The only female driver in Porsche Club Championship ‘08 secures a sponsorship deal with Flux.
Britain’s racing circuits will be graced this year with a striking and colourful new car and driver combo. Sarah Bennett-Baggs will be behind the wheel of a bright pink 1978 Porsche 911 SC, sponsored by Adrian Flux Insurance Services.
Sarah is competing in the Porsche Club Championship for the first time. She’s the only woman in the field, so is her choice of colour a provocative move? "Maybe it’s a bit of a shock," she laughs. "But it’s a great colour and the ‘pink panther’ style really stands out – it’s actually the original Porsche Rubystone Red. The colour also matches Flux Babes’ pink lady logo, which is a nice tie-in with my sponsor.
"I don’t think it’s provocative. At first glance some people may think it’s funny, but fortunately the stop watch doesn’t lie – and there’s no disguising ability in a one-marque championship such as this."
Sarah is no stranger to the pits as she’s raced for three seasons in Britcar Production Saloons, having started her career in the inaugural Formula Women Series in 2004. She also works in motorsport and is team manager for Rupert Lewin Racing Ltd.
As you might expect in this predominantly male environment, Sarah is used to the chauvinistic remarks. But she says it fires her up: "The more they wind me up, the faster I go."
The tie-up with Flux is a natural one. Not only does the company insure classic, performance and modified cars, it’s also keen to attract more business from female drivers and is offering cheaper car insurance for women. Says Sarah: "I like their approach to the motoring enthusiast – it’s more ‘yes, we can do that,’ as opposed to the ’sorry, computer says no’ that you often get from insurers.
"Plus, Flux is a popular brand – people see the logo and come up to me to chat about them – so having them as sponsor is a real benefit."
Can she win the Championship? "I’m still getting used to racing a 30 year old car – it’s a steep learning curve – and there are guys on the circuit who have years of experience in them. But I am going to get results and will be beating myself up about it after each race if I don’t."
Adrian Flux aims to offer cheap car insurance quotes and has a huge range of policies for the motoring enthusiast. For details contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk,
Sarah Bennett-Baggs on men vs. women in motorsport:
"It’s a male-dominated environment. Some men find it hard to take orders from a woman and of course you have to put up with stupid jokes and wisecracks. I’ve heard them all sooooo many times I could write the bloody book.
"Women racing drivers have to drive better than the average male, otherwise we just get walked all over. On the track there is an element of bravery required so this is certainly not a job for the fainthearted – you can’t be afraid to assert yourself. Luckily I don’t have a problem with that!
"Racing is a great release of frustration. The more wound up I get by the wisecracks, the faster I tend to go. Luckily I have excellent support from my partner. He’s seen the abuse I get first hand, and he helps me vent my frustrations – and get my revenge – out on the track."