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s – even my dad ng just for fun. The heir son wants to t consider their erested. ere open to that, women would be ort.” ady playing a part en to go has ers d t zy in much hem. for me to be able people, which ush on more with ed bring me out my shell. I was a y shy person efore I started, so he social media side of things has also helped improve my confidence.”
Last year, a tournament just for women called the W-series was launched. While Emily was not initially keen on the competition, she has changed her mind.
“At first I wasn’t a big fan of it, because I thought it was dividing men and women and didn’t fully understand it,” she says. “But I’ve seen how beneficial it has been to some other female racers.
“It has helped bring them into the spotlight and open up other opportunities for them. “It is sad that it has to come to that point but it is amazing people are now saying, ‘We have skilled females, let’s see what they can do.’”
While the cost can be an issue, Emily has become the face of a scheme with Motorsport UK and indoor go-kart racing track company Teamsport to encourage disadvantaged youngsters into the sport.
And anyone can enter the British Indoor Karting Championship as long as they are aged over eight and own a £35 #Grid Elite Membership. At present, local qualifiers are still expected to start on June 1, with the finals being held in November.
“I’m passionate about getting kids into racing, but also sport more generally,” says Emily. “After speaking to my parents and the organisations, it was very clear to me what we should do.
“I wanted to mix education with the go-karting side of things and give young people an opportunity that they may not have. It’s the chance for them to get out there, enjoy themselves and potentially come away with a British championship.
Personality
“I’ve seen how much I’ve grown and developed in this sport, and I believe on the track your personality comes out a bit more.
“Once you put the helmet on, you go into your own little world. You’ve got your own space.
“The track is like my office for me. I just feel so comfortable there. There’s no feeling like it.”
● Teamsport has launched the British Indoor Karting Championship (BIKC), in association with Motorsport UK. For more information, visit Bikc.co.uk.