The latest edition of the Girls Only Track Days, held at the State Motorcycle Complex, Broadford had a special guest in attendance.
The Victorian Minister for Women, Fiona Richardson, was on hand to officially launch the May Girls Only Track Day, which was another very successful day with over 50 participants. Ten of those 50 were ladies who had not attended one of the previous Girls Only Track Days.
“It was a pleasure to have Minister Fiona Richardson officially launch the day,” Inclusion & Committees Manager Peta Thomas said.
“It was also a pleasant surprise to learn she is a motorcycling enthusiast herself, we are hoping she might join the October day as a rider!” Peta added.
Motorcycling Victoria CEO, Wayne Holdsworth, was also in attendance on the day and thought it a great honour to have the Victorian Minister on hand.
“It was a pleasure and honour to host the Victorian Minister for Women at Broadford for the Girls Only Track Day,” Wayne said.
“The importance of such a day cannot be underestimated and the support from the Victorian government is genuine and critical to the success of our inclusion programs. Peta Thomas again managed this event superbly.” Wayne added.
Simona Damyanova was one of the riders who took part in the Girls Only Track Day activities, including a session with Cameron Donald and nutrition and exercise sessions.
“This was my third Girls Only Track Day and each one of them has been great!” Simona said.
“There are things I really appreciate as a rider and enjoy on these days, things you cannot experience at other track day events,” she added.
Cameron Donald and Shannons have been great supporters of the Girls Only Track Days and his sessions throughout the day are one of the activities not experienced at other events.
As part of this Girls Only Track Day there was a promotion for a chance to “Win A Coaching Session With Cam Donald” and this was a great success, seeing many of the participants of the day interacting with the team from Shannons.
“All the additions to what a regular track day would be are extremely worth it and it’s always a pleasant surprise to hear what MV has organised for the day when we turn up in the morning,” Simona said.
The perfect thing about the Girls Only Track Days are that they cater to women from the age of 16 to get out there and have a go.
“Everyone on the day is friendly, social, helpful and cheerful, this is what those days should be about. In an atmosphere like that everyone who is participating will get what they hoped to get out of the day.”
“I have benefited so much from the coaching, definitely improving my riding on the road and on track. It’s helped me feel safer and more confident with my body position when riding, throttle control and turning points and lines.” Simona added.
Simona was also adamant that she would recommend the Girls Only Track Days to any of her friends.
“In a heartbeat (I’d recommend them)! I have been recommending the Girls Only Track Days to females in motorcycling as well as those who are interested in getting into the sport or just to get a licence to ride on a Sunday with their mates or partners.”
There’s plenty of behind-the-scenes work done to get these days running and Peta Thomas is appreciative of everyone of those people who assist the days.
“Thanks to the teams at Shannons and Kawasaki for their ongoing support, the marshals and helpers on the day, the great coaching team, photographers and the HMRAV sidecar outfits,” Peta said.
“Also a special thank you, once again, to Minister Richardson for giving up her time to join us, it is very much appreciated.”
“As always, thank you to the ladies who participate, support and help these days go.”
The next Girls Only Track Day is due to take place on October, 1 at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex, Broadford.