Langara’s new Formula One club to bring women together
The newly formed club to provide a space for an underappreciated fanbase
By ZOE LI
Langara’s Formula Alliance Club wants to help women overcome gender stereotypes in the automotive and racing industry, inviting them to participate in everything from race watch parties to go-karting and simulation racing.
The club seeks to encourage a sense of belonging, participation and ultimately inspire a large number of females to consider themselves part of racing culture through its blend of social and interactive activities.
Areeba Saqib, a first-year commerce student, founded the club in February. So far, it has approximately 20 members. She said the club is open to all motorsport lovers, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience. Saqib’s primary goal is to create an inclusive space for women, where members can watch races together, attend workshops and events, ask questions and learn without being talked down to.
“I find it really important for girls to have an empowering area for them to be able to bond over this hobby without being discriminated,” said Saqib, who noted that women in the automotive industry remains underrepresented.
A new learning experience
Saqib said both UBC and SFU have Formula student teams that build their own cars and compete in international races. The Langara club is working with these two teams to organize workshops and provide members with more experience and fundamental knowledge about motorsports and engineering.
The club is also inviting women working in the automotive industry to give lectures and share their professional insights.
Gender discrimination
Francine Parizotto Sartori, a first-year associate of arts student, joined the club because she likes breaking down the construction of race cars and how drivers make adjustment during a race.
She said it’s frustrating that people assume women only watch automotive races because they’re attracted to the male drivers.
“It’ll be super interesting to have women that share the same interests,” Sartori said.
Diversity can go a long way
Manisha Singh, coordinator of women’s studies program at Langara, said women often face a lack of trust in their technical expertise in male-dominated fields.
She said providing women-specific spaces offers a supportive and safe environment necessary for skill development.
“A sport can grow with a contribution of diverse talent,” Singh said. “You just don’t know what it can become until you have representation through diversity of membership.”
A big step to becoming a racer
Karen Clouston, a race car driver and member of Women in Motorsport for the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs, said becoming a racing driver in B.C. is a big undertaking, requiring classroom learning and three races being graded before getting a racing license.
Clouston said the biggest challenge women face in racing is that they often don’t know where to get this information or who to consult. The club might help in this aspect.
“When I first started 35 years ago, women were far and few between working in corners or driving a race car,” Clouston said.
A lack of knowledge
Linda Sakaluk, director of Women in Motorsport for the Western Canadian Motorsports Association, said female participation in motorsports is often hindered by their lower disposable incomes, family commitments and a lack of early mechanical exposure.
“Most women don’t grow up knowing a lot about a car,” she said. The lack of knowledge creates a steep learning curve for women when it comes to rebuilding a carburetor or changing the engine when they first enter motorsports.
Her advice for young women interested in motorsports is to volunteer for a local motorsports team to learn and build a network at no cost.
Saqib said there are no entry criteria for the club.
“You can just join it to see if you’re interested.”
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