MSA Women in Motorsport events over the Women's Day weekend

Association incorporated under section 21
Reg. No. 1995/05605/08
http://www.motorsport.co.za
MSA Women in Motorsport Panel



Gauteng ladies invited to experience the exciting world of motorsport
over Women’s Day weekend 9 – 10 August 2008

South African ladies (with their partners and families) are invited to celebrate a Women’s Day with a difference in the exciting world of women who take part in motorsport. The Motorsport South Africa (MSA) Women in Motorsport Panel is organizing events around the country to let ladies experience and observe motorsport in action, whether on two or four wheels, on track or off road.

Wilmarie Janse van Rensburg, the President of the MSA Women in Motorsport panel says that there are already over 500 licensed women competitors in South African motorsport. “We want to give current lady competitors the chance to experience other categories of motorsport and give opportunity to lady enthusiasts who have always wanted to have a go in the fast lane. Introducing them to women who are already involved in the sport and letting them enjoy demo rides and drives is a big start. Above all, we and our sponsor The Motor Finance Corporation want ladies and their families to have a fantastic day out and an unforgettable experience,” she says.

Wilmarie says that there is an opportunity for every woman interested in motorsport. ”We are helping women to get behind the steering wheel or handlebars themselves and also opening the door to those who are interested in marshalling, organizing or timekeeping, important volunteer positions that enable motorsport to thrive in our lovely country. And of course we are encouraging women to become avid supporters of the fast ladies who are already racing!”

The events and demonstrations over the Women’s Day weekend are being organized and run by women already involved and passionate about motorsport so it’s an ideal opportunity for interested ladies to speak to women who are already on the inside track.

Men are welcome to bring their own motorcycles or vehicles as they will be given exclusive times on track for a small charge. Ladies however participate in all events for free!

Events run from around 09h00 – 16h00 (check times below) and all venues will have food on sale.
Detailed event programmes for each venue can be found on www.motorsport.co.za (go to the Women in Motorsport page), or call the people listed below. Specific information for each venue:

Saturday 9th August 2008, 08h00 – 16h00 Johannesburg: Dirt Bronco’s in Krugersdorp
Contact Sam on 082 786 3816 commongroundadventures@mweb.co.za
Free Demo rides on quads and bikes
Free offroad enduro route rides for bikes and quads
Free track sessions for motorcross bikes and quads
Trials demo bike sessions
Offroad car demo laps as passengers or navigators

Sunday 10th August 2008 09h00 – 16h00. Pretoria: Zwartkops Race Track
Contact Wilmarie 083 780 0029 wilmarie@sqracing.co.za
Free Demo two-seater race car drives and superbike rides for ladies on the main circuit
Free Demo kart drives and supermoto bike rides for ladies on kart circuit
Free Hot laps on the back of the Ducati two-seater
Free track leisure ride session for ladies on their own motorcycles
Free Skidpan sessions in a demo car or bring your own car
Free Hot laps in Subaru cars as passengers
Free Men’s motorcycle and car track sessions at a small charge
Kiddies entertainment
At lunch time a trials stunt demo and lucky draw


Notes to editor
1. Issued on behalf of the MSA Women in Motorsport Panel by Robyn Mills of North and South PR.
2. For photographs, interviews, full programmes or further information contact Robyn on 011 465 3130 or 083 473 1770 or robyn@northandsouthpr.com
3. The President of the MSA Women in Motorsport Panel is Wilmarie Janse van Rensburg, tel 083 780 0029 or Wilmarie@sqracing.co.za
4. For more information about the MSA Women in Motorsport Panel visit the Motorsport South Africa website www.motorsport.co.za , Women in Motorsport page on left side menu.
5. * ‘Live to Race’ is a group of sports cars owners who participate in events in order to give something back to the community. During lunch time (13h00-14h00 on the Cape Town Women in Motorsport event on Woman’s Day) ‘Live to Race’ members will take ‘Reach for a Dream’ girls around the track to make the dreams of terminally ill children come true.
They will also give rides to media representatives and ladies of the public.
For more information on ‘Live to Race’ contact Joe Strüwig on 083 419 5114 or mignonstruwig@gmail.com

6. Saturday 9th August 2008, 09h00 – 16h00. Cape Town: Killarney Race Track. The event is hosted on the main and back straight of the track with short circuit racing on half main of track. Contact Jeanette 083 453 9837 jeanettekritzinger@telkomsa.net
Admission fee: Ladies and children under 12 free. Men R40
Registration time for participants from 09h00. Participation in events will be on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
Free Demo bike rides for experienced leisure lady riders
Free ladies track sessions on own motorcycles
Free Hot laps in Clubman racing cars as passengers
Free Skid-pan sessions with demo Kia vehicles
13h00-14h00 Laps in ‘Live to Race’ sports cars* for ‘Reach for a Dream’ children, media and ladies (see info below in note 5)
10 lap streetcar and circuit racing demonstration
Men’s track sessions on their own motorcycles
Short Circuit Racing such as Supermoto, RST CBR 150, Super Single etc on the half main
Free demo motocross bike and quad rides

7. Saturday 9th August 2008 at 9h00 – 16h00 KwaZulu Natal: Maritzburg Motorcycle and Car Club. Contact Belinda 082 772 4333 upbeatpro@mweb.co.za or Trudy 082 901 1326 stegenpk@telkomsa.net
Motorcross and enduro rider training for ladies
A full program on how to start in motorsport


8. More about the MSA Women in Motorsport Panel
It was set up under the auspices of Motorsport South Africa in line with the requirements of the Ministry of Sport and the FIM (International Federation of Motorcycling). The Panel President is Wilmarie Janse van Rensburg.

The panel consists of members who represent each category in motorsport with the aim of promoting, developing and encouraging the participation of women in the following: car circuit racing, drag racing, karting, motocross (senior and junior), supermoto, motorcycle circuit racing, motorcycle off road and enduro racing, motorcycle rallies/leisure riding, off road car racing, oval racing (dirt and tar), quad racing (including flat track), rallying, medical and safety, environment, publicity and media liaison, organisers and officials representatives

The vision is to create equal opportunities and treatment for all women competitors and leisure riders and to put the necessary systems in place to ensure that their achievements are recognized.
One of the goals is to introduce separate championships for women to assist South African women to compete against women in other countries.

Motorsport South Africa already has more than 500 licensed female competitors. The increasing number of women motorsport competitors is raising awareness of women who take part in motorsport and providing new opportunities to sponsors and organizations involved.
This is the second Women’s Day celebration and introduction to motorsport arranged for South African women and is held with the assistance of the FIM (Federation Internationale Motorcyclisme), The Motor Finance Corporation and MSA Women in Motorsport Panel.