Make way for the 2007 EUROPEAN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP May 31, 2007

 In 2007, UEM has promoted the European Women Cup (born in 2005) to an official championship: The European Women’s Championship. It will be a great excitement for the 26 riders, already signed on the first race in Vallelunga (the highest number in female European races), to be part of the first International female Championship.

Back in 2005, with the support of the UEM (European Motorcycling Union), the first European Road Racing Cup entirely dedicated to women was formed: the EUROPEAN WOMEN’S CUP

The second edition was organized in 2006 with 4 races. The categories allowed to participate were (sports bikes and naked) and they will compete in the same races, resulting in two different classifications:

- “600” up to 600cc 4 cylinders / up to 750cc 2 cylinders (twins)

- “1000” over 600cc 4 cylinders / over 750cc 2 cylinders (twins)

Here are 2006 winners Chiara Valentini and Paola Cazzola

Check out http://www.thundervalleyracing.com/ for more on this story.

 

 

History In The Making.. May 30, 2007

For the first time in the 91-year history of the Indianapolis 500, three women will be in the same field: Milka Duno, Sarah Fisher and Danica Patrick (far right). Duno, a rookie driver from Venezuela, joins Fisher and Patrick, both veterans at Indy, on the 33-car grid.

Duno will start in the 29th position, Patrick will start eighth in the field, in the middle of row 3 and Fisher will start in the 21st position.

Sarah Fisher has driven in five consecutive Indy 500s, the first coming n 2000, and had her best finish in 2004, when she came in 21st.

Milka Duno became the “Venezuelan Auto Racing Driver of the Year” in 2000 and “American Le Mans Series 2001 Vice Champion Driver” in the 675LMP class. She is also the first Latin American women driver ever to be classified “expert”.

Danica Sue Patrick was named the Rookie of the Year for both the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series season.

 

Danica Patrick – Newest Racing Sensation May 29, 2007

 

 Women and racing? Hot..But then again, women racer? Oh yeah, even hotter! Danica Patrick is quickly getting the approval of racing fans all over the globe. Not only because she is one of the world’s best women racers but because she can turn heads around with her hot looks.

Danica Patrick was born on March 25, 1982 in Beloit, Wisconsin. She is currently residing in Phoenix. Danica began racing when younger sister Brooke wanted to race. At an early age, Danica won numerous karting titles. She left home for England when she turned 16 to race in some of the most difficult junior series in the world. Because of her excellent racing skills, she got a runner-up finish in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, the highest finish by an American in the event’s history. This achievement drew the attention of Indianapolis 500 champion Bobby Rahal, who signed her to a contract and began shepherding Patrick up the racing ladder.

The 2005 IndyCar Series season was a busy and fruitfu year for Danica as she started fourth and finished fourth at the 89th Indianapolis 500 and earned JP Morgan Chase Rookie of the Year honors. It was the highest starting and finishing position for a woman driver in the event’s history. The rookie led 19 laps during the race to become the first woman to lead at Indianapolis. She capped the IndyCar Series season by winning the Bombardier Rookie of the Year Award after finishing 12th in the standings for Rahal Letterman Racing.

 

Danica has become one of the most recognizable female athletes in the United States, gracing the covers of publications such as Sports Illustrated, TV Guide and ESPN: The Magazine. Moreover, Danica was dubbed as racing’s newest sensation and was even feautured in the popular Men’s Magazine, FHM.

 

 

HOT ROD Features Hot Women Racers May 23, 2007

Cars and women. These two are usually the most common content of pictures you see in car magazines. I wonder why a nice car need to be endorsed by a “hot” woman in order to look “manly” or simply “hotter.”

Yes, women are seen as just one of the many car “accessories.” But all that is about to change. This time, HOT ROD has decided to feature the real women of hot rodding. These are the women racers, drivers and car lovers who have proven to be the best.

For full details on this HOT ROD article, check out http://www.hotrod.com/racers/

GM’s Assistance For Women Drivers May 23, 2007

An increasing number of women are already taking over the driver’s seat. From driving, car maintenance to choosing their own vehicles, these women already have the power at their hands.

Because of this, more and more car companies are offering exclusive assistance for women drivers who wish to have their own cars. These offer safety, maintenance tips, and buying assistance for women drivers.

One website is GM’s Women In The Driver’s Seat. Check it out at http://www.gm.com/vc/women/index.html

 

Get The Girls Started!! May 17, 2007

Young girls today are no longer that interested in dolls and tea parties. Instead, they already engage in boy “stuff” like computer games and extreme sports.

This is why many young girls express interest in racing. Parents with daughters who want to be racers can first start exposing them to races every now and then to develop their appreciation.It is also important to note to know what your daughter thinks.

Second, parents can engage their daughters in go-karts. This is a practical and fun way to enhance their talents and interests. Karting, in fact, became the first training ground for some of the world’s most famous women races like Jackie Stewart and Danica Patrick.

If these children will decide to enter the world of professional racing, finding the perfect driving school would be the best answer.

Though they may still be young, girls can further develop their interest and skills and at the same time learn the value of responsible driving.

 

 

Who wants more interesting facts on women drivers? I do!! May 17, 2007

 More and more women are taking control of the road nowadays. Bring on the notions on women drivers but one thing’s for sure, nothing is going to slow us down.

The overall percentage of female drivers is rising, while overall percentage of male drivers is decreasing. (VMR International, 2001)

80% of American women over age 65 operate an automobile. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1999)

Now who says women shoud stay at home and just let their men drive? I bet none.

 

Women and Car Maintenance May 16, 2007

Many researches prove that many women give more attention to details than men when it comes to the maintaining their cars.

According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, women are taking over the traditionally male-dominated responsibility of maintenance and repair. (VMR International, 2001)

Alo, more than 65% of customers who take their vehicles to a repair shop for service and repair are women.

Female customers tend to be more inquisitive and detail-oriented than their male peers. While most men tend to offer a diagnosis of the vehicle’s problems, women, on the other hand, describe the symptoms. In addition, many male auto service & repair customers discuss major decisions with their wives before giving technicians the go-ahead. (Automotive Service Councils of California, 1999)

For more interesting facts about women and car maintenance, check out www.wheeldrive.about.com/cs/forwomenonly.com.