Sportbike Track Girl will host an all-women's "Ladies First" track day on Monday, October 1, 2012, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Free rental leathers are being offered for those who register before September 21, while supplies last. The cost to participate is $235.
Christi Midlam, director of Sportbike Track Girl, describes why Women's Track Day events like Ladies First are so important: "When women are with other women, they gain more confidence so much more quickly. This track day will be a confidence booster for everyone who participates."
"Our intent is not to segregate, but rather to incorporate women into a male-dominated sport. By calming the fears of new riders and catering to their needs, we hope to significantly increase the confidence of the female rider. We ensure that she receives the moral, technical and mental foundation to succeed--however she defines 'success'," Midlam went on to say.
Kristen Reaves of Big #1 Motorsports, the title sponsor of the event, agrees that Women's Track Day events can be a big help in attracting women to motorcycle riding and racing: "While sportbike riding has traditionally been known as a male-dominated sport, we strive to bring quality riding to our customers and are eager to see more women participating in this sport since the road knows no gender."
Women's Track Day Format at Barber
The "Ladies First" women's motorcycle track day will follow the traditional track day format. There will be three groups of riders with track sessions of 20 minutes each. Participating riders will choose their group based on their track experience and skill level.
Riders who are new to the track or whose track experience is limited should join the novice group. In addition to their time on the Barber track itself, novice group riders will also receive specialized instruction, both in the classroom and on the track. Experienced instructors will accompany the novice group riders on all their track sessions throughout the day and will offer critiques of their track skills — braking, cornering, passing, etc.
Intermediate and advanced riders who are already familiar with the Barber Motorsports Track and/or who have more race track experience will have non-structured sessions. Instructors will be available upon request for both of these groups as well to help them improve their skills and the overall track experience.
On-Site Support at Barber
Sportbike Track Girl will be providing a number of support services at Barber for women attending the Ladies First track day. In addition to tire and suspension services, there will be rider photography and multiple vendors on site throughout the weekend. Female riders will also have opportunities to win gift certificates, women-specific motorcycle gear, and other prizes during the day.
Sportbike Track Girl programs like "TAP" (track assistance program) make it easier for women riders to participate in track days more without depending on others to attend as well. Participants in the Ladies First track day for women will receive technical, mechanical, and logistical assistance, allowing them to attend future track days independently.
Guys Ride Saturday and Sunday
"Ladies First" at Barber will be preceded by regular track days on Saturday and Sunday, open to all riders. The unique format of the event will enable Sportbike Track Time's male customers to ride a normal track weekend Saturday and Sunday and to peruse vendors, have suspension and tire service completed on Monday while the women ride.
Sportbike Track Girl and Barber
Sportbike Track Girl is a women's track day organization dedicated to empowering women riders. It works to provide women riders with on-track instruction, education, access to women-specific gear and discounted products and services. For more information on Sportbike Track Girl and the women's track day events they organize, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Barber Motorsports Park is located in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama, just two hours from Atlanta. The 2.3-mile long track was specifically built for motorcycle activities and houses one of the greatest vintage motorcycle museum in the world.
Richard Harris, Sportbike Track Time owner, is excited that a women's track day is being held at Barber: "Ladies First is an amazing experience and we are pleased to host the event at one of the most prestigious tracks in the country, Barber Motorsports Park."
Sign-up Today
Sign up for "Ladies First" Women's Track Day at Barber Motorsports Park today!
