NICOLE Ziedan admits that she’s making the men a bit cranky as the only women competing in the Combined Kart Club in Lithgow – but only because she’s showing them up.
The Pitt Town local finished second at the Combined Kart Club’s club championship last season and is gearing up for another tilt at the title this year.
“I don’t think they liked it or were very impressed,” Ziedan said when asked what the men thought of her finishing second in the championship.
“The boys test you and you have to fight for your own. They don’t cut you any slack because you’re a girl.”
But it could have been even worse for them as she was leading the championship at one point.
It will be a busy year for Ziedan, who will not only be competing at Lithgow, but will line-up in the Southern Stars Series and TAG Series despite only having two years experience in the driver’s seat.
Ziedan, who is a nurse, predicted a growth in the women drivers in coming years and she’s proof that women should not be afraid to mix it with the men.
“It’s a hot topic with the women at the moment and we’re getting more promotion in the male-dominated sport, so it’s good for women,” Ziedan said.
“A lot of it comes down to the gear you’ve got and your ability to drive it. But money is a big thing. To be competitive you need good gear.”
The 28-year-old said despite being a late starter to the sport, she intends on moving up to higher levels of driving and formula ford is the next step in her goal of following fellow Hawkesbury driver David Seiders into the V8 utes.
“It’s the first step for me. I want to get into utes, I’d love that,” Ziedan said.
This weekend, Ziedan will compete in the Ladies National Special Karting Event at Lithgow in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer research.
It’s a women’s only event which is the only one of its kind in Australia.
Ziedan said much of her success was due to support she received from sponsors such as G and W Bathroom Renovations, Kart Connect, Sic-fx, C2k fitness and Aquatic Centre at Castle Hill.
She is hoping for more support and if you or your business is interested in helping the rising karter, contact Ziedan at nicoleziedan@hotmail.com.
