Hazel Petite has spent many years supporting husband Christopher at circuits around the UK, but it was a chance encounter that saw her sign up for the British Women Racing Driving Club’s (BWRDC) IntoSpeed programme….

Launched in 2024, the programme is designed to introduce women to the thrills and rewards of motorsport competition, providing taster days, expert driver tuition and even the opportunity to compete at events, with the focus on the Hillclimb discipline.

“I’d been going to the Harewood Hill speed climb for various years with my husband, Chris, what really appealed to me about the programme was that it was all women. Being in such a male-dominated environment it was inspiring that it was for women, by women to encourage women into motorsport. I was getting a bit tired of watching!”

Having initially attended the 2024 introductory day at Harewood Hill in her everyday Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Hazel soon went on to improve her handling under instruction.

“Going in the car with an instructor – it completely blew me away. It was lovely to see the same faces, and it was a great atmosphere, fun, encouraging… it was just great. I really enjoyed it!”

Sharing Chris’s John Williams Mini Cooper from the eighties, built as a COVID car, the pair were soon competing around the country – despite the back shelf and the radio still very much intact.

Hazel has had so much success from the programme, that she was awarded the BWRDC’s prestigious Speed trophy for most improved in the Hillclimb discipline – having caused quite a stir in the paddock for her times.

Hazel’s take on why you should try out IntoSpeed?

“Just do it! I kept saying to friends, ‘if not now, then when?”

For more information on the IntoSpeed programme, please click here.