published: 2019-03-09 07:59:05 (6786) Author: |
Jill Salven - International Women of RC |
| Next up in our tour around Europe meeting the great women of RC and today we talk to Jill Salven! |
 Hi Jill It's great to hear you're having a baby! Congrats! Thanks a lot for your wishes! Yeah it's very exciting to become a Mummy. Also thanks a lot for the chance to say something about the position as a women in the RC business! How did you get started in RC? I got involved about 10 years ago. My boyfriend back then drove RC cars and we went to the track together. The first races were all electric races. Later I became involved with gas racing because my husband is mainly racing 1/8 Racing cars is traditionally a male dominated activity - did you find RC a welcoming environment to join? First I found everything quite strange. But later I could see the passion and the motivation involved. I also enjoy it when we work hard on the car and actually improve it. And when Michael asked me to be his pit women, I was first quite sceptical but I enjoy it a lot now. Also most of our friends are racers and it's so nice to see them once racing season starts again. |
Would you like to see more women in the sport?
It would be nice if more drivers bring their wives or girlfriends. I am sure if they make it "their" hobby, it could be very enjoyable. Also more female drivers would be nice, but that seems to be a bit difficult as you can see in real motorsports. What would you say to any women reading this considering getting involved? I would say that it can be really nice to support your friend or husband. But it's important to remember that it is a competition and that he might be a bit different to normal life. If you respect that, it can be very rewarding. I have never driven myself in competition so it's difficult to give advice to women that want to drive. In general I think it's important not to expect any gentleman-like behaviour from the guys. But I need to add that my husband is not only a driver but for a lot of people also the "face" of Serpent. Then I am not only the partner or girlfriend but also mechanic. Finally, as it's International Women's Day. Tell us a woman you look up to... I have a lot of respect for Julie Thurston. She is the mother of Alex. I respect her because I know she puts a lot of effort into making her son Alex happy, inside and outside RC. She is a great mother and women! At the same time she was always very open minded, approachable and caring. She tries to get involved, first as team manager for Great Britain and now as EFRA official. I consider her as a very good friend as well. |
