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Post date: May 12, 2012 2:20:17 PM
I have been a member of the British Women Racing Driver Club for just over 3 years now as many of you already saw on Motors TV, I finally became the BWRDC Champion co-driver in 2011!
This year is was the clubs’ 50th anniversary so it was a big celebration and I thought it was about time to tell you a bit about the BWRDC. I copied this brief history from the Celebration lunch booklet that I received at the Awards Ceremony.
50 years of the BWRDC
Founded by the late Mary Wheeler MBE, who was keen to provide a collective voice to improve the virtually non-existent facilities for women at circuits, her aim was to encourage more women to compete and maintain a high standard of driving ability. She also discovered that the BRDC, at that time, did not allow women to join their club.
Membership in those early heady days of the 60's was about 30. An International Race Licence was a minimum requirement. Special dispensation had to be sought and was eventually granted by the RAC, as initially they refused to register the club due to membership being under the required minimum of 50.
This was also a time when flameproof overalls, let alone underwear, were just a myth, sponsorship only a dream and most competing cars were driven to the circuits. Trailers were a luxury and certainly no motor homes or transporters, and what was a racing school? However, entry fees were around £6, which provided a full 30 minute practice and usually a 15/2O lap Race.
50 years on. and the BWRDC boasts a large collection of impressive awards. We are particularly proud of our recently announcement regarding a long term partnership with Motors TV.
The 60’s
The club was conceived in 1962 and by 1965 had received support from WD and HO Wills, who formed and promoted the first Ladies (only) Championship, based on members’ results gained at specific meetings. The Embassy Trophy was awarded to the member with the best combined results.
The 70’s
Membership Explosion - New Sections formed: Sprint, Hillclimb, Karting and Rallying
-The Lord Wakefield Challenge Trophy presented to the Club — Shellsport Escort Ladies Races launched. Georgie Shaw represented BWRDC as Speaker at 1st Int. Conference for Women in Sport and organised BWRDC 1275 GT Mini Team.
The 80’s
Relay Races - Shows & Exhibitions - Ladies Training Days
Nomex Underwear available from Demon Tweeks.
Louise Aitken-Walker:
Coupe des Dames- Monte Carlo Rally
Overall winner of Peter Russck Rally
The 90’s
MSA Women in Motorsport initiative launched - Wakefield Trophy housed at MSA HQ & awarded by independent panel of judges - BWRDC Website launched. Mary Wheeler honoured with MBE.
The 00’s
Launch of two books by Susan TP-Jamieson 'Mary's Girls' and 'Women in Motorsport from 1945, Autosport Exhibitions - BWRDC GoldStars launched - Autocross section introduced.
A selection of members' achievements: Susie Stoddart (Wolff) secures contract with Mercedes-Benz in DTM Helen Bashford-Malkie appointed to the MSA Race Committee.
Of course there are not enough women competitors competing against each other directly (yet) so the points awarded on an event calculated from the final class position and the number of people in the class. (The bigger the class and the higher you finish in class the more points you will be awarded!)
I took my Mum and Dad to the BWRDC Awards Presentation on the 3rd March at the in the BRDC suite at Silverstone to receive my award. I was presented with the 1979 Rally Co-Driver “Historic Car Trophy” which was first won by Pat Llewelyn in 1979.
I was really pleased to finally win this after 3 years of trying…And I have a whole host of drivers to thank. So thank you!!
Mark Turner – We won the class in BRC Challenge
Guy Robinson – Finishing top 3 in all the events and my first road rally win on the VK
Paul Griffiths – Highest place on a forest rally (7th)
Milo – taking the risk of having an English woman co drive him round the Welsh lanes to finish in the top 10 both times!
Steve Cressey – Highest place on single venue Rally (7th)
Ash Chapman– 3rd on an 2nd ever Enduro event
Rang – who stepped in to do the Ryemoore at last minute at car 2 finishing 2nd
Jason, Ainy, Andy Nixon, Stan, Rookie - for showing me some different styles of road rallying!
Rich Sykes – shame he put it in reverse (instead of first…) at a hairpin at Epynt!
Geoff Bell – a tour around the Welsh forests in a lovely Mk2, what more could you ask for?!
John Madoc-Jones - welsh forests again, and a hand full of ANWCC awards
Howard Moore – Tour of Mull in a lovely Ellise and 1st in the Trophy Rally
Ben Mellors – Dansport 3rd o/a– not only did Sam lend him his car, he also lent him his girlfriend!
Harry Morgan – first ride out in a rally car after the crash with Recca – Micra’s flat out can be quick!
Recca – well, did most of a rally with him…
Hope I haven’t forgot anyone!! So thanks for helping this woman in motor sport!
The BWRDC is a great club to join (and men can join too) receiving a quarterly magazine and updates on where everyone is competing. You have also seen that the club and competitors are now featured on Motors TV!
I have also “volunteered” to be the women representative of the ANCC. I am not sure what that really means yet, but thought just writing this might be a good start!
So, please try to encourage your wives, lovers, daughters, sisters and nieces to have a go, we can do it just as good as the guys!