my limitations. The track was skatey, slippery and treacherous, I was outside my racing zone in this wet weather, never having driven on a track in the wet before. As such, the sensible thing to do was assess the situation versus my experience, so I made the decision to pull the pin after the second session. Crawl before you walk, before you run I reminded myself….. there is always next time. Even Ayrton Senna never set a lap record on his first outing.

This has been a great program, I am now really confident on the track and have also improved my handling of my car on the road. My ability to assess the situation, understand the capabilities of the car and the limitations of both the car and driver has been significantly enhanced. I have gone from sitting in the staging grid literally shaking with fear, to now being calm and walking myself through the track thinking where I can pick up a few tenths here and there. I can match it with experienced SuperSprinters who have been doing it for years and hold my own and understand the etiquette, so I am not a mobile chicane but also pass safely and respectfully (which I did to an HSV Commodore).

On the road now, I look at driving in a totally different light. I am SO much more confident, yet defensive. It is so much safer on the track than on the road and the skills I have learned have helped me to pre-think what I know the drivers around me are going to do.

I’d like to thank the Club members that have given me support and encouragement during this time. I wanted to represent and show the CAMS and NSWRRC Program Organisers that we are keen to get involved and support the development of drivers of all genders and experience levels. I would strongly recommend anyone to get involved in this type of program as your driving skills and safety will be significantly enhanced.

I’ve also made some fantastic friends in the NSWRRC along the journey….

Documents

NSW Road Racing Club Ladies Club Level Motorsport ... FINAL REPORT - for website.pdfNSWRRC Ladies Club Level Motorsport Development Program Final Report – November 2016 Page 1 of