The Oban Times

MBE honour

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FORMER racing driver Susie Wolff is awarded an MBE for services to women in sport.

FORMER racing driver Susie Wolff was awarded the MBE at an investitur­e ceremony at Buckingham Palace last week, writes David McPhee.

Oban-born Susie, whose maiden name is Stoddart, received the MBE for services to women in sport.

Susie’s family own Stoddarts of Oban – a motorcycle dealership.

She brought her mum and dad, John and Sally Stoddart, to the ceremony along with her husband Toto Wolff.

Susie, who now lives in Switzerlan­d, has had a stunning career in motorsport, progressin­g from karting to formula three, before being signed by Williams’ Formula One team as a developmen­t driver.

Following her retirement in 2015, she focused on a new project - Dare To Be Different, which aims to inspire and help women working in, or who want to launch a career in motorsport.

Speaking about watching his daughter pick up her MBE, John Stoddart said: ‘It was a fantastic day out. We went to Buckingham Palace. It was awe-inspiring as it was in the ballroom.

‘Susie has put so much hard work in, especially since she started Dare To Be Different – it is now being launched in Germany. Prince Charles chatted to her for a while,’ John added. ‘He did not expect her to be a racing driver.’

Sally Stoddart said: ‘I must ad- mit, I was extremely proud. She has done so well. I am really, really over the moon. She puts a lot of effort into things. I’m just dead chuffed.’

Susie told her 386,000 fans on Facebook: ‘At Buckingham Palace to receive my MBE – a special day spent with special people.

‘Very grateful to have had the opportunit­ies to follow my passion and chase my dreams. It has been quite a journey.

‘To my brilliant parents who gave me the best start in life, to my brother who supported me each step of the way and to the man who lights me up each and every single day. I am truly thankful.’

 ??  ?? Susie Wolff poses with her MBE medal alongside mum Sally Stoddart, dad John Stoddart and husband Toto Wolff.
Susie Wolff poses with her MBE medal alongside mum Sally Stoddart, dad John Stoddart and husband Toto Wolff.

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