THE V8 Supercars’ bid to have a female driver compete in the series on a fulltime basis is gathering speed, with several teams confirming their interest.
It was revealed last weekend the sport has made moves to secure sponsorship to the tune of more than $1 million, available from 2017, for a team to take on a female competitor.
It follows the Harvey Norman Supergirls wildcard entry for Bathurst piloted by Simona De Silvestro and Renee Gracie being a hit with fans.
Several team managers and owners this week told the Bulletin they would consider making the fulltime concept a reality.
Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport team manager Barry Hay said his team had in fact seriously looked at an international female racer for their still-vacant 2016 seat — and added he would be “absolutely” keen to try again in 2017.
While local up-and-comers Gracie and Chelsea Angelo are thought to need more time in the development Dunlop Series to hone their skills, De Silvestro is widely regarded as being immediately up to the task.
“She’s a genuine competitor,” Hay said.
“She would struggle like everybody does to start with — but she would not be a pushover at all.”
Along with a $1 million-plus budget allowing teams to give the driver top-quality machinery, Hay said a female icon is something the “sport is crying out for”.
“We were in the garage next to the two girls at Bathurst. It was unbelievable the following that they had,” he said.
Though one major team admitted they were more likely to stick with those proven within the unique Supercars category, Brad Jones Racing team owner Brad Jones was another to throw his weight behind the move.
Recently retired Formula One test driver Susie Wolff also gave it the thumbs up, with her Dare To Be Different initiative — driving female involvement in motorsport — labelling it a “brilliant opportunity” on Twitter.
Wolff, who kept pace with quality teammates at motorsport’s pinnacle, and Swiss open-wheel speedster De Silvestro are two ideal options, pending circumstances.
The latter is said to be locked into the Formula E series for 2016 but may potentially become available next year.
Other female drivers who undoubtedly have the talent include prominent American Danica Patrick, Lotus F1 development driver Carmen Jorda, young Brit Alice Powell and Australian rally racer Molly Taylor.
V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton said it was crucial to pave the way for the sport to progress.
“I think it’s our responsibility to push participation at all levels and to create the pathways there,” he said.
Warburton added it was important female drivers earn their place on merit in the highly competitive series, meaning the sponsorship agreement could wait until an appropriate candidate emerged.
“I think Simona said it herself when she was here with all that she had achieved, they’re very difficult cars to drive,” he added.
