Motorsport is an adrenaline-filled hobby or career taken up by many, but how people get there is another question in itself.
With the recent Make Smoking History Targa West Rally and Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, motorsport has been on the minds of many.
So, how do people like you end up competing in motorsports?
Whether it’s casual go-karting or competitive Formula 1 style events or rallying, motorsport doesn’t appear to have an obvious route to get there. Unlike applying for a job in retail, you can’t send your resume to Ferrari for example and expect a callback.
Where can people start?
From the age of 14, you can apply for a CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) license. It is always better to get involved in motorsports earlier rather than later, and a good place to start is to take whatever opportunity you can to get in touch with it. Going to race tracks or rallying events and talking to people competing or in crews is a good start for motorsport entry.
For women getting there is a little harder. There are fewer opportunities for women in motorsport compared to males. Motorsport is a heavily male-dominated sport, with women only making up only 10% of participants. But don’t stress there are opportunities for women to get involved with places like Beverly off road motorsport club holding specific days for the girls. You can also go down to Barbagallo or Collie and race around. Motorsport Australia runs come and try days for those who are looking for a place to start.
For women, motorsport is becoming more of an option for a career as we move into the future, with numbers of female participants on the rise. So for those who are willing, male or female, grab a car and get out there and have some fun!
Brendan E. & Layla C. (Year 8 students)
