First lady of racing out to make history

Lebohang Pita
Not even the 1958 French Grand Prix director’s words that ‘the only helmet a woman should wear is at the hairdresser’ could deter Maria Teresa de Filippis from taking part in a sport she loved.
De Filippis was an Italian racer who withstood prejudice in a male-dominated industry to pave the way for women racers like Clare Vale.
Vale, like most petrolheads, admits that the smell of rubber and fuel turns her on.
“If it’s not petrol it’s diesel,” she said.
The Lakefield resident will take part in the Red Bull Car Park Drift series in Durban on April 9.
“It's very exciting as the winner will get to take part in the international finals. This is the first time spectators have been allowed to attend. All the top drivers will be there so it’s going to be epic for all of us.
“A track like this is always a challenge as cars and drivers have to be able not only to drift but also to accurately negotiate tight obstacles. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Vale started racing 18 years ago – first in circuit racing and in 2012 she moved to drifting.
Her career includes racing in iconic cars such as the Shelby Can-Am and some of the most powerful engines on the track.
“I started with Shelby Can-Am sports cars but raced mainly in the V8 Supercar class on the circuit. We then built a V8 Mustang and started drifting in the National series until Covid put a stop to everything.
“I’ve been racing a Backdraft Cobra V8 in the SA Endurance Series for the last few years, and I’ve done events like Gymkhana Grid with a Subaru BRZ. I also do the Simola Hill Climb in Knysna with the Subaru every year. This year, I am driving a Nissan bakkie in regional off-road racing.”
In the V8 Supercar series, she has achieved many firsts.
In 2007 she became the first female racer to compete in the WesBank V8 Supercars series and in 2009 she led and took pole position in the same series. 2010 was a crowning year as she finished third in East London Grand Prix, becoming the first female in the country to achieve a podium finish.
With all her achievements, how has she managed to navigate her way in an industry that is drenched in masculinity?
“I’ve been in the motor industry almost all my life. I’m very used to operating in a male-dominated environment. The key to thriving is mutual respect, although a female driver has to work harder as people are always watching and are quick to criticise.
“That’s why I have a #likeagirl decal on my car, to remind people that there’s nothing wrong with driving like a girl.
“People are often surprised when I take my helmet off as they don’t expect a female to be driving the big V8s. But most of the comments are positive once they get over the shock.”
After such a successful career on the circuit, she moved to drifting to try a different challenge.
“I saw drifting as a huge challenge as it’s very different to circuit racing. It looked like so much fun while also demanding enormous driving skill.”