Women dominate track at Queen of River meet

Margaret River Speedway returns this Sunday for the annual Queen of the River event.

Club president Clint Hadley said there were increasing numbers of women competing in regular speedway meets, but this weekend’s celebration would see the men stand aside to support female competitors.

“It’s a very male-dominated sport, but we do have partners that back us up,” he said.

“The Queen of the River is trying to encourage more women in the sport.

“There’s a lot of girls also coming up through the juniors.

“We keep trying to push them through the divisions.”

The move to give more women a chance in the sport had increased in recent years, with some female racers a regular fixture.

Driver Linda Yates was one of the women who competed regularly alongside her father. She told the Times motorsport was great fun as well as a challenge.

Tara Thompson would also compete in this weekend’s Queen of the River as a break from her regular speedway duties.

“The boys give up their cars for us to race,” she said. “So it will be only women racing.”

The women would compete in either street stock or production sedans. Sunday’s spectacular included junior and modified sedans, as well as V8 dirt modifieds. The club had family tickets available, full licensed bar and canteen, as well as ice-cream and coffee vans. The pits would also be open for visitors during intervals. “The whole family can go in and see all the cars and drivers,” Hadley said.

“It’s going to be an awesome night (and) we look forward to seeing the girls dominate.”

Entry for children under 12 is free.