Vale Determined to Secure Sponsors

Clare Vale ,
South Africa’s only female racing in the Wesbank Super Series, has big dreams
for 2008, one of which is to challenge for a top eight position in her category
and to get as many points towards the Championship.

This
motorsport fanatic spoke to gsport about her goals going forward and admitted
2007 was a year during which she had to learn how to deal with disappointment.

"Having
started out in 2007 with the Subaru Production Car team, the
future looked bright at the beginning of the year. However, by March it
had become clear that there were problems within the team and the situation
would not work out for me.

"I spent the
rest of the year putting together a drive in a Wesbank V8 Supercar, which all
came together in time for the last race of the season, at the end of November."

Vale says
taking part in the final race of the season at Kyalami was definitely the
highlight of her year.

"My team worked
night and day to give me a superb car on the day, and my first outing in the V8
was eventful but positive. The Wesbank V8 Supercars are the fastest cars on
South African circuits, pumping out 600 horsepower, and our first race was run
in the wet.

"With so much
horsepower it’s very easy to spin out on a wet track, but I kept it on the
black stuff, finishing 16th in the first race and 14th in the second. Overall I
finished 13th of 21 entrants, a highly creditable first result against some
very experienced competitors."

Vale is
supported by her loyal, smaller sponsors, but still doesn’t have a main
sponsor, and securing sponsorship for 2008 remains a challenge. She says she wants
to show sponsors that motorsport can offer invaluable return on their investment.

As Vale
prepares to celebrate the festive season with her family, Vale’s message to
fellow sportswomen is to never give up.

"If you have
the grit and determination to reach for the top, you WILL get there. Always
remember that you are the inspiration to those women who will follow you, and
be the best example you can be. Take the time to encourage others, and always
put something back."

gsport wishes
Clare all the success in 2008!