Betty Flying the Flag for Women in Motorsport

Erebus Motorsport’s team owner Betty Klimenko is determined to “degender” V8 Supercars.

“This is about families and tapping into what makes them happy,” Klimenko told v8supercars.com.au of the sport.  

“I love the fans, they make 90 per cent of this worthwhile. It’s lovely to talk to them, get their feedback, let me know about their families and their daughters who want to get into the industry… Not just their son anymore.”

Today Klimenko was named as ambassador for a national Auto Skills Australia ‘Women in Auto Trades’ campaign, set to address a shortage of mechanics, panel beaters, spray painters, auto electricians and more.

“My main job (as ambassador) is to open the doors and keep them open for women coming through the ranks of apprenticeships and getting teams to understand that sometimes a woman can do exactly the same job,” Klimenko said.

“Degenderise it … We have Janelle (Navarro, mechanic) who, even according to the boys, is the best at what she does.

“I wouldn’t call it equality. I want degenderisation. And the way to do that is educate the men that women are not just promo girls or journalists… (I want them to say) I’m a mechanic, I’m an engineer – I’m something you wouldn’t think I am.”

Klimenko has quickly become a fan favourite since entering the sport last year with her Erebus Motorsport V8 Mercedes-Benz AMG team.

And despite her amazing story and financial status, fans identify with her and flock to the garage for an autograph and chat.

“It’s really hard because in the beginning the media was going on about Betty the billionaire, which I’m not. I am – but I’m not. My life is not about playing bridge when I’m not here. My life is motorsport,” she said.

Will Davison’s shift to the team has been a major talking point over the off-season, and as he learns about his #9 Merc. For Klimenko, she already sees Davison as part of the family and loves seeing he and teammate Lee Holdsworth informally debrief after being out on track.

“He’s just fitted in like he’s been here forever,” she said of Davison. 

“He’s casual, relaxed he gets on like a house on fire… We didn’t give him any special treatment, he didn’t give us any special treatment. And he and Lee – it’s like they’re twins but look different.

“That’s what I love to see at the end of the race. They talk, ‘I saw you go around this corner, and the tail came out’. They talk and work together as a team.”

Her take on the team owner banter down pit lane?

“One sentence: boys and their toys … worry about your cars! Let’s go out and race. That’s what we’re here for.”

Davison sits 11th in the points for the weekend, and Holdsworth 19th. The V8 Supercars are on-track from 3.25pm local time today.

Tomorrow’s race will be for double points, to align with Formula One’s double points finale this year.