ATS Formel 3 Cup – Not only beautiful but fast too

The debate about female race drivers in motorsports is diversified and therefore summing up the topic is difficult. However, it is a matter of fact that women have a hard time like in any other male-dominated area. With Susi Wolff, a Formula 1 test driver, or Monisha Kaltenborn from Sauber the highest class even has a female team principal now. In previous years, female drivers also contested the ATS Formula 3 Cup and were successful doing so. One team principal will now get involved with the species of female race drivers. Günther Unterreitmeier from GU-Racing is launching the Speedgirls.

Ellen Lohr, Michela Cerruti and Cyndie Allemann are successful race drivers and completed their general qualification for motorsports, contesting Formula 3. Swiss Rahel Frey was the first woman ever to win a race at Nürburgring. All of them would have been the right candidates for Günther Unterreitmeier’s Speedgirls. “Speedy and pretty is our motto, but this is not only about beauty. Even though the girls should definitely benefit from their female attributes we want fast women, who are ready to face their competition,” says the GU-Racing team principal, contradicting common clichés. The feedback from the people around him has been positive. “Everybody is talking about how there should be more women in motorsports, but nobody is getting actively involved,” explains the 54-year old from Velden, Bavaria. “We have thought about everything and want to provide a compact and professional training for young women. Who dares wins!”

Off-the-track docusoap
Black and hot pink will be the dominating colours on the truck and the racing suit. Unterreitmeier is also currently in negotiations with a production company regarding a docusoap about inexperienced girls becoming race drivers, to be shown at prime time on national German TV. The women must have experience in karting and raise the initial funding, Unterreitmeier will take car of the rest. The reaction of the sponsors has been very positive. They want to support the look behind the scenes. “I want to contest the 2014 ATS Formula 3 Cup Trophy ranking with a female driver”, says the team principal. “And I don’t want her to be stuck in the back of the grid! I am very happy that we are currently in negotiations with possible candidates.” His partner, Marianna Danielovicova, will be the team principal of the Speedgirls. “I very much see myself as someone they can trust and together with the girls we will show the boys how to use the accelerator.”

Learning from the big guys
Unterreitmeier will continue competing with GU-Racing, entering two Cup cars in 2014. The team-mates have not commented on their female competitors so far. However, one thing is clear. They cannot expect a special treatment but a great mentor: Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez will accompany the girls on their journey! The Mexican spent his youth with Unterreitmeier and is looking forward to supporting him in his project Speedgirls.