Honestly, yes it's true. And a little hard to believe - The automotive, and with it, the high-octane motorsport industry is still a male-dominated world. But, perhaps I find it hard to believe because, I completely disagree. Or simply, don't notice it.
In my eyes, the car industry is as much controlled by women as by ego-hungry men - or at least gradually getting there. Yes, there will always be an element of male-domination hovering around the paddocks and lingering in the publishing offices. I'm not going to deny that. But the fact is, women have so much more opportunity now, than ever before. And even in the past, there have been many women who have left their mark on the industry.
Yes, I am a feminist. But not an overpowering, old-fashioned sort. But I am very much for gender equality. I'm hardly feminine. I used to look more like a ragged boy than a pretty young lady - no matter how much my mum insisted that I was. And even now, I have more male friends than I do female. I just seem to get on better with them. Although, I must admit, I've never really been fond of women. Only the ones that make a difference, have some gumption and ambition, and a sense of humour.
However, I did do Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern dance. I could even sing. But when it came to choosing between getting plastered in engine oil or achieving 'perfect posture' on stage - well, you can guess my decision. I still continued with my dance classes and took up drama. My love for creative writing, poetry and getting lost in endless amounts of books, fueled my desire to perform with my words. Performing on stage was nothing new to me, and I always enjoyed putting on a show.
So yes, times do change. I now look more feminine on the outside. I do have my own views on fashion and 'trend' as it were: I don't dress like rest. In fact, I probably look rather dull or still quite masculine to other women. But I do like to dress smart. It's all about making a statement. In any case, like my personality, I like to be unique. I dress to impress. Not to make young, good looking fellas want to get in my knickers. No. I dress to make an impression - first impressions in the work place, or in any situation, are extremely important. I will add that the title of this piece 'Tits or No Tits' is somewhat irrelevant to me, as my chest is like an ironing board. But they do say 'more than a handful is a waste', so I rest my case.
I'm not an easy girl. Never have been, never will. It works for some people - a few 'one-night-stands' here and there. It all seems the same to me - a bit boring. Now you're thinking 'what the hell is she talking about? And yes, I know it must be, in a way, quite exciting. OK, I see the point. But isn't it even more exciting when it's with someone you actually care about? With someone you know the name of or remember when you wake up in their bed the next morning? Anyway, that's a story for another time.
So perhaps, in a way, I am a little 'old-fashioned'. When I used to recite poetry in school performances, or to myself in my bedroom - where I spent a lot of my time as a hormonal teenager because I refused to have much of a social life and traded it for endless reading and learning - I used to dream of a strong minded, perfect, tall, handsome gentleman reciting poetry to me. Now, this is the girl in me talking!
The fact is, I never really had a social life. And to be honest, I still don't. But, it's through choice. I'm working hard for my career. Gradually carving my way into the industry. I know where I want to be and I'm determined to get there. Yes, I like to spend my time writing, reading, learning and indulging. And sometimes you might find me curled up on the sofa eating chocolate and watching crap TV with my cat. But after all, I am a published writer and the fact that, given the choice between a night out on the town, or a cosy night in, I would go for option B. My idea of spending time with friends is at a picturesque pub in the countryside where we can talk for hours about various subjects which interest us. Or plain rubbish. Even a day out is a fab way to get together.
I've never been a clubbing type. Admittedly, I get rather irritated by stereotypical girls screaming and talking out of their bottoms - that, and making monumental fools of themselves. I'm sorry, but if I ever happened to go mad, and want to watch a load of girls trying to mount the guy behind the bar, I would watch it on TV! I'm sure even that is much possibly more dignified.
In defense of the girls, I will say I have experienced what it's like to become suddenly smitten and completely helpless (AKA stupid) because of a guy. No matter how much you want to act normal, you just can't fight past the butterflies. And all you can think is, 'I want you, I want you now, I WANT YOU!' Yep, completely ridiculous, and unfortunately, completely uncontrollable. But at least we can rest assured that guys suffer from the same problem. And let's face it, they probably have it worse.
So anyway. Having had my small rant. I'm back onto the automotive debate. I'm a published Motoring Journalist. I've been driving since I was 10 and got behind the wheel of my first race car when I was only 12. Yes, I've had a few comments thrown my way and believe me, having ignored many, I'm more than happy to throw a few cheeky, and I would like to think rather clever, comments back! You need ambition and determination to drive yourself forward. No one is going to listen to someone moaning all day. If you want to make a statement and if you want to work in that industry. Then damn well do it!
If you've got what it takes and you're determined, Tits or No Tits, you can do it.
By Sophie Williamson-Stothert
