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Racing through Albany's historic streets at more than 150km/h while a crowd cheers is a rush Sarah Fry says more women need to experience.
Key points:
- Just four of more than 100 racers in the 2022 Albany classic were women
- Those competing hope to inspire more women to enter the sport
- Female racers say they feel welcomed by the "inclusive" community
Fry was among four women drivers in the field of more than 100 at the Albany Classic "Round the Houses" race on Sunday.
Drivers and classic car enthusiasts from around the state have descended on the WA city since the first event took place in 1936.
The city centre is transformed into a Motorsport Australia approved competition-standard racetrack every year.
Being outnumbered nearly 25 to one did not discourage Fry, who said the sport was an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Fry blasted around the streets in her family's 1964 MGB Roadster.
Her husband stayed behind the scenes as a mechanic while Ms Fry topped up on adrenaline behind the wheel.
She said representing women on the track brought her a lot of joy.
"It's awesome, I love it, I love the crowd, I love the cheers," she said.
Ms Fry said the environment was only growing more inclusive for women entering the sport.
She hoped more women would consider joining the motorsport community.
"Don't hesitate, I put it off too long and before you know it your time is gone," she said.
"Do it while you can, get into it."
Fellow racer Cindy Geilingh-Jones hit the streets in her 1967 Morris Mini Cooper that she and her family had been racing for years.
Ms Geilingh-Jones, who has competed in other races around the state, said she was thrilled to be racing in Albany for the first time after years of spectating.
"My husband has done it for 15 years…and we decided it was my turn to have a bit of fun," she said.
"I can't believe I've waited so long, I've had such a ball."
Ms Geilingh-Jones said while it could be daunting, she had found the motorsport community to be welcoming for women.
She encouraged women who were interested to reach out for help getting into the sport.
"Ask somebody because no question is silly and if you don't know the answer, you've got to ask," she said.
"We need to just step up…no matter if you're scared, it passes…just get on with it and you'll be fine."