Catrin - Motorsports
When I heard about the motorsport club at UWE, I knew I had to join.
“When I heard about the motorsport club at UWE, I knew I had to join. Having only ever previously raced cars, racing karts was a whole new experience for me but being born into a motorsport family and having petrol running through my veins, it was a love affair from the moment I jumped into the kart and onto the track.
Although many believe that motorsport is a ‘male sport’, It is one of the only sports in the world where both women and men can compete on a completely even playing field. Despite this, there are still very few females in the sport and close to none at the top of the sport.
To change the perception about motorsport and to promote women in the sport, I, alongside other females that compete in the British Universities Karting Championship (BUKC), founded an all-female race team and have been competing in kart races over Europe, taking part in the famous 24-hour Le Mans Kart Race. Our aim is to inspire others to follow in the steps of Danica Patrick, Pat Moss and my idol, Michéle Mouton.
Mouton, who won four World Rally Championship titles, claimed nine podium finishes, 160 stage wins and even a won the completely bonkers Pikes Peak Hill Climb, changed people’s perceptions of what women can do across the motorsport landscape.
UWE Motorsport is the perfect step for any female looking to start their motorsport journey. During my first year with the club, I attended events to improve my skills in indoor and outdoor karting (I was rubbish!). They have great, supportive committee members that offer direction and suggestions for those who want to improve their lap times and racing skills.
They also run internal championship, that sees club members compete against one another for the highly-coveted UWE Karting Championship (UWEKC) title. The events are held at various indoor circuits across the south-west and proven to host some great races.
The BUKC sees UWE Motorsport and 80 other university motorsport clubs compete against each other at some of Britain’s best tracks, driving the fastest arrive and drive karts in the world (basically, the best fun you’ll ever have). The championship consists of 4 rounds and finishes with a massive multi-uni party! What more could you ask of a racing championship!
4 years after sitting in a kart for the first time, I have made life-long friends, raced at some of the best tracks in Europe, met some racing legends (… F1 Champ, Damon Hill!!!) and become the Vice-President of the Motorsport Club at UWE. Despite my achievements, I’d still love to see more girls join us at UWE Motorsports or at motorsport events. Get in touch to see how you can get involved!
See you on the track, girls!”
To join Catrin on track, become a member today, click here!