All-woman race clinic all business on the track

All-female show-car team puts on driving classes to sharpen skills for life in the fast lane

Mar 08, 2008

Special to the Star

It's first thing in the morning on a wintery Saturday, and Helen West is part of a group of women gathered to learn how to drive faster. Most motorists during this season just want to make it to their destination, never mind getting there more quickly.

But Etobicoke's West, a part-time racer and 34-year-old mother of a 3-month-old girl, is enrolled in a "ladies only" clinic hosted by Sweetie Girl Racing at Grand Prix Kartways in north Toronto. The three-hour course is designed to boost confidence and improve driving skills on the street, and on the racetrack.

"This clinic is accessible with a capital A," says West. "For some people it may seem daft to hear `this is how you put your seatbelt on,' but that's what makes these clinics so accessible for everyone, regardless of experience."

West is one of this clinic's most experienced racers. She competes in autocross (speed racing events, often held in parking lots), she's completed Ian Law's Car Control School, and a two-day track school in St-Eustache, Que. And while she competes mostly with guys with "fast cars," she says it's driving clinics like this one that help boost skills.

"The guys get embarrassed when I beat them, especially when they are driving a brand new BMW," she says. "But it's about the driver, not the power of the car. I can drive a crappy car and still beat the guys with the skills I've learned."

Sweetie Girl Racing, an all-female race and show car team, started almost a decade ago. Its logo is a rainbow of blue, rose and purple, some of its members wear pink-hued helmets, and the group's motto is "Ready for the Sugar Rush?"

But there's nothing sugary sweet about this club. Some members are just getting involved in racing while others have serious racing experience. Part of its mission is to arm women with driving skills and confidence.

"I know most of you know how to drive," says Anna He, director, race division, Sweetie Girl Racing, "but we're going to teach you how to drive smarter."

It's the third clinic of the year – the fifth in the past few years – and interest is growing. On this Saturday in March, 16 women, ranging in age from 12 to mid-30s, beginner driver to experienced racer, are gathered to learn about apexes, skidding, oversteer and understeer. But not in their own car: from behind the wheel of an electric go-kart travelling between 30 and 65 km/h on a 350-metre-long track.

"We saw a huge gap for girls who enjoy racing, but didn't know how to get involved," says He. "The clinic is a safe and affordable way to learn skills that can be applied to racing, but also everyday driving."

The first order of the day is a track walk. Some women have never driven on a go-kart course, let alone a racetrack, and Opal Aristizabal, a SGR member and driving instructor at Ian Law's Car Control School, takes them through the twists and turns on foot.

"Vision training is very important," says Aristizabal, who instructs the all-women clinic along with He. "The further that you can see is to your advantage."

"Look where you want to go," one of the most crucial bits of information delivered by driving instructors and racing schools alike (and a piece of advice most drivers have never heard) becomes the mantra of the day.

The advice sounds simple, and the women soon get to push their limits.

But first comes a lesson in strapping in. There's a demonstration on tightening helmets, fastening belts, changing seating position and instructions on how to pop the kart into reverse. It may seem simple, but the organizers say the women are more likely to ask for help or advice when it's a women-only experience.

The first few laps around the track are all about follow the leader, with an instructor at the front of the pack. Drivers fall behind; track marshals urge them to hurry up. Some take corners too wide; instructors motion to take the turns tighter. Pylons are plowed.

After a dozen laps, the group moves from the track to the classroom for a theory lesson.

"In our ladies-only clinics, there are many more questions and comments," says Aristizabal. "Most men are willing to try new things, but women need a little more encouraging. Because of that, they find the guys intimidating. That's why the women's clinics really work."

Brooke Trefry, 12, is the youngest participant of the day, and the most junior SGR member. Like most Grade 6 students, she says she likes to have fun, but her hobbies are different than those of most young girls.

Brooke's been dirt-biking since she was 8, races go-karts regularly with the team, yet she's still four years from getting her driver's licence.

"Brooke doesn't like being a passenger, she likes being in the driver's seat," says her father, Derek, who raced dirt bikes before giving up two wheels for four after too many injuries.

"Racing builds confidence, especially for a little girl. After learning the basics, it's about seat time. Every time Brooke drives she (improves her time)," he says.

During the second track session of the day, the group straps in, heads out and follows the leader again. This time around the women are moving a little quicker, putting their new knowledge to use.

At one point, they're permitted to break away from the instructor and attempt to pass. Some hug the walls in their karts; others drift into the middle of the track. You can see the confidence building. Knowledge is power and these women are upping their abilities and hammering the gas pedal.

A dozen laps later and the women step out of the karts and back into the classroom. This time, SGR's He takes notes on each driver. "Go faster," she encourages drivers, "hug the corners" and "pass."

"At the beginning of the clinic, the girls are very timid when they're driving, and there are a lot of gaps," says He. "At the end, the girls are going full-out, you can see how the car control techniques are improved, and you can tell in their eyes that they know they've made progress."

It's time for the third and final track session. Before most of the women even got behind the wheel earlier that morning, several asked about being bumped by another kart. Some even looked nervous about getting behind the wheel.

A few laps out and that timid person who was sitting across the table during the theory lesson is now armed with the skills to go faster. Even a four-car pileup doesn't stop the positive energy.

By the end of the day they are passing with such confidence you'd think this is an all-guys clinic. But then you notice the sea of cotton-candy hued helmets.

The three-hour clinics cost $60 for non-members

and $50 for members. For more information: www.sweetiegirlracing.com.

Toronto Star