Barbara Smith, a racing driver from Dunoon, is seeking sponsorship to help fund her participation in the upcoming Formula Woman Nations Cup Qualifiers in Dubai next month.
Smith, who is the only Scottish representative in the competition, is determined to compete at the event despite facing a significant shortfall in funding.
The Formula Woman Nations Cup brings together female drivers from 27 countries, with the winner’s country set to host the event the following year. Smith has already covered half of the estimated £10,000-£15,000 cost for both the qualifier and the main event, but she still needs to secure additional backing to cover the remaining expenses, including a £5,000 accident deposit.
She said: “Anything to do with motorsport isn’t cheap.
“In terms of return on investment, there’s a lot of worldwide coverage for anyone who wants to sponsor – there’s space on the car, my suit, and my helmet, so there are plenty of opportunities.”
Smith’s journey into motorsport began not as a career but as a personal pursuit, after her calling as a wildlife rescuer was brought to an abrupt end: “After being intensely involved in something that wasn’t a career – it’s definitely a vocation- I just wanted to do something for me, something a bit fun.
“I never really expected much to come of it.
“A really good friend had signed up and done really well the year before and convinced me to do the same.
“Apparently, I’m pretty good, and now I’m the only person representing Scotland.”
The Formula Woman Nations Cup is unique in its focus on female drivers, aiming not only to increase female participation in motorsport but also to encourage women to take on challenges in traditionally male-dominated fields. Barbara added: “It’s more than just getting women into motorsport, it’s about women encouraging other women to go and do the things they want to do.
“It’s about being strong in male-dominated environments and showing that women can do anything.”
Smith has been training intensely to prepare for the event, knowing that every second on the track counts:”It’s the same as learning to drive a car—you’ve got to learn what to look out for, but you’ve got to do it at speed.”
The financial support she needs would make all the difference in enabling her to compete, as she hopes to bring home the trophy if she competes: “It would be incredible to represent my country in something like this, it would be even more incredible if I could win and bring something back to Scotland.”
As she continues her preparations for the Formula Woman Nations Cup Qualifiers, she is optimistic that local sponsors will step forward to support her journey.
