Chicmumchums take on Grand Prix with glamour
Two Feilding women who juggle modelling with motherhood are bringing a bit of glamour to the grid at this weekend’s New Zealand Grand Prix.
Among the 10 entries in this year’s annual Miss New Zealand Grand Prix competition are best friends Tina Sharp, 26, and Charlotte Becker, 24.
The mums say they signed up for the event as an opportunity to break free from the daily chores and responsibilities of motherhood.
‘‘It’ll be quite nice to leave the kids at home and get dressed up for something like this,’’ mother-of-two Miss Sharp said.
She first tried her hand as a model after her parents encouraged her to become a promo girl for their family business. But getting involved with the Miss NZ Grand Prix competition came down to looking for a bit of light relief from caring for the kids.
‘‘It’s a bit different to your typical pageant-type event and after doing it last year, I just had so much fun and learnt so much, so thought I would come back . . . plus I got to go for a hot lap with Jono Lester, which was pretty cool.’’
Miss Sharp is often down at the track with her partner and children watching motorsport events.
Her 5-year-old son, Chase, and 2-year-old daughter, Skye, loved being at the track and around the cars, she said.
‘‘They’re certainly Daddy’s little mechanics.’’
This year she convinced her best friend and mother-of-one Miss Becker to enter the beauty competition.
‘‘I said, ‘Look, if I’m filling out all the paperwork I may as well do yours too’,’’ Miss Sharp said.
Miss Becker said she could not wait to have a go at striking a pose at the Grand Prix.
‘‘I was really shy when I was younger, but I find the more modelling things I do the more confidence I pick up.
‘‘It’ll be a great experience and it’s
Best friends Charlotte Becker, left, and Tina Sharp, with 2-year-old Skye Wilson, are competing in this week’s Miss New Zealand Grand Prix competition. good that Tina’s been through it all before to offer me some tips.’’
Entrants in the competition, which runs alongside one of New Zealand’s most prestigious motorsport events, met the judges last night. They return on Friday to help host a free family night, where everyone is invited to Manfeild to see the teams and cars.
Then on Sunday the top five contenders will become pit lane hostesses for the day’s racing before the winner is announced in the afternoon.
The winner will pocket $1000 prizemoney from MotorSport New Zealand and a moment in the limelight presenting the laurels to the Grand Prix racing champion.