When Roger Penske took over the reins of the Indycar series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he vowed to make its crown jewel, the Indianapolis 500, even more spectacular. But, as we prepare for the 104th running of the great race this weekend, nobody could have foreseen just how 'memorable' it would become, for all the wrong reasons.
Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 race will of course be run without fans present. In many people's eyes, losing a big part of its very life blood in the process. It’s a decision that still doesn't sit easily with a lot of regular race goers, but it’s understandable given the increased infection risks. Penske’s heartfelt letter to the fans this week only highlighting how difficult the choice was alongside his own sadness at running in front of empty stands.
Fans aren’t the only thing that will be missing from Indy this year though. As, somewhat ironically, only months after declaring it's 'Race for Equality' diversity program, this will also be the first time in 20 years that a woman will not be on the grid. Now regardless of your views on female racing drivers, there is a much bigger picture to consider here. You see, true diversity is something far deeper than jumping on a political band wagon to stand with one area of equality, no matter how deserving or required that area is. Because diversity doesn't just cover race, it covers gender, status, ability and much more, both on and off the track.
Now before you say it, no, I am not a drum banging feminist hell bent on shackling bare chested men to the kitchen sink (though if Hugh Jackman offered….)
Seriously though, I just want real equality. As a disabled female writer, I am not exactly in the majority within motorsport. Although I've largely been shown respect, I have sadly also encountered some hideous bigotry and misogyny. I’ve been uncomfortably propositioned and inappropriately touched at times. I've been denied equal access, credentials and pay compared to equally or even less qualified men. And, despite having instigated, managed, and worked on some major projects over recent years, I can still often find my work undermined or disregarded if it's submitted without a male colleague 'validating' it.
Please don’t mistake this as me whining, complaining, and demanding special treatment; that's something I have never, ever wanted on any level. I don't wish to be the token disabled woman in the media room to fulfil some politically charged agenda or equality target. I just want a fair chance to be there on merit, like most so called 'diverse' people do. I don't want you to open the door for me because I am a woman with disabilities. I am just asking that the door isn't automatically slammed in my face simply because I am not an able-bodied member of the old boy’s club with an often pickled 'history’.
If motorsport is serious about diversity, it must realise, accept, and address that it is by its very nature diverse. Because until such a time that people of all races, genders and abilities are truly given equal opportunities to grow and thrive within the sport, this 'drive' for diversity and equality will remain stalled in the pit lane.
