Today is Race Day! As ‘Women in Motorsport’ take centre stage

There is a familiar thrill that drag races usually bring about; however, today there will be something more to excite the senses when cars ‘take to the line’ at the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri, EBD.
Following a call by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for female competitors to bring their machines to the line, female competitors will, for the first time, have the chance to showcase their skills in the sport.
While today’s Drag Racing Series Round 1 is said to be only the beginning of this turning tide in local motor sport, the people at the GMR&SC are eager for women to take up space in motor sport.

“That list will grow, because we had numerous phone calls and interest,” GMRSC President Mahendra Boodhoo said earlier in the week about female competitors being prepared for today’s races.
Boodhoo was at the time sharing that 6 female drivers have already signed up to ‘test their chops’ at South Dakota. The GMR&SC President added about the call to include women in the sport, “It is women in Motorsport that we’re trying to grow, and for sure we will succeed at it.”
Meanwhile, female competitors Emily Ali and Natalia Singh, who both hail from a family of racers, are not only eager to hit the strip, but were equally as encouraging to women who may want to take up the sport.
“I want more females to compete. Six is a little bit, but that’s good enough for now. But in the future, I just want more females to compete,” Emily Ali has said.
The 18-year-old added, “Most of them – women – do see it as a scary sport; but to me, it’s really not.”
Quizzed about what she would say to other women contemplating an entry into the sport, Natalia Singh said, “I would say, ‘Go for it!’ The GMR&SC is finally acknowledging female racers, so come out! Show what you got! Hope to see you in Endurance, not only drag race and track race also. Looking forward to encouraging other people into coming in.”
Also sharing words of encouragement was Team Mohamed’s Principal, Azruddin Mohamed, who wished the ladies the best of luck on the track today.
“I feel so happy seeing these two young ladies here, you know. Wish them all the best on Sunday, and I hope more females can come on board,” Mohamed has said.
The GMR&SC’s drag-racing action will commence at 9am today with testing at the South Dakota Circuit. Then at noon, elimination is set to commence. Tickets for today’s races are set at $1000 for adults and $500 for children.