Speed freak Chiara on the move

WIRED to relish speed and rushes of adrenalin, 15-year-old Empangeni resident Chiara Frara enjoys taking on competitors in her Mini 1275 on the stockrods race track.

Although it is not unusual to see women racing cars, there are not that many making their mark in this traditionally masculine endeavour.

A bit of a tomboy, Chiara enjoys getting her hands dirty and servicing and fixing her car together with her grandfather, Johnny Frara.

Although the nerves tingle initially when she goes on track, as soon as the race starts, she feels the adrenalin seep into every pore, pumping excitement through her blood, and she reaches that place of wild freedom which speed gives.

‘I look in my mirror at the first corner to see who is behind me, then I take off. I do feel safe in my car and like the feeling racing gives me,’ said Chiara.

At a recent race, Chiara, who is a newby in this sport, achieved sixth place out of 13. Not surprising as she cut her teeth on speed when she started racing quad bikes from the tender age of six.

Then her dad bought her the Mini and was set for the next chapter, Stockrods racing.

‘My mom taught me to drive a car on farm roads when I was in Grade 5. It is probably the reason I am comfortable racing in my Mini. My grandfather used to race and he gives me advice on how to handle corners and so on,’ she said.

‘I enjoy this sport, it feels good that girls are featuring as this is not only a man’s space.’

Look out for Chiara who will be racing at the Zululand Trade Fair.