Angelie Yeboah

Formula Woman

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Angelie Yeboah is certainly someone who enjoys life in the fast lane. The 26 year old
racing enthusiast from South East London drove her way to the UK Formula Woman Competition this June. Xcel catches up with her to talk about the highs and lows of the sport and the ultimate thrill of the high speed chase.

How did your interest originally start in motor racing?
My interest in motor racing did not start in the typical or usual perceived way.  My interest ignited around the age of 12, although, at that time it was not my first love – drama was.  I have always been a huge fan of car chases in films – the faster and more daring the stunts – the better.  I graduated onto F1 (formula 1) on Sunday mornings, mid teens– as an arm chair enthusiast, glued to the seat in fascination at these insane men driving at incredible speed – I was sold from that point on.  I just couldn’t wait to learn how to drive.

There aren’t many women in the profession – did this not put you off?
Growing up watching motor racing, I was only exposed to male images of drivers in the popular televised racing series.  There was most definitely no black  male or female racing drivers in the sport.  Although – as I later learned there actually were women racing drivers involved in motor sport at this time.  In fact as far back as the early 20th Century, there have been gutsy women, with a passion for speed. But, no, this did not put me off.  I was and still am the only person in my family with this interest.  So I did not have the privilege of being taken to watch races, let alone do karting. I was just awed and inspired by their skill and technique.  I wished that one day I too could become a racing driver.

What is it you love the most about formula driving?
I love the speed.  It’s the power and purr of the engines…utter bliss.  What I get out of driving is a sense and feeling of control and freedom.  A real adrenaline rush and a great way to relieve stress.

Who inspires you in the profession?
I take inspiration from a variety of sources and personalities in the sport – male and female alike and all for very different reasons i.e. from the Afro-American female drag racer, Wanda Exum, Laleh Seddigh – Iran's first lady of speed – to Ferraris' Micheal Schumacher to the likes of the late Ayrton Senna.

Why do you think that black people are under-represented in this sport and what do you feel should be done to change this?
I would not say that the visible imbalance in motor sports, in terms of ‘black representation’ is necessarily caused through lack of want, talent, interest or trying.

The motor sports industry has carefully preserved a particular image and association.  As an expensive sporting interest, the key to maintaining a successful competitive racing career is sponsorship.  Historically, it has always been a challenge for black racers to garner the same level of sponsorship and support as their counterparts.  It would be great to believe that times have changed and attitudes have altered considering the diverse world we live in.  Our American cousins appear to be more proactive in addressing this matter with the introduction of various diversity programmes in the popular Nascar series.  Why not replicate such initiatives throughout the rest of the world? 

What advice would you offer to young women who are interested in the sport?
Go for it! Women are most definitely making their presence felt and know in this sporting arena - globally. Also we live in an age now where information is more readily available and accessible, via the world wide web.  Do your research, attend race events, Join your local karting club if you have one – as karting is the feeder into the other classes and forms of racing.  It’s competitive, fun and a less expensive way in.  Kids start as young as 8 in karting.  More importantly believe in yourself and your abilities. 

Ideally, where would you like to see yourself in ten years time?
Retired and living on a private Island.  Well – anything is possible!  I am an ambitious and adventurous person and there is so much that I want to achieve. I will have established my own events company well before then and travelled the world.  The fact that I am a single mother, engaged in a dangerous pursuit has not deterred me.  My medium term focus is on establishing myself within this sport, ideally in touring cars, hopefully attracting the interest of others to follow suit.  Wouldn’t it be great see an all female all nations Grand Prix line up?

www.formulawoman.com