Jamie Chadwick joins Extreme E with Veloce Racing

Jamie Chadwick is joining Team Veloce for the inaugural season of Extreme E beginning next March, as one of 20 drivers competing in this brand new off-road all-electric SUV series … yep; you read it right!

Extreme E is a new motorsport series, created with climate awareness and eco principles built-in from the ground-up (no pun intended), and promises to offer something truly unique in the world or motorsport. Founded by Spanish businessman and ex-politician, Alejandro Agag, the series already has some big names on-board; Lucas di Grassi (former Formula E champ), Andre Lotterer (three-times Le Mans champ), and Katherine Legge, (seasoned Formula E, IndyCar/ChampCar, and DTM racer), to name a few. And then there’s team X44, founded by a certain Lewis Hamilton … hmm … name sounds familiar …

Alejandro Agag

Jamie is racing for the Veloce Racing team (fantastic name, but we are biased … and no relation, sadly) which was founded by none-other than Adrian Newey and Jean Eric-Vergne. Currently, two other female racers are confirmed; the UK’s Catie Munnings and Sara Price from the US.

The series aims to provide a fantastic spectacle, and one that could, perhaps, be a little more relatable for many people, than some race series. All-electric SUVs help not only to reduce fossil fuel use, but also create a filter-down effect for technology, much as other formulas have led to improvements in consumer vehicles. Using SUVs presents viewers with a more familiar vehicle than the extreme tech of F1 and Formula E, and could help bring a broader range of viewers to the sport. With SUVs being the biggest selling, and biggest growing auto market, bringing down its eco footprint could have a big effect on reducing fossil fuel use.

NOT your typical SUV.

As well as utilising all-electric SUVs, the series consulted experts in the fields of ecology and environmental science to ensure that it has minimal environmental impact. There will even be a team of scientists travelling with the race teams, investigating the effects of climate change in each location.

Further lessening the eco burden, people and equipment will be ferried to each region in RMS St Helena, an ex-Royal Navy cargo vessel modified to act as a floating paddock. And as if that wasn’t enough, the series is drawing up plans to leave lasting legacies in the areas it visits, with tree-planting, clean-up operations, and renewable energy initiatives.

RMS St Helena, Extreme E transport vessel

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of Extreme E – certainly for traditional motorsports fans – is that there will be no track-side spectators. Instead, the entire series will be broadcast on TV and streamed online, with filming carried out by drones.  For viewers, the spectacle promises to be a feast for the eyes. If the trick shots and flyovers made possible by drone cams aren’t exciting enough, each race location will offer a very different environment for racing – from steamy rainforests, and frozen glaciers, to arid deserts, each being a 'poster child' for the effects of global heating and ecological damage.

Last year, Jamie showed her mettle by taking the championship crown in the female-only W Series. Sadly, the Covid pandemic brought a halt to this year’s W Series action, but it’s due back on track in 2021. Extreme E announced in April that there would be an equal number of male and female drivers, making it a rare opportunity to race against the opposite sex; as Jamie told BBC Sport:

"It's huge. It's amazing what Extreme E have done with the format they have chosen. It’s exciting for me because it gives me this opportunity - it's the same for everyone, 100% fair.

"It's such a male-dominated sport. There are so few females, that you have to take that responsibility [of being a female role model]. But I'm always just focused on doing the best job I can possibly do."

Jamie’s involvement in the sport has also had a knock-on effect on her own awareness of ecological issues, already making a positive impact on her own actions:

"I've definitely been made more aware of climate issues, with a lot of stats and things I wasn't aware of before. I try to do everything I can to help in my own life, such as scootering everywhere."

Jamie’s journey hasn’t always been smooth running, but with a W Series championship under her belt, Extreme E on the horizon, momentum continues to gather for Jamie, and with eight W Series races supporting the 2021 F1 season, the opportunity to add vital points to her Superlicence is just around the corner. Heaven knows it’s about time we saw a female racing driver in F1 again; the last to race was Lella Lombardi, in 1976.

We’d like to wish Jamie – and the brilliantly named Veloce Racing – the best of luck in the inaugural Extreme E season. We’ll be watching and cheering come March 2021 – and as they say on social #VivaVeloce !

Find out more about Extreme E and Jamie’s latest challenge, on the BBC at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/55061262

Visit Jamie’s site http://jamiechadwickracing.com for all the latest news from Jamie, and the Veloce Racing site https://www.veloce-racing.com

Find out the what, when, and how of Extreme E at https://www.extreme-e.com

The first female F1 driver in over 40 years ... ?

For the first time in 43 years, a female driver is poised to race in Formula 1.

Tatiana Calderón is a test driver for the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team, and this year was signed by BWT Arden to drive for them in the current FIA Formula 2 Championship – the first woman to drive in the championship. The 26-year-old Columbian knew from a young age that she wanted to race cars, having grown up attending races, and taking part in kart racing as a hobby.

Courtesy: Motorsportpic.de

Teammate to the late Antoine Hubert, Calderón is helping to pave the way for a new wave of female drivers – she is an ambassador for the FIA Women In Motorsport Commission, an advocate for Dare to be Different, and is a part of the W series, the ground-breaking racing series for women launched last October. 

There have only been a handful of female drivers who have driven at Formula 1 level, with Desiré Wilson being the only woman to ever win a Formula 1 race, winning at Brands Hatch in the British Aurora F1 championship in 1980. Driven by Desire, published by Veloce, recounts Wilson's incredible and unique career, from grassroots racing, to Formula 1 and the IndyCar World Series, this fascinating story shows that a woman can, and did, fight her way to the top of motorsport. 

Calderón will be staying in Formula 2 for the rest of this year and, if there are no upcoming chances to join Formula 1, she'll seek a sponsor so she can drive in Formula 2 for another year. 

Speaking to Forbes: "My goal is to 100 percent get to Formula 1. I know I can do it. It is just about putting everything together in the right moment."

Our latest Formula 1 books,  Formula One: All The Races – The First 1000 (limited to 1000 numbered copies, exclusively available from our dedicated website) and Formula 1 The Knowledge (signed copies available) contain all the facts, figures and statistics that you could possibly want to know when it comes to Grand Prix racing. And who knows, maybe in future editions of these books, there could be more female drivers appearing in those stats!

ALAIN DE CADENET ON DESIRÉ WILSON VIDEO

Alain De Cadenet, racing driver, TV presenter, father of Amanda De Cadenet and former co-driver of Desiré WIlson talks in this video about when he first met Des, how he rates her as a driver, and what he thinks of the new book Driven by Desire - The Desiré Wilson story. When asked if he would recommend the book, he replied "Bloody right, this is my pick of the year in Classic & Sports Car!"

New! Driven by Desire - The Desiré Wilson story
By Alan Wilson
Forewords by Lord March & Derek Bell MBE
The story of the driver rated by many as the best woman ever to race cars, and the most capable ever to have driven in Formula One. Her 50-year career began at the age of five in South Africa, moving to Holland and England and then the USA, before gaining renewed life at the famous Goodwood Revival historic race events. This fascinating story shows that a woman can, and did, fight her way to the top of motorsport.

Click here for more info about the book!

DRIVEN BY DESIRE - THE DESIRÉ WILSON STORY IS BOOK OF THE MONTH IN OCTANE MAGAZINE!

Click image to view full size

New! Driven by Desire - The Desiré Wilson story
By Alan Wilson
Forewords by Lord March & Derek Bell MBE
The story of the driver rated by many as the best woman ever to race cars, and the most capable ever to have driven in Formula One. Her 50-year career began at the age of five in South Africa, moving to Holland and England and then the USA, before gaining renewed life at the famous Goodwood Revival historic race events. This fascinating story shows that a woman can, and did, fight her way to the top of motorsport.

Click here for more info about the book!

THE DESIRÉ WILSON STORY INTERVIEW VIDEO

Check out the video interview we recorded with Desiré & Alan Wilson & Andrew Marriott!

BOOK LAUNCH AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2011!
Driven by Desire - The Desiré Wilson story
By Alan Wilson
Forewords by Lord March & Derek Bell MBE.

The story of the driver rated by many as the best woman ever to race cars, and the most capable ever to have driven in Formula One. This fascinating book shows that a woman can, and did, fight her way to the top of motorsport.

Click here for more info about the book!


Desiré Wilson will be at Goodwood Revival all weekend signing special editions of her book, which will only be for sale at the event. Special signing sessions have been arranged*, so don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Friday 16th
10.15-11.00am – Richmond Shop
1.45-2.30pm – Goodwood Road Racing Club Enclosure

Saturday 17th
10.00-10.45am – Goodwood Road Racing Club Enclosure

Sunday 18th
10.00-10.45am – Richmond Shop

*details are subject to change – visit the Press/Media Centre during the event for the latest.

LADIES DAY AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL

Ladies Day and Fashion:

The sight of race-goers smartly dressed in their finest 1950s and 1960s-inspired fashions is one of the vital ingredients that make the Goodwood Revival so unique and thoroughly entertaining. The Revival remains the only motor sport event in the world to hold a dedicated Ladies Day (Saturday 19 September), with spot prizes of champagne being awarded to the best dressed women by an expert panel of fashion judges.

As part of Goodwood’s celebration of 50 years of the Mini car, the mini skirt will also be honoured at the Revival, with visitors (preferably female) encouraged to wear their best mini skirt with special Ladies Day prizes being award to the best skirt and leg combo.

To meet the huge demand for 1950s and 1960s fashions and paraphernalia, the popular Revival Market has been extended out across the road from the main Goodwood circuit entrance, near the enormous Revival Car Show, to cater for more specialist exhibitors.
Press release & image source:Goodwood

It took a great deal of determination on the part of women to sweep aside male resistance from the inner circles of the motoring world. But this book on sale now from Veloce Publishing captures some of their finest moments from 1888 to 1970 - a veritable saga with a wealth of illustrations spanning almost a century of motor racing - FAST LADIES contains detailed descriptions of over forty of the daring, brave women who took part in speed records events, rallies and Grand Prix races during that time with over 400 colour and mono photographs and would make a great present for some lucky lady on Ladies Day.

FEARLESS FAST LADIES IN TATLER

Thanks very much to Irish Tatler for its full-page feature on Fast Ladies – female racing drivers 1888 to 1970 in this month's issue.

"Fast Ladies is a fascinating new book ... lavishly illustrated." – Irish Tatler

ON THE START LINE

Two great reviews for Veloce books, Porsche 908 and Fast Ladies, feature in the June/July issue of Startline – thanks to them!

Click below to view larger image

FORMIDABLE FEMALES

Our first review for Fast Ladies – female racing drivers 1888 to 1970 comes our way from last Thursday's Chester Standard newspaper. Thanks to Terry Davies.

"For the female AND male racing enthusiast, this book is a must for reference as well as [the] coffee table. The pictures are just stunning."

Click image below to read the whole article:

BRITISH DRIVERS GO ‘PETROSEXUAL’

Male and female drivers are no longer poles apart

A new breed of driver is dominating British roads. These drivers, termed ‘petrosexuals', are not identified by the cars they drive, but by their boots full of shopping and the rock anthems they singalong to.

A study into British driving habits, released today by Carmony.co.uk, shows that unlike outdated preconceptions, women and male drivers are now seen to be equals at the wheel, resulting in a new era of ‘petrosexual' drivers. Women are also edging in on men in the car knowledge stakes, with 57% of women saying they know a coupe from a hatchback, compared to almost two thirds of men (65%). However, BMW drivers seem to be the most aware of what's under the bonnet, with one in five (20%) saying that they have a similar knowledge to Jeremy Clarkson himself.

Women are still more likely to name their cars, with almost one in five (17%) naming their ‘Fifi Fiesta' or ‘Andy Audi', compared to just 12% of men. Renaults are the most likely vehicle to be named, with 20% christened by their owners. ‘Tommy Toyotas' however, are few and far between, and are the least likely to be given the human touch (12%).

Whilst ‘boy racers' are easy to spot in their souped-up Subarus and slow ‘Sunday drivers' identified by their gleaming estates, ‘petrosexuals' are less concerned about the make of the car that they drive and more about what the car offers them. Music is their number one driving companion and the study shows that today's ‘petrosexuals' are most likely to belt out Queen - ‘Don't stop me now' when driving.

Top of the ‘petrosexual' pops



Source: Carmony

BARBIE CELEBRATES HER 50TH BIRTHDAY WITH A NEW 500

Barbie, the most famous fashion doll in the world, celebrated her 50th birthday on Monday (9 March) with a unique pink Fiat 500.

The special, one-off show car was designed and built in a partnership between Fiat's Style Centre (Centro Stile) and toy maker Mattel, to mark five decades of the internationally-known icon.

The bright pink Fiat 500 transported a real-life ‘Barbie' model through the streets of fashionable Milan, driven by an equally life-like ‘Ken'. She arrived at Milan's La Rinascente department store, while German pop band Nena played live songs from the last 50 years.

The special city car's gleaming paintwork resembles nail varnish, while its seating is upholstered in soft, silver laminated Alcantara fabrics. The floor mats have been enhanced with natural silk yarn and there are lip glosses in brilliant colours stored in the glove compartment, along with an LED-lit vanity mirror.

Bright crystals sparkle on interior bezels, hubcaps, window mouldings and the roof-mounted aerial, and there is even an outline of Barbie's famed silhouette on the B-pillars.

"Barbie is a looker, smart enough to listen to everyone, a universal ambassador opting for a car that never divides, but frees everyone from having to declare their social status," said Roberto Giolito, Fiat Style Director and creator of the Fiat 500.
Source:headlineauto/fiat

New and coming soon from Veloce!

New! Fiat 500 & 600 – The Essential Buyer's Guide by Malcolm Bobbitt.
The essential guide to purchasing a baby Fiat, which allows both the novice and accustomed Fiat enthusiast to appraise a potential purchase with professional confidence, identifying what to look for in order to acquire the right car at the right price. With Malcolm Bobbitt’s concise and easy-to-follow guide, packed with sound advice and backed up by specially selected illustrations, the route through checking a car’s provenance is made so much easier. This is YOUR passport to joining the Fiat community and a must for any potential small Fiat owner. Click here for more info.

Coming soon! Fast Ladies - female racing drivers 1888 to 1970 by Jean-François Bouzanquet.
It took a great deal of determination on the part of women to sweep aside male resistance from the inner circles of the motoring world. A veritable saga with a wealth of illustrations spanning almost a century of motor racing. Over forty unique portraits of daring, brave women who took part in speed records events, rallies and Grand Prix races. Click here for more info.

FOXY FEMALE FRIENDLY GARAGE

FOXY is a female friendly garage website, living up to the meaning of 'foxy' ie 'shrewd, canny and smart.'

A new and independent website called FOXY Choice www.foxychoice.com helps motorists do their garage buying homework for MOT's and car servicing, then identifies the best and female friendly garages and dealerships in their area.
Motorists looking for the best and female friendly local garages can search to suit the work required then compare qualify features and facilities before making their final choice.

All businesses listed by FOXY Choice sign a new female friendly FOXY Promise© to never overcharge, patronise or sell motorists unnecessary services. Any business that gets this wrong runs the risk of being de-listed, especially where motoring safety has been compromised or justifiable complaints have not been treated fairly.

FOXY Founder Steph Savill explained that few motorists know how to identify their best local garages and, without that knowledge, were likely to pick one for convenience or because of a friendly receptionist.

“Choose one that has signed the female friendly FOXY Promise© instead and you now know they are offering superior standards of customer care, compared to those who can't commit to our promise.”

Steph also believes that female friendly garages are the best choice for men too.

“Any garage or dealership that is getting things right for women drivers has raised its game because we know what we want, are used to getting it and go elsewhere if we aren't happy.”

To show off their female friendly credentials, FOXY Choice invites businesses to add a female friendly photo and helpful foxy facts to their listing; whether they are close to shops, for example, and provide clean WCs, female magazines, drinks or entertainment for children. Listed facilities include cocktail bar-like amenities, babychanging facilities, Playstation games and WIFI access. Some have partnered with next door leisure centres offering creches so Mum can keep fit whilst her car (and children) are being cared for!

RACY LADIES

Recently formed Racy Ladies wants to encourage women of all ages and skill levels to learn (or hone) the art of driving fast in a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere.

The first Racy Ladies track day will be held on Sunday 9 November 2008 at Rockingham Speedway in Northamptonshire. Association of Racing Drivers Schools (ARDS) - registered instructors will be giving in-car tuition and trackside tips throughout the day, while the lunch break will allow competitors to compare notes and experiences. Helmets and other necessary safety equipment are provided as part of the £199 (including VAT) per person cost, A professional photographer will also be in attendance to capture those moments of personal glory. The event is open to any woman holding a full UK driving licence. Family, husbands, boyfriends and other friends are all welcome to come and watch. Racy Ladies is sponsored by H&H Ltd, John Clark Motor Group, Demon Tweeks, Fiskens, Black & White Garage and Gilbart-Smith Associates. For more information on Racy Ladies, or to book a place on the 9 November track day, please go to http://www.racyladies.co.uk.

Women have a proud motorsport tradition, which is explored in Veloce's forthcoming English translation of the French book:

Fast Ladies - female racing drivers 1888 to 1970 by Jean François Bouzanquet.
It took a great deal of determination on the part of women to sweep aside male resistance from the inner circles of the motoring world. This saga, with a wealth of illustrations, spans almost a century of motor racing. Discover the statuesque Camille du Gast of the 1903 Paris-Madrid race; dancer Hellé Nice, the Bugatti queen; Violette Morris, the "Hyena" of the Gestapo; the smiling rally driver, Gilberte Thirion; the sporting Annie Soisbault; Pat Moss, the sister of Sterling; the blonde Marie-Claude Beaumont of the Le Mans 24 Hours and her impressive Chevrolet Corvettes, and many more fast ladies. Over forty unique portraits of daring, brave women who took part in speed record events, rallies and Grand Prix races.

click here for more info about the book

Jaguar XF - The Female choice

The motoring website for women - evecars.com has named the Jaguar XF 'Best Executive Car' in its 2008 honours list. The editor of evecars.com - Alex Jenner-Fust said: "For a car that will take you seamlessly from school gates to boardroom, look no further. The Jaguar XF combines cutting-edge technology with a classic British feel. Driving it is a real pleasure, whether you're on the school run or cruising to the south of France. The stereo system is easy to use, while the seats are so comfortable you won't want to get out."
The XF has also won the Auto Express and What Car? award for 'Car of the Year'. Not only does the female market appreciate the XF's combination of of style and practicality but sales for the Jaguar range in July were up 29.2% versus the same month last year, with X-TYPE performing well.

New and coming soon from Veloce Publishing!
Essential Buyer's Guides for many types of Jaguar. Visit the Veloce website to find out more..