At the function to celebrate this decision, Race Organiser and Cafe` Racer Club President, Mr. Richard Wilkinson, said that his club and many others have been fostering interest in ladies racing events for a number of years now and with attendance’s rising at each event, it was time to form a field and give the ladies a race of their own.

He also said that much praise was to given to a number of lady members who have been instrumental in getting ladies the recognition that they deserve from this traditionally male dominated sport. “The efforts and commitment shown by these ladies is a credit to them and the sport and the inception of regular ladies events such as these can only benefit and further us and everyone else involved in Motorcycle Racing today”.

Due to the vision of these ladies and the acceptance by all concerned, Saturday will see a large field of ladies take to the track in many different categories. “Some of these ladies regularly leave their male counterparts behind on the track, others will just be happy to be competing in the event to gain experience for future races as they will be first time riders” said Mr. Wilkinson today.

A broad cross section of participants will be out there on Saturday from the RAAF pilot to the Housewife, giving the race a serious and fun genre. “The aim of this race first and foremost is for every lady out there to be safe, and enjoy themselves and secondly for them to be the groundbreaking pioneers of this area of the sport”.

At this time, the sport is believed to be on the cusp of becoming mainstream for ladies and as such, South Australians are at the forefront of the push for advancement and to be recognised in racing circles as a serious and entertaining part of the yearly race calendar.

Also on the card for this weekends action is the interclub challenge with racers participating within their individual classes. Mr. Wilkinson has promised a great day out for spectators with fast paced racing, food and entertainment for all the family on site.

Loads of parking and all facilities will be available and with entry fees waived for this event, it will be accessible for everyone.

Sunday’s State Title Event will also be a draw card for this weekend as riders such as Dave Johnson (recently returned from a stint in the U.K.) and Michael Brenton (Contender for the Australian Supersport Championship) will be lining up for a chance to secure the crown. “Sunday is the day to see some really fast and exciting racing” said Mr. Wilkinson “Unlimited pit access for the day will allow those interested in what happens behind the scenes to see and in some cases touch the machines these guys are pushing to the limit out there, and, how they stay that way”.

Mr. Wilkinson also mentioned that the sport was achieving fantastic national exposure due to the televised rounds of the Formula Extreme Championships recently and that the ladies could benefit from some such exposure in the media. “If the media can support us furthering the sport for ladies, we feel certain that the message will reach those ladies out there with an interest in motor sport and help them to get in touch with like minded people” he said.

It has always been tough to change perceptions in this sport, but the Cafe` Racer Club seems to be winning in the plan to incorporate lady riders more heavily into its ranks.

The Cafe` Racer Motorcycle Club Promotions Officer, Mr. Ron Ca$hman, can be contacted for details on 0417 809 377.

David Johnson returns from the UK

Michael Brenton in action at Mallala earlier this year