Latest news with #GirlsonTrack
Business News Wales
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business News Wales
Breaking Barriers in Motorsport Engineering
Motorsport has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I feel incredibly fortunate that it has also become my career. For the past 18 years, I've had the pleasure of lecturing in Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), and what a journey it has been. During that time, the field has evolved dramatically. We've seen rapid and sometimes groundbreaking technological advances, from significant improvements in simulation techniques to the development of hybrid powertrains. The role of an engineer has expanded and diversified and it's an incredibly exciting time to be part of this industry. However, one thing that hasn't changed enough is the number of women pursuing careers in motorsport engineering. Over the years, I've seen some incredibly talented young women enrol on our courses, graduate, and go on to have fulfilling careers. But until recently their numbers have been small, about 5 per cent compared to the men. For many years, I was the only woman in our motorsport department. I'm happy to say there are now two of us, but the wider industry still has work to do. This enduring imbalance raises an important question: why does the stereotype persist, and what can we do to change it? The old image of engineers covered in grease and wearing overalls is largely outdated. Today, engineering roles are diverse—some still involve hands-on work, which appeals to many, but others focus on software, data analysis, and simulation. You can thrive in this industry and still wear heels and have great nails if you want to! Motorsport is global, offering opportunities to travel, build international careers, and work with world-leading teams. It's an exciting, dynamic field with excellent pay, strong maternity benefits, and a real sense of camaraderie. You don't even have to be a 'petrol head' to succeed, although an aptitude for maths certainly helps! I was lucky. I grew up with a rally-mad father who was delighted when I chose motorsport, and an independent, feminist mother who constantly reminded me that 'women can do anything.' Add to that a few brilliant maths teachers at Llangatwg Comprehensive and St John Baptist School, and I had the support I needed to achieve my A-levels and secure a place at university. Since my school days, the curriculum has shifted to emphasise STEM subjects, helping to address the national skills shortage. But we can do more to support girls early on, encouraging them to stick with maths and science and helping them see engineering as an accessible and exciting career. Fantastic initiatives like F1 in Schools and Green Power are inspiring young people to dream big. Here at UWTSD, we're proud to support Girls on Track, Motorsport UK's programme that introduces school-aged girls to the diverse world of motorsport, from pit stop challenges to media and presenting roles. Change is happening. Women now make up 10 per cent of the workforce in motorsport and for the first time, we've achieved that same percentage on our motorsport programmes at UWTSD. To celebrate, we're running a series of activities to build a stronger community of female engineers, hoping to create a supportive network that encourages even more girls to consider this fantastic career. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of our BEng Motorsport Engineering Degree Programme, the first of its kind in the world. Thanks to the vision of former lecturer Roger Dowden who started the course and guidance from the Motorsport Industry Association, our graduates have become valuable assets in motorsport and high-performance automotive industries worldwide. Many have gone on to work for prestigious companies like McLaren, Gordon Murray, Bentley, Ford, Arc, and Toyota Gazoo Racing. Our close ties with industry advisors ensure that our course remains relevant, practical, and academically rigorous. This blend of theory and real-world application is our unique strength, and it makes our graduates stand out. I believe we're on the right track. By continuing to challenge stereotypes, build supportive communities, and celebrate the successes of women in motorsport, we can create a future where gender is no barrier to pursuing a thrilling, rewarding engineering career. And to all the young girls out there dreaming big: believe me when I say that you can do anything.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Jakarta E-Prix 2025: Fun beyond the track at Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit
Image credit: Formula E/X The Jakarta E-Prix not only offers visitors at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit the chance to watch the Formula E race, but there is also much more to enjoy at the venue beyond the GEN3 Evo cars on the track. From special performances by live DJs to the opportunity to experience Formula E in a simulator car, there are plenty of fun activities available for fans including food stalls and Kids Area. Visitors can experience thrill of driving a Formula E car Beyond the on-track action, Formula E ticket holders can enjoy an immersive experience in the Fan Village at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit at Ancol Beach Park. Attendees can hone their racing skills on state-of-the-art Formula E simulators, giving them a taste of the thrill of driving a race car. Formula E Hits Jakarta! Heat, Hustle & High Stakes | Season 11 Round 12 Preview The FIA Girls on Track program is a recurring initiative at every E-Prix. As part of its mission to empower young women through education and opportunity, up to 120 girls from Jakarta (aged 12–18) can take part in workshops, gaming, and career talks, along with a Pit Lane walk and a special trophy presentation opportunity. The program emphasizes gender equity and education in a traditionally male-dominated industry and is supported by Hankook (Presenting Partner), ABB (Principal Partner), and Fortescue Zero (Official Partner). Live performances at Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit As part of this year's official theme, 'Electrifying the Future', Formula E is turning up the voltage with the announcement of three major headliners. Indonesian DJs Dipha Barus, Una, and Patricia Schuldtz will deliver exclusive live performances on the Formula E stage. DJ Patricia recently made an appearance to greet the public during Car Free Day on Sunday (June 8), alongside Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, and received a warm welcome. For younger Formula E fans, there are several adventure activities in the Kids' Area, thoughtfully designed to foster curiosity, encourage innovative thinking, and promote sustainability. A large food court also offers visitors a wide variety of local flavors to enjoy. Also Read: Jakarta E-Prix 2025: Race timings, where to watch Round 12 Formula E race, rain prediction The final Jakarta E-Prix race is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at 3:05 PM local time (1:35 PM IST). Visitors can watch the race from multiple grandstands. Those unable to attend can follow the action via the Race Centre on the Formula E website or watch the race live on television. In India, the race will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Jakarta E-Prix 2025: Race timings, where to watch Round 12 Formula E race, rain prediction
Image credit: Formula E Formula E is back in Jakarta after a gap of two years. Unlike last season, which was a doubleheader in 2023, this year the Ancol Beach street track is hosting a single header. The Jakarta E-Prix kickstarted on Friday with the first free practice race. The final race is scheduled for Saturday early evening and may probably be a wet race amid predictions of a shower. Here is the complete schedule of the Jakarta E-Prix. Jakarta Formula E race timings Various activities were lined up ahead of the race in Jakarta like beach clean-up, school visits, and more, but the main race began on Friday at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit. Friday, June 20 First free practice race (FP1) at 4 PM local time (2:30 PM IST). Saturday, June 21 Second free practice race (FP2) at 8 AM local time (6:30 AM IST). Qualifying race at 10:20 AM local time (8:50 AM IST) Final race at 3 PM local time (1:35 PM IST) Where to watch Jakarta Formula E race Live updates of the Jakarta E-Prix will be available in real time on the Race Centre on the Formula E website. Fans can also watch the race on Formula E's official YouTube channel. The television audience in India can watch the race on Sony Sports Network. Here are the other channels that will broadcast the race in the following countries: India – Sony Sports Network Indonesia – MNC TV USA – Roku, CBS UK – ITV, TNT Sports Australia – Stan Sport China – Huya, Sina, Bilibili Japan – J Sports, BS Fuji TV Canada – TSN, TVA Sports South Africa – Brazil – Band TV, Grande Premio South America – Claro Sports Europe – Eurosport New Zealand – Sky TV Italy – Mediaset France and Monaco – L'Équipe Germany – DF1 The Jakarta circuit This is the first time the GEN3 Evo cars are racing in Indonesia. The Jakarta E-Prix is being held at the 2.37 km, 18-turn circuit at the Ancol Beach park. It is a major attraction in Indonesia with a massive footfall each day. Several other fun activities like a race simulator for visitors, and the FIA Girls on Track programme that allows 120 girls between the ages of 12–18 to experience the event closely, are taking place. Various sustainable practices are being followed at the circuit like free drinking water to refill reusable bottles and the use of biodegradable eco cups at the venue. There are various other attractions at the venue during the event. Rain prediction There were chances of a shower during FP1 on Friday, but the rain gods were patient, and the free practice race could take place as scheduled. Maximilian Gunther topped FP1. It was a hot and humid race, with the Formula E drivers moving around with umbrellas and doing all they could to keep themselves cool ahead of the race. The temperature remained around 27 degrees Celsius on Friday. Also Read: Jakarta E-Prix 2025: Maximilian Gunther, Oliver Rowland, or a new face - here are top contenders for a podium finish at Round 12 Formula E race According to there is a 59 percent chance of rain in the morning on Saturday during FP2 and a 70 percent chance of rain during Qualifying. The Formula E drivers should brace for a wet race, as there is a 78 percent chance of rain at 3 PM local time. It may continue to be hot and humid with temperatures around 26–27 degrees Celsius despite the cloud cover. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Car racers Hana Burton and Maaya Orido join FIA Girls on Track program to inspire young girls to pursue motorsport
Image credit: Hanna Burton/Instagram Japanese-American racing driver and content creator Hana Burton, along with rally driver Maaya Orido, took part in the FIA Girls on Track program in Tokyo on the sidelines of the Tokyo E-Prix to do their bit in encouraging several young girls to take up motorsport as a career option. As part of the program, young girls between 12 and 18 had the chance to participate in workshops, gaming, career talks, and a Pit Lane walk under the FIA's initiative to promote empowerment and education in motorsport and engineering. 120 girls also had the opportunity to take an immersive E-Karting masterclass. Inside glimpse of Girls on Track program Sharing a few pictures from the Girls on Track program during the Tokyo E-Prix, Hana Burton wrote on Instagram, 'Can you guess what I'm explaining about the car in the first pic? LOVED being a part of the @ @fiaformulae Girls on Track event at @ again this year, also had the chance to speak at the event stage at the E-Prix about my career.' 'And thankfully it was sunny this year so the girls got to have a go with the EV karts! There were many great questions about being a part of the Motorsport world as a woman. It's lovely to see the progress involving us in the space and I'm grateful to now be in a position to offer advice to many brilliant young women!! Thanks you for having me and @maaya_orido_559!!' she added. Another Formula E driver, Maaya Orido, also shared happy pictures from the Girls on Track program in Tokyo. She wrote along with them in Japanese, 'I went to Girls on Track again this year. I rarely have the chance to talk and interact with women like this, so I had a lot of fun interacting with so many people this year. It was my first time riding a tandem kart, but it was so much fun. It was a great experience again this year! Thank you. ' Also Read: Tokyo E-Prix Round 8 results: Stoffel Vandoorne clinches long-awaited win in wet conditions; Oliver Rowland finishes second The Tokyo E-Prix was a double-header. While Maserati MSG Racing driver Stoffel Vandoorne won the Round 8 race, Nissan's Oliver Rowland clinched victory in the Round 9 race the next day. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
WRU turmoil deepens as Ospreys and Scarlets remain unsigned
Trailblazing lecturer calls for change in male-dominated industry ABI PENNY, Senior Lecturer in Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), is calling for greater support to encourage more women into motorsport careers. With nearly two decades of teaching and hands-on experience in the field, Abi is determined to inspire the next generation of female engineers and challenge outdated stereotypes. 'Motorsport has been my passion for as long as I can remember,' she said. 'And I feel incredibly fortunate that it's become my career.' Abi has spent the past 18 years teaching Motorsport Engineering at UWTSD and says the industry has transformed during that time. From hybrid powertrains to advanced simulation and data modelling, engineering has become more diverse and dynamic than ever before. But one thing, she says, has remained stubbornly unchanged — the low number of women entering the profession. 'For years, I was the only woman in our motorsport department. Today, there are two of us, and nationally, women now make up around 10 per cent of the motorsport workforce — a small but significant step forward.' According to Abi, breaking the stereotype of the 'grease-covered mechanic' is key to making engineering more appealing and accessible to girls and young women. 'Engineering isn't just about spanners and overalls,' she explains. 'Modern motorsport includes roles in software, simulation, and data analysis. There's space in this industry for people with a wide range of skills and personalities. You can still love fashion, wear heels, and have amazing nails if you want — and still be a great engineer.' Abi credits her own success to the support of her rally-enthusiast father, a strong feminist mother, and inspiring maths teachers at Llangatwg Comprehensive and St John Baptist School. But she knows many young women don't get that same encouragement early on. 'There's been great progress in promoting STEM subjects, but we need to keep going. We need to show girls what's possible — that engineering is an exciting, well-paid, and global career with strong maternity support and genuine camaraderie.' She highlights initiatives such as F1 in Schools, Green Power, and Motorsport UK's Girls on Track programme as examples of what's working. At UWTSD, 10 per cent of current motorsport students are female — a milestone being celebrated with a series of events to foster a stronger community of women in the sector. UWTSD's BEng Motorsport Engineering programme, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, was the first of its kind in the world. Founded by former lecturer Roger Dowden, it has produced graduates who now work for leading names in the industry, including McLaren, Bentley, Ford, Toyota Gazoo Racing and Gordon Murray Automotive. 'Our course blends academic rigour with real-world experience,' Abi said. 'We work closely with industry to ensure our graduates are job-ready and in high demand.' Her message to the next generation is clear: 'You don't have to be a petrolhead to succeed. You just need curiosity, determination, and a belief in yourself. To any girl out there dreaming of motorsport — believe me when I say, you can do anything.'
