Throughout a racing career you will experience many highs and lows, although if you have what it takes at the end of the day the rewards you reap will be immense. While women do have a slight advantage over men in the world of racing, they shouldn’t think that their racing career will be easier just because of their gender. However, women can use their status as an advantage and gain sponsorship more easily as they could potentially receive more publicity than men, if they are getting good results out on track.
 | | Fiona Leggate Karting |
There are numerous pros and cons to being a female racing driver that have been around for decades. The main con in many people’s eyes is the fact that motor racing is still male dominated. Women are now more then ever trying to break this mould and succeed within the sport, but because it is predominately men that race, women are often not taken as seriously as they should. Many people ask ‘how did you get into racing?’ and I do believe it is very difficult for people - including men - to get into racing, unless you have someone in your family or have friends closely connected to racing. With motorsport it is all about the connections you have.
 | | Fiona Leggate in the BTCC |
If you are seriously considering getting into racing, the first beneficial thing you should do is participate in a track day to see if you really like driving fast with other cars around you. It is certainly not as easy as you think. There is a technique to driving out on track at high speeds and much to learn including heel and toe, racing lines and over-taking skills, just to name a few. Another way into the world of motorsport is to join a motor club or by participating in an arrive and drive scheme, which is the best way if you have no race car. The cheapest way to start doing this is by going karting. By going down this route into motorsport, you will learn invaluable experience of race craft and become more aggressive within yourself out on track.
 | | Hayley Cross at a Cadwell Park test |
Once you have established that you wish to continue with your new ‘hobby’, money is the next aspect you will need to consider. Approaching potential sponsors is tricky and something which should not be rushed into. You will need to establish what your intentions are, what championship you wish to participate in and what you can offer your sponsors. If and when you get backing, getting as much track time you can will prove to be priceless. The more testing you do, obviously the better you will become. The East of England offers many opportunities for women to get out on track. Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire is quite easily the most exciting circuit in Britain and is often referred to as a mini Nurburgring. It has several features that are unique, particularly 'The Mountain' a short sharp incline that will see the more powerful machinery getting airborne. Also in the area is the North Yorkshire circuit of Croft. The track features a mixture of fast, slow and technical corners which puts the circuit on par with tracks such as Donington Park and Brands Hatch. | 
