PERSONAL/RACING PROFILE FOR WILMARIE

Speed Queen Rider Training Academy grew out of Wilmarie’s racing career and success. She began racing at the age of 16 on 50cc motorcycles and worked her way up through the 125cc, 250cc, 600cc and 1000cc categories in motorcycle circuit racing.  As the only lady competing she dominated the 250cc class for two years, with two lap records and 11 wins out of 12 during one year against a class of over 30 men. 

Through my 14 years of racing, I’ve been fortunate enough to race a lot of different motorcycles and work with all the manufacturers at the same time.  The last couple of years were very exciting with e.g. the Yamaha R6, Ducati 749R and 999R, and Suzuki GSXR1000 guys.  Each one of these motorcycles are very different and truly unique.  Each one requires a different set up because of their characteristics and the riding style of the rider as well.  But one thing that stays the same is the amount of testing and development required to be competitive on either of these motorcycles.

Wilmarie started the Women In Motorsport Panel with Motorsport SA in 2006 and managed the panel for 3 years as President. During that time she ensured development and growth in 17 motorsport categories covering both circuit and non circuit racing and was instrumental in giving ladies a voice in the industry. She opened doors that had previously been shut to women, enabling women from all walks of life to pursue their motorsport dreams. “My main focus for 2007 & 2008 was to compete on National level in the 1st Female Supermoto Championship along with 15 other female competitors to help grow interest & numbers for the class.”  This class was put together in 2007 as a development class and ran successfully for three 3 years while being involved 

Wilmarie’s racing has given her opportunities to build local and international relationships with manufacturers and other male and female competitors locally and across the globe.  She made history in 2007 when she formed a ladies team with the members of Team Octopuss in France. They were the first and only ladies team reach the podium (in 3rd place) in the 500km International Endurance motorcycling race in Portugal , Estoril.

“ My aim in 2009 was to slowly get back into racing superbikes again as well as car racing.  The R1 was an amazing motorcycle to get back into circuit racing with again after three years.  I loved every minute of being back and racing with the guys again, but I had other plans for the Ladies 600cc class that I was busy developing for 2010 “.  Wilmarie also qualified top 8  in the incredibly competitive Vw Goldwagen Challenge (Pro Tour) in her Golf 1 for her first year of racing cars.  “ We are currently building a new Golf and I look forward to 2011 in the new car. It’s very different to two wheels but it’s SO MUCH FUN !! “

Wilmarie is also currently working very hard on growing the Ladies 600cc Regional Series for 2010 & 2011.  “  I currently have 21 ladies competing in the class and look forward to a few more ladies joining us for next year! “ . The class has become very competitive but is still an amazing entry level class for all ladies.

Apart from her motorcycling and motorsport prowess she is also a highly experienced and professional marketer. She has built up networks with high level decision makers and industry participants who are happy to work with her on whatever she tackles because she understands the big picture and is full of exciting and creative ideas to add that level of WOW! to the projects that she believes in and which she invests her time and energy into. 

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WILMARIE CV