Toyosports Car Club NSW Thrives at a Spectacular Autocross Event

The Toyosports Car Club NSW recently organised a Women’s Introduction to Motorsport Autocross event at Colo Motorsport Park, located to the northwest of Sydney. This initiative allowed 20 women to delve into the thrilling world of grassroots motorsport.

Thanks to grant funding from Motorsport Australia, the club covered the costs of introductory licences and memberships, significantly lowering financial barriers for participants eager to get behind the wheel.

The event created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves on a loose surface, and soak up the electric excitement of motorsport.

All 20 drivers hit the track, many for the very first time, and each participant received a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt featuring a special edition of the club’s logo. In preparation for the event, dedicated club members ensured that all vehicles complied with safety requirements, guaranteeing a safe yet thrilling experience.

The day commenced with Club Secretary Frances Tolhurst introducing the Toyosports Car Club and sharing its 50-year legacy. Nineteen-year-old Club President Ruby Martin, currently in her second year at the helm, welcomed the participants. She then teamed up with her sister, Tara Martin, to lead the drivers’ briefing. After an orientation lap of the Giddy Giddy circuit, participants took to the wheel for a familiarisation session, with some receiving guidance from instructors to help ease their nerves.

A light drizzle earlier in the day set the stage for an exhilarating experience on the dirt track, with muddy conditions heightening both the challenge and thrill. Spectators were captivated by the display as both novices and experienced drivers alike navigated the slippery terrain in a variety of vehicles. The AWD Subarus and Yamaha YXZ1000R demonstrated impressive control, while 2WD contenders like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Ford Focus, and Hyundai also held their own and managed to stay on track.

Sarah Harris, who is no stranger to motorsport but was making her debut on dirt in the Yamaha, clocked the fastest lap of the day, narrowly edging out the seasoned Ruby Martin by a mere hundredth of a second. In a pleasant surprise for herself, Nicole Bolton achieved the fastest time in the 2WD category, managing to complete her laps in her everyday Hyundai, equipped more for standard commuting than for racing, thereby showcasing her impressive skills.

Six junior ladies contended for the highly sought-after Junior title. Rookie Tileah Smith added a touch of finesse in her brother’s Commodore Wagon, ultimately claiming the Junior crown. Jess Tipping in her Barina and Mia McIlvenna in the club’s Excel pushed each other to improve their time, enhancing their skills on the Giddy Giddy circuit, and providing the timekeepers with non-stop action as they attempted to one-up each other’s scores.

In the spirit of camaraderie, many cars were shared multiple times, with mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and friends taking turns behind the wheel, creating a joyous family atmosphere. After the event, all participants received club membership, along with the option to upgrade their Introductory Licence to a Speed Licence. This upgrade opens new avenues for them to return and compete in future motorsport events, fostering a deeper involvement in the sport.

The Toyosports Car Club NSW conducts bi-monthly Autocross events at the dirt circuit in Colo Motorsport Park. For more information, visit the Club’s Instagram.