‘Girls on Wheels’ Volume 2, the latest edition of the pioneering initiative by JW Networks that empowers female motorsport enthusiasts aged 16 and above, concluded its most successful event to date earlier this month underscoring the growing popularity of the event in Sri Lanka. Given that International Women’s Day falls on March every year, the event was conducted as a celebration of Women’s History Month.
Girls on Wheels events were conceptualized and commenced last year with the aim of building a platform to promote inclusivity, equality and diversity in Sri Lanka. The latest event once again empowered female motorsport enthusiasts of all ages by providing them with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the world of racing, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of karting. It also encouraged females to venture into the world of motorsports and consider it as a viable career choice for those who have the passion for it.
Day 1 of the 2-day event was held at Swastha by Link at Horton Place with over 50 female participants physically present with several more joining online. Day 1 highlights included an in-depth look at the world of motorsport where the female participants were taught everything from racing lines to mechanical aspects of racing cars covering a diverse range of related topics including endurance and fitness levels required for the sport as well as other educational aspects, and racing techniques. The Day 2 venue was the Pro Ride Electric Karting Track at Kotte and included elements such as practical sessions facilitated by Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), the national Controlling Body for automobile sports in Sri Lanka, road safety session by The Automobile Association of Ceylon, and theoretical and practical sessions conducted by SLAS Secretary Shehan De Tissera.
Girls on Wheels Volume 2 was powered by VIEC, Kuriosity, Barista, Suyamas International,Good PR, and RSVP. The event also received special support by JW Networks’ podcast ‘Jorgy’s Stripping the Dipping Motorsport Series’, which helps amplify the voices of diverse professionals and has built a global community. The podcast has achieved international acclaim and prominent figures from F1 to NASCAR have commended ‘Girls on Wheels’ endorsing the initiative as a groundbreaking event for female participation in motorsport.
JW Networks is an organisation founded by Sri Lankan motorsport enthusiast Jorgina Donna. Late last year, it successfully conducted the very first ‘Girls on Wheels’ event which aims to empower female motorsport enthusiasts aged 16 and above by revealing opportunities for them to race into the world of motorsports and explore career possibilities in it. While making history as the first-ever females-only motorsport awareness program in Sri Lanka, the event helped to highlight the importance of gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields and brought together motorsport and road safety, offering a unique platform for participants to learn, experience, and envision a future in the fast lane. The positive reviews of the event underscored the need for regular events of this nature that will open the doors to a wider audience and help raise awareness.
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