the car enthusiast's site for new car news, motorsport and reviews
HOME  :  FORUMS  :  LINKS  :  CONTACT US  :  SHOP ONLINE

September 26th 2005
Holden - Motorsport

Women in V8 Supercars - Stacey Manning Aims High

And the Paul Morris Motorsports team data acquisition specialist is already well advanced in her career path.

More than likely it will be her voice that crackles on the radio "first gear pit speed" to Sirromet Wines-Team Kiwi Racing drivers Paul Morris and Paul Radisich as they prepare for pit-stops in the Super Cheap Auto 1000 at Mount Panorama on October 9, which is round 10 of the V8 Supercar Championship.

The 28-year-old from the Gold Coast will deliver this brief four-word message to remind the drivers to select the appropriate gear before the stop and observe the 40-km/h speed limit in pit-lane, or risk a penalty.

At other times Manning will advise the drivers by radio to "pump up brake" as they are leaving pit-lane after a stop.

"There's so much going on at the pit-stops with fuel and tyres, plus driver changes, and the two Pauls (Morris and Radisich) like a short reminder about these things," she said.

"It's important because if you speed in pit-lane it's a 'drive through' penalty, which can cost you the race, and if the driver doesn't 'pump up' the brake then the pedal could go to the floor at the first corner."

Manning, who joined PMM in 2000, is preparing for her sixth successive Bathurst working on data acquisition. She hopes to take on more responsibility in the future as her career evolves.

"I have the best job working with a really good group of guys, and long-term I'm hoping to be a team manager if the opportunity comes up and I have more experience," she said.

At race meetings Manning sits at the PMM Data Station, alongside Technical Manager Paul Ceprnich and engineer Joel Binnie, monitoring information displayed on 10 LCD flat screens linked to four computers and modems.

Manning's role is to interpret data on engine performance, oil pressure, water temperature, wheel speed, braking pressure, and steering angles, and advise Ceprnich and the drivers of any irregularities.

"We only talk to the drivers on the radio if we have to, because they are incredibly busy trying to maintain good lap times," said Manning.

"From the telemetry we can see where our cars are positioned on the track, and we never talk to them when they are in fast corners."

Morris said Manning's strengths were her attention to detail, coping well under pressure during races, and a having genuine interest in motor cars.

"Stacey (Manning) always stays calm when the pressure is on," said Morris, who has made 11 previous Bathurst starts with a best result of third in 1999 with Mark Skaife in a Holden Racing Team Commodore.

"We see plenty of women in motorsport in jobs like public relations, hospitality, media, or perhaps catering, but Stacey has proved there is equal opportunity in racing operations with a V8 Supercar team."

"She has moved ahead in our team because she does a good job, and has worked hard over many years. She also has a passion for cars which is a good background."

Manning secured her driving licence on her 17th birthday and soon after purchased her first car, a green 1984 Holden Gemini.

"I put 'mag' wheels on it and had the windows tinted so it looked good for cruising up and down The Esplanade in Surfers (Paradise)," she said.

Manning, who now drives a Holden Astra SRI, said being a female in a male-dominated sport had never been an issue with her team-mates or members of other V8 Supercar teams.

"Everyone treats me very well," she said. "I try to show people respect and if you do that they do the same."

Manning said working alongside Ceprnich at race meetings had enabled her to learn about race strategy, and the various options available with timing of pit-stops.

"It's amazing how quickly 'Cepi' can sum up the situation and make a call on whether to make a pit-stop or stay out when a Safety Car is deployed," said Manning.

"When that happens you have to know what Race Control are saying, what the other teams are doing, plus things like fuel loads and tyre life, and whether a pit-stop will put you in a better track position."

Between races Manning works at the PMM workshop and is responsible for filing race data, plus tyre history information. She also supplies worksheets for team mechanics, oversees travel and accommodation logistics, and works closely with various departments in the race team.

The Morris-Radisich entry will be one of two PMM-built Commodores racing at Bathurst. The other will be driven by experienced New Zealander John Faulkner and PMM staff member Alan Gurr. This year PMM and Team Kiwi Racing have a technical partnership.

WEBSITE: http://www.paulmorris.com.au