Blairgowrie racer finishes strong at Formula Monoposto ladies only race
A Women’s Day to remember for Blairgowrie-based racer Megan Archer who participated in the first ever women's only race in South Africa
Blairgowrie based racer Megan Archer spent her Women’s Day on a grid, racing in a Formula Monoposto ladies only race at Zwartkops Raceway.
The race was an exciting event, honouring and celebrating the ladies involved behind the scenes, as well as those behind the steering wheel. It was open to all ladies who qualify for a Motorsport South Africa (MSA) license and could lay their hands on a car that complied with Formula Monoposto rules, and MSA safety standards.
Read more: Blairgowrie racer makes history at Zwartkops Raceway
Archer took to the track under the Formula Libra banner, achieving something she has been chasing for a long time, finally conquering Zwartkops Raceway.
The qualifying round saw Archer post a time of 00:01:29.512, which put her at the very back of the grid, but the position was just a number – the real battle was against herself and the clock.
Race 1 brought her first breakthrough. She smashed her qualifying time with a 00:01:26.252 lap, moving up to 16th on the grid for race 2, in which she bagged another personal best, with a time of 00:01:24.320.
She explained that with each lap, her confidence grew. “I pushed harder, dealt with a few lockups and overshot corners, and even had the rear end step out a few times, but I kept it on the black stuff, stayed focused, and completed both races.”
Also read: Sharonlea-based racer shines at KZN raceway
In total, Archer cut her lap time by an incredible 5.16 seconds over the course of the day, proving that perseverance pays off. “The 19 girls on the track conquered all the critics, showed up and made history at Zwartkops Raceway.”
Archer believes that the race was one for the books, and that taking part in the first ladies only single seater race ever on South African soil was an event that cannot be put into words. “It was amazing. The race exceeded expectations, and we proved that women belong on the track, just like the men. Sharing the track with other women was exhilarating, and a very proud moment for me.”
The race was such a huge success that there are plans underway for three more women’s only races in 2026.
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