Under 17 Motor Club – Northwest will be running an autosolo/ autotest on Internationals Women’s Day on the 8^th of March. The idea came from the club’s Secretary, Hazel, who initially considered putting together a fully female organising team. Aware that many of the club’s female members already balance family and work commitments, she was reluctant to ask them to take on something extra. However, when it became clear that one of the club’s scheduled events fell on International Women’s Day, Hazel shared her idea and received an overwhelmingly positive response from across the club.

This is the first time the club has put on an event like this, but the Under 17 Motor Club was originally established to try to encourage young people to get involved in grassroots motorsport. Each year more and more women are getting involved with the aim of this event being to facilitate everyone having an enjoyable and safe day of motorsport, welcoming both male and female participants.

While the event is being largely organised by women, the men on the club committee are fully supportive — making it a genuine team effort. Mel will act as Clerk of the Course, Event Secretary and Chief Marshal, overseeing entries, setting up equipment, completing documentation and delivering the event briefing. She will be joined by Gail as Event Steward and Lauren as Scrutineer. The team leads are Hazel, Helen and Pam, supported by local female marshals.

Mel said the dynamic of the team had been working well and that “we all know what needs to be done and no one ever feels uncomfortable asking questions if they’re unsure. We all muck in and help each other out.” Hazel also added “having been involved in motorsport for so long I always want to encourage new people to come along and learn the organisation side of the events too.  We try to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.”

The club chose an autosolo/autotest because it is an accessible entry point into motorsport, one of the most affordable disciplines, where competitors can use their own standard road car. Under 17 Motor Club encourages anyone to “just give it a go and enjoy it.”

The event, falling on Internationals Women’s Day has given the club the opportunity to show “how many women are already involved in motorsport as there are often more than people think. Local females will be joining us who are involved in the sport, especially marshalling/navigating who may like to give driving a try too”. The aim of the day is to “promote the event to women who perhaps aren’t involved but would like to be, however the perception of a male dominated sport is discouraging them. I’d like for them to see, and hopefully feel inspired to have a go, especially if they know so many other women are involved.”

Events like this help demonstrate the diversity within the club and reinforce that everyone is welcome to get involved and enjoy a sport so many are passionate about. Hazel commented, “one of the things I love about the forms of motorsport I’m involved with is that I can compete equally without any prejudice on gender. I have never had any fellow competitor discourage me or say anything negative, I’m just treated the same as everyone else. I’ve never wanted to separate women in motorsport, I love competing evenly alongside anyone, which is why our event is still open to everyone, but if promoting an environment where there are other women encourages more women to get involved then I’m all for it”.

Entries for the 8 March event are now full, but Under 17 Motor Club is still seeking additional marshals. Anyone interested in supporting the day or learning more is encouraged to get in touch. The autosolo/autotest will take place near Blackburn and Darwen Services (Junction 4, M65).

If you are a club or individual inspired by this initiative and would like to learn more, please contact StreetCar@motorsportuk.org.