MOTORSPORT
Gemma Laidlaw isn’t fazed by working and competing in a typically male-dominated field. In fact, she wouldn’t have it any other way
The 19-year-old has harboured a love for speedway for as long as she can recall and is making waves on the racing circuit.
She has enjoyed a breakout year on track and was one of 20 recipients to participate at the recent Speedway Australia Rising Star Program in Canberra.
“My dad has always raced speedway so I was always just down at the shed with him,” Laidlaw said.
“It all sort of just went from there and then I bought my first race car at 16.”
The Churchill teen began racing competitively in 2014 and soon found success at regional meets across the state.
Her love for all things automotive ballooned and she decided to make her passion her profession.
“I was working as a diesel mechanic at the time, so I would do long hours then come home and work on another car,” she said.
“It was very much a male-dominated industry and still is, but I love it.”
All the hard work paid off this year at the National Production Sedan Title at the Maryborough Speedway last month in her beloved VY commodore.
“This season I’ve been mostly the only female, so I’ve proved a lot to myself this season. I’ve proved that I can mix it with the boys a hell of a lot more than what I could,” Laidlaw said.
“I went to the national title and a lot of people I haven’t raced with before, a lot of big names, couldn’t get past me.”
“I’m still not at the top of my game but I was pretty stoked with myself.”
The recent trip to Canberra as part of the Speedway Australia Rising Star Program was “an eye-opener” for Laidlaw.
During the program the young racers spent time at the Australian Institute of Sport undergoing rigorous physical testing.
“We did a lot of physical fitness … I expected a little bit of physical work but not as much as what it was,” she said.
“Basically we learnt that whatever hours we put into the race cars we have to put into ourselves.
“Your car is a machine but you’re also the machine behind the wheel so you’ve got to be as physically fit as what your race car is.”
One of three women selected to take part in the program, she said the drive to match it with men in the industry kept her motivated.
“For me personally it’s the love of how everyone gets along and even your worst enemies will help you.
“They’ll help get you back onto the track just because they want to beat you and I just love it. I’ve had professionals that couldn’t get past me [on the track].
“There are occasions where I’ll get really nervous for big race meetings but as soon as I get out onto the track I’m calm and collected.”
Laidlaw’s next race meet will be at Wahgunyah for Queen of the Murray on May 19.
