Monday, July 9, 2018

Natalie Decker Racing: Race Cars, Women, And Changes

By Martha Brown


Motorsport has been for the longest time been a sport where access to it was determined by some dangly bits between your legs. But in recent times, those without these so important dangly bits as Natalie Decker Racing Team, have made a compelling argument as to why they don t matter and what does is how fast you can go around a corner.

First of all, there exists a large misconception of how women are treated in this male-dominated industry when in reality. It s people of different sexes, genders culminating together for the love of motor vehicles and pushing themselves and those vehicles to the limit. And winning some shiny along the way to prove that they are the best at what they do, be it rallying, drifting or even driving fast around a race course.

From IndyCar to the Dakar rally, there is evidence of the feminine touch in the world of motor racing. The biggest problem that female racers face, however, isn t so much on of discrimination around the track but one of accessibility. Accessibility to information about cars and car culture in general and despite all the breakthroughs that have been made on the racetrack, the barriers to entry are still quite high.

However, on the same token, one can use the notoriety of being considered an anomaly to garner attention in the right ways, and become a catalyst for people to discuss the lack of representation woman have in the sport or be used as a role model for those who want to do something where they ll find themselves in the minority.

Yes, the stereotype that boys are meant to play with cars and girls with dolls still prevails, despite changing attitudes. In these modern times, it s easier to enlist a daughter to a driving school tailor-made to harness the driving skill in all those it enlists, when you consider that driving became a viable option that could be pursued by women in the 1920 s.

At some point, females will no longer need to prove themselves behind the wheel despite being professionals with plenty of experience with going around a corner 100 mph or more. Because if truth be told, that is one hurdle that still plagues the professional race car driver who so happens to be female. An unnecessary barrier that does not exist for her male counterparts despite both being professionals.

One thing female race car drivers regardless of what league they happen to drive in can t avoid is the scrutiny that comes racing. Your every move is under the microscope and all mistakes are usually attributed to sex rather than skill. But those same disadvantages, make it easier to break out and stand out in their field of expertise.

With all of that said and done, it hasn t be a walk in the park for a woman when it comes to racing. But inroads have been made to change the worldview and perception of people because gender roles are overrated.




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