[ruhdwulf]

I'm not sure where to post this... so I figured this was as good as any.

This past weekend I helped the two local groups and worked a slotcar show - setting up a wonderful demo auto cross track and then manning the track and supervising people as they tried out the track or the track and a new car they had just purchased.

This is the first such slotcar show that I've attended. One thing struck me - there were as many or more young girls at the show as boys. The girls were at least as enthusiastic about racing than the boys, if not more so.

One young woman, about 13 or 14 I'd guess, had just bought a Capri GT (SCX I think) and wanted to try it out on the auto cross track. We had a simple timer set up and after a few minutes of practice she ran three laps for time. She ran three laps in 26.2 seconds. She was one second faster than anyone else in the time I was there. And she was so happy and pleased with the car and the racing.

One father was there with his two daughters and they were all keenly interested and competitive with each other in a great sort of family way. Could dad beat the time his daughters had set in the auto cross? Yes! Now, could the daughters come back to best him. Yes!

All of this is a roundabout way of getting to the subject of clubs and recruting new members. Does your local club have any female members? Does it have a significant number of women members? Do you have any particular outreach to kids... like a youth division?

The two clubs here are made up of men, almost all in their late 40s to early 60s. Not much new blood seems to be entering. I get the sense, so far, that club events are "old boy" events. Yet, these men often first got the bug in their pre-teen or teen years. And if they don't foster interest in young people, in the not too distant future all of their race buddies will start dying. Is there an untapped and new membership coming along among women?

Interested to hear your thoughts on this.

Mike

 

[Slotrace.dk]

I read once somewhere that slotracing should be for women since their reflex are quicker than mens.

 

[ruhdwulf]

QUOTE (Slotrace.dk @ 8 Nov 2004, 15:19)I read once somewhere that slotracing should be for women since their reflex are quicker than mens.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That was one thing that I wondered about. Women should be successful at it if they have the interest. There's no premium on muscle mass. On average, female relfexes are faster than male reflexes.

But then, women should make better fighter pilots too... faster reflexes and they can take significantly more G's... but you don't see any.

The knock has been that women are not aggressive enough. However, the latest crop of women drivers on the roadways seems to belie this view. The most aggressive, dangerous thing on the road is a soccer mom in a mini-van... with the next most aggressive being a 20-something woman in one of the Japanese pocket rockets. Too often I've looked in my rearview mirror on a clogged interstate to see one or the other of these crazies, zigging and zagging through pinhole openings in traffic... leaving a trail of unvented road rage in their wake. Nerves and aggression they ain't lacking.

Mike

 

[Hugs]

This seemed an appropriate thread to pop my head in.

I think it depends on the woman if they are into slot racing or not - These days women are more likely to still be single with no children into their 30's, hold down a job, own a house, and run a japanese pocket rocket (although mine is a ford - its still a 1.7 puma

) which equals disposable income to spend on fun things - like slot racing

I personally got into slot racing when i was young - my dad bought a kit "for the kids" (hugs coughs), but i took to it (much more then my sister who was into ballet at the time

) and have loved it ever since.

Are we better at it the men? Well - in studies it is now suggested that jobs such as astronauts should go to women as they are generally better at multi tasking, are as physically able, and consume less air and water then men.

All i can say is I do not race regularly - infact i prob use my track once a fortnight (hugs imagines the sharp intakes of breath as this is read) yet i got on the Pheonix track and held my own - and I was the only woman there

i'll let u draw ur own conclusions.

Lv Hugs x x x

 

[ruhdwulf]

QUOTE (Hugs @ 8 Nov 2004, 15:58)Are we better at it the men? Well - in studies it is now suggested that jobs such as astronauts should go to women as they are generally better at multi tasking, are as physically able, and consume less air and water then men.

Yes, physiologically I don't think there's much of an argument that women have bodies better built for pilot and astronaut.

QUOTE (Hugs @ 8 Nov 2004, 15:58)All i can say is I do not race regularly - infact i prob use my track once a fortnight (hugs imagines the sharp intakes of breath as this is read) yet i got on the Pheonix track and held my own - and I was the only woman there

i'll let u draw ur own conclusions.

Lv Hugs x x x
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So, the question is Hugs, why don't you use your track at home more regularly... and why don't you race more often? Just a time issue... as with most of us? Sounds like you still really enjoy it... and you held your own on practically zero practice.

I just got a huge kick out of how ecstatic the young woman with the new slot car was... and over her great performance on the auto cross track.

Drive on, Hugs! x x x

P.S. I'm in the States, so I have no idea what a 1.7 Puma is... but I'll go look it up.

Mike

 

[Hugs]

QUOTE (ruhdwulf @ 8 Nov 2004, 22:46)P.S. I'm in the States, so I have no idea what a 1.7 Puma is... but I'll go look it up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ill get astro to post a pic of one - although the pic he has found is dressed up in rally livery - mine is just silver

x x x

 

[CMOTD]

Editorial - NSCC Journal May 2004.

It's not for girls

What have slot-cars and Yorkie Bars got in common? Yes, they are both for men only. That is the common perception but, in the light of recent events, I am beginning to have my doubts. At last year's Ramsgate weekend two ladies took great delight in beating their male partners in the racing and we currently have two female members at the local club.

One of them, Michelle, initially came along to watch and keep her husband, Martin, company. Before long she was persuaded to join in and was duly slaughtered, as all novices inevitably are, for the first few months. Gradually she got the hang of things, clawed her way off the bottom rung of the ladder and began to beat some of the men, including yours truly on numerous occasions. It caused great merriment the first time she finished ahead of her husband and also led to Martin delving deep into the slot racer's book of excuses!

At first she happily raced with whatever car Martin provided for her but, early this year, she turned up with a brand new Slot.It Porsche 962 - apparently a letter to Santa had brought the desired result! Soon afterwards Michelle recorded her first, well deserved race win.

It was at this point that I became convinced that the female of the species is perfectly capable of adopting a male attitude to the hobby. For the first few months an enquiry about her race results would bring a beaming smile and the words, "last again!" I posed the same question a few weeks ago and the reply came through gritted teeth, "Third - but I should have been second!" Vicky, our other lady member, is also beginning to show signs of a competitive nature - remember girls - it's only a bit of fun! Oh, and hands off that Yorkie Bar.

 

[astro]

Puma pics on behalf of hugs:

 

[Hugs]

oh - forgot to answer the question - i got carried away over my puma

why dont i race more - mostly time - and i have other things to do. I also have a very low boredum threshold - and i much prefer pulling a track apart, and putting it in a different circuit, to racing on the same circuit all the time. But at the mo space doesnt allow for me to do that.

If i go to a club day, then it is a new circuit for me to play (or crash - depending on ur view) on. I like learning the new track, racing, doing my best - but then moving on. I suppose that is why i dont join a club - i would get bored of the track.

Typical fickle woman hey

x x x

ps - u can keep ur yorkie bar - give me cadbury dairy milk any day

 

[Intergrali]

can I just add that the 1.7 is damn fine engine and is sometimes found under fiesta bonnets

 

[Hugs]

welcome back inte x x x

ur bar maid is still here

 

[slotduck]

Good on you Hugs.It is always nice to have some female company.However some men would not like to be out~raced by a woman,but I welcome anyone interested in slotcars and I hope you keep it up!?(Is that you in the picture?)QUOTE (Hugs @ 8 Nov 2004, 21:58)This seemed an appropriate thread to pop my head in.

I think it depends on the woman if they are into slot racing or not - These days women are more likely to still be single with no children into their 30's, hold down a job, own a house, and run a japanese pocket rocket (although mine is a ford - its still a 1.7 puma

) which equals disposable income to spend on fun things - like slot racing

I personally got into slot racing when i was young - my dad bought a kit "for the kids" (hugs coughs), but i took to it (much more then my sister who was into ballet at the time

) and have loved it ever since.

Are we better at it the men? Well - in studies it is now suggested that jobs such as astronauts should go to women as they are generally better at multi tasking, are as physically able, and consume less air and water then men.

All i can say is I do not race regularly - infact i prob use my track once a fortnight (hugs imagines the sharp intakes of breath as this is read) yet i got on the Pheonix track and held my own - and I was the only woman there

i'll let u draw ur own conclusions.

Lv Hugs x x x
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

[jonny s]

Top Junior Racer tonite at the club out of 28 junior racers?....... Laura! Won six out of six and she`s on her way to Wrexham this weekend guys!!

 

[Hugs]

QUOTE (slotduck @ 8 Nov 2004, 23:23)Good on you Hugs.It is always nice to have some female company.However some men would not like to be out~raced by a woman,but I welcome anyone interested in slotcars and I hope you keep it up!?(Is that you in the pic)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Slot - nice to see you posting on the forum

Just one question - why would some men not like to be out-raced by a woman - what difference does it make. Ohh - i forgot - men are such better drivers - ill just go get the tea on for when he gets home

but I am sooo glad you dont share these out dated views - maybe it is views like these that kept women away from slot clubs - maybe cos the men were afraid?

no lovely - that isnt me in the pic

Lv hugs x x x

 

[Intergrali]

thanks hugs,
Jonny, I will await your challenge

 

[CoolScientist]

Its an interesting subject.

My wife, has always come to club nights with me. However, on arrival, she would always be asked to man the kitchen. It used to miff her right off. All she wanted to was watch and get involved in conversation and enjoy the racing. Mrs CS, always felt that the club members should facilitate them selves with drinks etc.

She would marshal, when it wasnt a competative race, due to the fact, that she isnt (capable is the wrong word), sure of how to get the car in the slot correctly. She did threaten one racer, with her high heal, placed precariously over the roof of his CLK, when he tutted at her for getting it on the wrong lane.

Mrs CS aint stupid... she knows what shes doin, but like most, she gets flustered under pressure when its something new - and she wouldnt want to hinder a racers progress. She like I feel, if your there to race, you marshall too.

Now, I tell ya, having been a passenger with her.... this woman can drive.... owned more sports cars then most men, 911 turbo (with bird table) Masserati Merrick, merc sports... etc etc etc.

Now IM happy to say, after visiting Pendle and a view of digital, she has offered to get stuck in with me to get the track sorted in the loft. She has offered an interest in actually getting involved, and wants to get stuck in.

She has vowed, to beat me..... Im happy with that..... I think I might struggle to beat her.... but rewards come with losing to her.... wink wink.... if you see what I mean.....

I'm really chuffed.... after 3 years... Ive never pushed her, shes gonna take the plunge.... Im sure she will only do it behind closed doors, but hey...... I love her to bits....

CoolS

 

[Slot.it]

There are two female racers in Italy that I can mention: Monica Grassi, wife of Sergio, from Naples, usually capable of beating her husband unless he fixes her car with the wrong cable polarity , and Cristina Sciuto, excellent driver, wife of Paolo Motta, a.k.a. 'Sig. Paolo', (Mr. Paolo), both of Catania, Sicily.

They both are very good drivers, and nice ladies as well. Interestingly however, I think they both began as a result of the husband's passion for slot racing. IMHO to get more women attracted to slot car racing a 'limited edition gold and diamonds' car would be a good thing . Time for a new Porsche 956 decoration??
Maurizio

 

[vfr750]

There's a young lady who has been competing in the Clubmans / TSRF series, she comes with her dad. I suspect she's a regular club racer, she's certainly quick, well faster than me. I hate guessing womens age but she's 16 - 20ish.

John

 

[Coopdevil]

QUOTE (vfr750 @ 9 Nov 2004, 09:30)There's a young lady who has been competing in the Clubmans / TSRF series, she comes with her dad. I suspect she's a regular club racer, she's certainly quick, well faster than me. I hate guessing womens age but she's 16 - 20ish.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds like Sandy and I don't think she's that old, I think she's still at school! Races at our club, and yes usually faster than me.

Coop

 

[vfr750]

Yes it's Sandy, now you know why I hate guessing their age.

John