A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Michèle Mouton

Women Wednesday: Michèle Mouton

Have you ever heard of the “Race of Champions”? If you have, we’re going to tell you about it anyway. It’s an international Motorsport event that is held each year. The thing about this event is that unlike other Motorsport events, people like David Coulthard, Sebastian Loeb and the late Colin Mcrae have all participated in it. Imagine all your favourite WRC, Formula One and Moto GP racers put up against each other in identical cars on a track. Sounds awesome doesn’t it? Well that’s exactly what Race of Champions is. The event has taken place all over the world now since the late 80’s.

Who started this amazing event? A sweet looking lady by the name of Michèle Mouton. Her experience in organising such an event doesn’t come from being in the events business, it comes from being in motorsport. It comes from winning the iconic two-litre prototype class in the 24 hours of LeMans in 1975. It comes from winning the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 1985. It comes from being the first ever women to win a major rally title, the German Rally Championship. Her experience being FIA’s manager for the World Rally Championship during 2011 may have also helped. Need I say more?

Yes, Michèle Mouton is a legend, a wolf in sheep’s clothing so to speak. It just goes to show that you don’t have to be messy and oil stained to be a rally driver, or a male too. Michèle is a wonderful example of the large contribution that women have made in the world of racing and motoring in general. If it weren’t for her, the Race of Champions wouldn’t exist, so all petrol heads owe her a big thank you. It’s an awesome feeling to know that a now 64 year old lady can probably still show many young racers a thing or two on a track. I wonder where Formula One would be if it were in the hands of someone like her? As we know, things are often more organised and less chaotic when there is a ladies touch involved. Happy Women Wednesday Motorists