Recently MSZ and PPK backed by FIA, held a “GIRLS ON TRACK” event, to promote the girl child within motorsport. 20 young girls between 8 and 12 years old attended this event. Which featured a variety of different aspects of the sport. Giving the girls and their parent an insight into the sport from the mechanics to the media as well as driving and maintaining a kart.
MSZ President Mr Ralph Stead was present to help encourage the girls and give his support to the event. The event was well sponsored by FIA, MSZ, Dulys, Paragon, African Apothecary, Ophie Howard, Taydan Clothing, ER24, The Maker Club, PPK and many individuals who stepped in to provide food and drinks, printing, organising and stationery. This event was the first of it’s kind and was aimed to encourage the girl child to get involved in motorsport despite it being a male dominated sport. We had guest appearances from Zimbabwean born Stephanie Travis who works for Petronas as a track side fluid engineer for F1 and Marlee Parsell, our only girl karting racer in Zimbabwe.
Marlee was born with disabilities, most prolific was her lack of hearing. Marlee had a cochlear implant fitted in her toddler years, which changed her life dramatically. Despite her disability, nothing held Marlee back. She comes from racing stock and was very keen to join in the family business from a young age. They begun the process of getting medical clearance for her to participate in motorsport. Once she had the all clear she was soon in a kart racing already the PPK track. She quickly was able to join the Mini Rok class out at Donnybrook Park Raceway. Marlee gave a moving speech to her lady audience. Which moved and encouraged them all. We look forward to the next “GIRLS ON TRACK” event.
