Women take the wheel and the tool kit
When I was helping my dad build his car, he and his friends made inappropriate comments, saying that I did not understand anything.
- 3 years ago
June 22, 2021
At work at Vitarti. | Courtesy Paula Salazar
SAN MARTIN, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina — My passion for motorsports existed for as long as I can remember. When I was born, my dad was already racing cars. I grew up amid the roar of the engines, and I loved it.
Today I am a mechanic, and I am on my way to becoming a driver.
Passion for cars
When I was 10 years old, I asked my father to teach me how to drive a go-kart, but he did not support me because I am not a man.
I watched as my friends started driving, and I kept my dream alive even though he would not let me be a part of that world.
He said that cars were not “girly things,” and I suffered a lot. It was painful to hear those words from my dad.
At that time, I did not realize the discrimination women experienced in motorsports. As time went on, it became more and more noticeable. As I grew older, I began to feel the discrimination.
When I was helping my dad build his car, he and his friends made inappropriate comments, saying that I did not understand anything. I endured that abuse until I was 16.
They took all the desire out of me, and my frustration grew. I believed it was almost impossible to dedicate myself to the field of motorsports. I lost interest in watching races on television because it made me sick.
It was hard to let go of my passion.
Back on track
It was after I became financially independent that I could regain my strength of conviction.
At eighteen, I decided to study mechanics to build a car and race on my own.
After I enrolled in the course, the unfortunate comments returned.
I could hear people saying, “What is this girl doing here?” I did not care. My dream was more important.
I started preparing my car to race on the same team as my dad, although I would not compete against him. I would be in another class.
Important relationships
Little by little, many doors opened for me. I met several mechanics and people who wanted to help me with my project.
That is how I met Tamara Vital, who started the Vitarti Girl’s Team, the first all-female team to take part in Argentina’s national racing competition.
Few women existed in motorsports, so we all knew each other well.
Vital decided to put together the Vitarti Project to compete in the Top Race Junior category and called me to be a part of it. Still, I had to postpone my debut to focus on finishing my car because of work and study.
In the Top Race, we feel more included. They treat us as equals for the most part, although mansplaining is never lacking!
Many people still think we women cannot understand racing or know about the mechanics of cars.
Honest mechanics, those who know the field, do not make that discrimination. They understand that we learn certain things by doing them, and they are supportive.
While the discrimination has affected me less over time, my father’s comments hurt me the most. I carry that disappointment from the lack of support during my early years.
Fortunately, today he has changed a lot. He stands with me now in my achievements.
A Bright Future for Girls in Motorsports
I believe the continuation of our projects will open doors for many women. I dream of creating mixed teams that women can join. I hope, in the not-too-distant future, more and more women will be working in motorsports.
I still have not firmly defined what my role will be. I know I want to be in the industry, but I am not sure if it will be as a mechanic or a driver.
From the time I was a little girl when I heard the noise of the engines, my world felt complete. I know whatever I decide, that feeling will accompany me for the rest of my days.
