Written for the RRR Newsletter | Edition 72, Spring 2016
Donna Vanzetti is the epitome of a modern woman – active, competitive and dedicated, as well as, elegant with style and grace. She has grit, determination and amazing skill to go up against her competitors, including men. The modern sport of speedway is no longer just a domain for men. It is a rare sport where women can compete against men and be on an even footing.
For the majority of us that have not been exposed to speedway racing or speedway driving in our lives, the very foundation of speedway as a grass-roots sport, fosters people to actively participate in sport in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
The many local speedway tracks across the country are regularly filled every weekend, with eager drivers and their support crews. This passion makes the case for sport at the local level and shows its power to encourage more people to get involved in sport and inspire individuals at every level, to fulfil their potential. You can learn about supporting others, sportsmanship and even public speaking – you are guided and supported along the way.
Donna Vanzetti works hard on her fitness, on and off the racing track to ensure she can control her high-spec race car for twenty laps or more – which is arduous. She has a proven track record at major speedway events, competing at four Western Australian (WA) State Titles and two Australian Title events. She is highly regarded as a professional and competitive driver who races at the highest level with great sportsmanship and strong ability.
Donna’s race team is Vanzetti Motorsport which includes most of her family who all race and travel together.
“It is one of the reasons why we do it – because we have so much fun together,” said Donna.
Donna pays homage to her team who support her and to the Moora Speedway Club – her second family. There are thousands of women who are passionately involved in speedway in some way. Many support their husbands, partners and children, yet there are many women just like Donna Vanzetti who are driving and competing in all divisions of the sport, taking roles on committees and helping out in a variety of ways.
“Speedway racing is more than just getting in a car and racing against each other, it brings families and friends together who help and support one another during competition. It teaches you valuable driving skills and respect for vehicles, plus it encourages people to travel around our great country, competing at various speedway events and boosting the economy of rural Australia,” said Donna.
In May 2016, Donna was invited to race in the inaugural car race, the ‘Queen of the Mount’, held at Redline Raceway in Ballarat, Victoria. Redline had hosted the ‘King of the Mount’ for many years and the club decided to run an inaugural female version. Donna raced a car from the Street Stock division, however there were some drivers who raced Production Sedans and Sprintcars, which they borrowed.
A total of 35 women were nominated to race and they were all very keen to race hard and to win. Donna took out 2nd place overall, and was absolutely ecstatic about that result.
“I raced in three heat races where I came 6th, 2nd and 1st. This put me into the 20 lap feature race, starting out of 4th position and I managed to get up into 2nd position,” she said.
“The car was really fantastic to drive, very quick, lots of torque and very responsive. The car was owned by Robbie Faux, a two-time Street Stock National Champion, and was prepared especially to suit my driving style. It was truly amazing to drive. I feel very fortunate that I was lent this car to race with and to have Robbie and his crew assist me throughout the whole event. I would also like to note that Mr Faux drove five hours from Mildura in north east Victoria to Ballarat for me to drive his car! Plus I would also like to thank my sponsors for that event, Big4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park and GKR Transport. They were both really amazing.”
Donna is working on her own Youtube Channel called ‘Speedway Divas’ where she plans to showcase women in speedway. Watch this space!
You can contact Donna at admin@speedwaydivas.com