YVETTE: Lead Foot and Warm Heart

PHOTOS | HELEANA GENAUS

I believe women have the ability to be powerful whilst also nurturing in a way that offers a unique way to lead. Yvette embodies this in a way that is infectious. As the co-founder of Track Day Club, Yvette has created a club that is like her, warm and inviting whilst offering the need to drive very fast... like really fast!

The love affair with cars and racing started very early for Yvette, surrounded by family who all loved their V8 engines and the culture around them. Soon after Yvette started driving herself she sought out track time and quickly felt the absence of women at organised track days whilst simultaneously feeling intimidated by the lack of support and bravado. She recounted that every time she'd drive over the crest to approach a particular race track, she'd feel nauseated, nervous knowing how isolated she'd feel whilst super excited by the thrill of track.

Needless to say, Yvette decided to take matters into her own hands and created a track day club she wished she had access to starting out. An inclusive club, well organised for all levels with a family friendly atmosphere that encourages safety, speed and personal bests. Hanging out with Yvette and the club on winter day at Wakefield parkway, it was everything I expected from my chats with Yvette prior. I was welcomed with big hugs, encouraged to see women driving amongst the men and no judgement or bravado to be seen. 

Yvette has two cars, both are 2 tonne 500hp V8 Holden Monaro's. Her daily, nicknamed "Gal Pal" is her best friend, she feels the sense of independence driving a car she loves. It's her own space and modified to her taste, comfort and style whilst harnessed a heap of power under the bonnet. For the track, she has a supercharged Monaro nicknamed "Brutus" where she gets her stress relief and lives in the moment. Only thinking of the next corner, her mind is clear whilst exhilarated by the power. To get good on track she really aims to get into "the zone", becoming one with the car, finding a rhythm on the track as the world around her melts away.

I got to ride in the car with Yvette on the track and can say, she doesn't hold back whilst is composed and thrilled. What's even cooler is that she is making it easier for others to get the same experience, at their own pace and in good company.