Street through the historic streets of Albany at over 150km / h while a crowd applauds is a rush Sarah Fry says more women need to experiment.
Key points:
- Only four of the more than 100 runners in the Albany 2022 classic were women
- Competitors hope to inspire more women to enter the sport
- Female runners say they feel welcomed by the “inclusive” community.
Fry was among four female riders in the over 100 field at the Albany Classic “Round the Houses” race on Sunday.
Drivers and enthusiasts of classic cars across the state have descended on the city of WA since the first event took place in 1936.
The city center is transformed every year into a competition circuit approved by Motorsport Australia.
Being outnumbered by almost 25 to one did not discourage Fry, who said the sport was an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Fry flew the streets on his family’s 1964 MGB Roadster.
Sarah Fry competed in her fourth Albany Classic this year. (ABC Great Southern: Kyle Pauletto)
Her husband stayed behind the scenes as a mechanic while Mrs. Fry was loaded with adrenaline at the wheel.
He said that representing women on the track brought him a lot of joy.
“It’s amazing, I love it, I love people, I love spirits,” he said.
“A lot of the volunteers and scorers are women and they’re all behind me.”
Ms Fry said the environment is only becoming more inclusive for women starting out in the sport.
He hoped more women would consider joining the motor community.
“Don’t hesitate, postpone it too long and before you know it, your time is up,” he said.
“Do it while you can, get in there.”
Racemate Cindy Geilingh-Jones took to the streets with her 1967 Morris Mini Cooper, which she and her family had been competing in for years.
Cindy Gielingh-Jones said the motorsport community had been welcoming. (ABC Great Southern: John Dobson)
Ms Geilingh-Jones, who has competed in other races across the state, said she was delighted to run in Albany for the first time in years after spectators.
“My husband has been doing it for 15 years … and we decided it was my turn to have some fun,” she said.
“I can’t believe I’ve waited so long, I’ve had a ball like that.”
Ms Geilingh-Jones said that while it might be discouraging, she had found the motorsport community to be welcoming to women.
“There’s a lot of help and support, not only from other women involved in the sport, but also from the boys,” she said.
He encouraged women who were interested in seeking help to practice the sport.
“Ask someone why no question is silly and if you don’t know the answer, you have to ask,” he said.
“We just have to take a step … it doesn’t matter if you’re scared, go ahead … keep going and you’ll be fine.”
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