WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT FEATURE
POINTS OF ENTRY
People often start off in motorsport because of their family background – typically having a parent or relative competing in a particular discipline and following in their footsteps. As is the case with many female competitors involved in the sport, Ryder and Williams both arrived from that perspective, just in different ways and on different timelines.
Steph Beeken has found her tribe through Marshalling
Today, initiatives like Girls on Track UK are helping to create new entry points for those without family connections to the sport, offering young women opportunities to explore the many career paths within motorsport through workshops, trackside experiences and networking events.
Ryder grew up at race tracks, where her father competed in speed events, and has been competing herself since the 1980s. Now her son Matt is the British Hillclimb Champion, and his wife Kirsten is also a competitor, sharing Caroline’ s car.
“ We had a whale of a time in the paddock as children,” she recalls.“ Then when I got older somebody offered me a drive and that was it. A few of those families I grew up with are still involved and a lot of new competitors do come from friend or family connection.”
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How did you feel and what did you learn from taking part?
SM:“ It really helped me feel at ease. I learned how to navigate the details and nerves of a competition, including entry, scrutineering and how the timed and practice runs worked. It was invaluable having that support and I would have been lost without it.”
HP:“ I felt nervous and had some self-doubt but that turned to complete, utter excitement and thrill. After my first race lap, I was met with grins, big hugs, a cup of tea and Caroline Ryder volunteering to get my results for me! Oh, and an instruction to breathe …”
What motorsport are you participating in now and what do you aspire to?
SM:“ I’ m just about to start my first‘ proper’ championship, the Bugatti Owners’ Club New Barn Cars MOT Speed Championship, and I have a dream of competing in hill climb and speed events in a Formula Ford one day.”
HP:“ I’ m starting my third season hill climbing in a VW Up, trying to retain the Harewood‘ Ladies’ Championship Trophy. I’ m also doing some marshalling in rally, and I just hope to keep going as long as possible and encourage many other women to join in. I love shocking folk when they ask me what I am doing at the weekend and I answer‘ racing’ with a massive grin on my face. I have become cool at the age of 68.”
Revolution- March 2026
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