Autosport Show

BWRDC takes centre stage at Autosport International Motor Show
On the club’s first visit to Europe’s leading Motor Sport Industry event, one of our members found herself on the central stage being interviewed before a large crowd of Motor Sport enthusiasts. Jodie Hemming the invincible Jedi 600 class champion of 2004 put on a superb display of professionalism in her first live public interview. Talking with Louise Goodman about the role of Women in Motorsport, she spoke of her successful season and the sheer pleasure she derived from the shakedown test she had undertaken in her new team acquisition of a 1998 Jordan F1 car. After 7 laps of testing she was able to open up the throttle to speeds in excess of 180mph in an exhilarating experience that left her grinning from ear to ear. Like her F1 test drive as the interview progressed Jodie’s confidence grew as she was able to demonstrate her winning smile for the assembled public. After her ten minute session in front of the public gaze club chairman Helen Bashford-Malkie commented on how well Jodie had represented the club and women in motorsport.Aside from the future of women as drivers in the sport, Louise Goodman also highlighted the increasing depth of women entering the sport at other levels. Citing her experience within Formula One Louise quoted examples of women fulfilling the traditional P.R. and administration roles. She also went on to say how this had progressed and women were now undertaking many of the technical design and development posts formally held by men. In what was once a totally male dominated sport 30 years ago she could see in the very near future teams fielding women as front line mechanics in the pit lane. (Picture: Louise Goodman with Jodie Hemmings)
	These were well timed words which helped to reinforce the work commenced by the MIA and MSA in encouraging women into motorsport. The objective of attracting more women into motorsport is how we as a club came to be invited to the Autosport Show. Sharing a stand with the MIA and Formula Woman, the role of the BWRDC was to advertise its support network which we hope our members take advantage of, as well as providing a meeting place for like minded women to gather and chat about their own particular projects. (Picture: Colint Hilton, MSA, with Cheryl)
The whole four days were a great deal of fun and the stand co-ordinator Lynn Jones was very pleased with the level of support received from the general membership. Everyone who attended found the experience productive with many members going off networking, setting up those final deals. For the club it was a very positive outing, attracting 14 new members with over 50 membership forms given out to serious enquiries the next few weeks will reveal just how successful the event has been.
Among the notable guests visiting the stand was Joy Rainey. Joy is one of the truly inspirational figures of Motor Sport who proves what can be done with determination and enthusiasm for the sport. She will be the guest of honour at this years BWRDC awards dinner at Whittlebury Hall on March 5th. A knowledgable and engaging speaker, her courage and experience will be inspiring encouragement for our collective award recipients. (Picture: Helen Bashford-Malkie with Joy Rainey)
	Other guests to the stand included the Indianapolis legend Lyn St.James, Mike Wilds, Chris Aylett, Gemma Price and Colin Hilton, whilst club President Sue Jamieson was able to re live some of the highlights of saloon car racing with old adversaries Mike Chittenden and Malcolm Leggate. (Picture: Susan TP-Jamieson with Lyn St James, and Lynn Jones in background)
One of the amazing features about the people entering the stand was the confidence and articulation of the young karters. These girls really are the future of racing and we can see many of them potentially finding careers as drivers if talent and confidence are the main criteria. Of course to be really successful as a race driver you need to be Scottish. Club member Susie Stoddart starts her Formula 3 career in April, whilst following on behind her, new recruit from the Autosport show, Sarah Playfair commences her campaign in the UK Formula Ford Championship. Sarah is another former Karter turned race driver. Second in the Scottish Formula Ford championship Sarah first became known to one of the members when her dad requested a record for her on Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker Show. The occasion being her first win. We look forward to news of Sarah’s further wins in 2005 although we hope she tells us first before Johnnie Walker. (Picture: Janet McPherson with Kath Rumney)
If you are member of the BWRDC and in the market for a new set of overalls following your winter fitness programme, contact either Helen Bashford-Malkie or Janet McPherson before you make the purchase. They have details of some very special deals especially for members.
To meet up with the BWRDC our next exhibition is at Stonleigh February 25^th-27^th The International Historic Motorsport Show. We will be one of 420 stands from across the globe. Come and meet us and see the wonderful trophies our members compete for annually. Alan Jones.