Gender Roles in Racing:

The Australian Motor Study

Like skydiving and acrobatic flying, motor sport exceeds the safe boundaries of life. Ever time a driver climbs into a race car, she is putting her driving skills and the capabilities of her car to the test. Motor racing is a challenge. It is more than exhilarating. It is an indescribable acceleration of all of our senses coupled with an incredible feeling of freedom.

To date, potential gender differences in the sport of motor racing have not been investigated. Recently, Patricia Concha, Helen Baker, and Anna Maclean, postgraduate sport psychology students conducted a study to investigate personality characteristics and achievement motivation of Australian racing car drivers from different racing categories.

Participants in this study were 195 volunteered racing car drivers (mean age = 37). The sample comprised 150 males (mean age = 38; range 18-67) and 45 females (mean age = 34; range 17-59). Unfortunately, we did not receive enough participation from American females to include in this study. [But thank you to the Thunder Valley readers who helped out.]

The results from the performance measure showed that male and female participants equally valued winning and performing well. In other words, no gender differences in achievement motivation were found. Whilst no gender differences were found in the achievement goals of the participants, differences in achievement motivation across racing category were detected.

The V8 Supercar showed the highest tendency towards focusing on performing well, followed by Porsche Cup, Historic, Super Touring, Sport Sedan , Formula Vee, and Formula Ford. The GT Production category showed the highest tendency towards focusing on winning, followed by Truck, Superkart, Rally, and Supersprint.

The results of another test measured both positive and negative qualities of male and female sex roles. Male and female motor sport participants scored alike on masculine positive qualities. However, females scored slightly higher than males on feminine positive qualities. Both males and females scored higher on masculine (e.g. competitive, confident) and feminine (e.g. patient, responsible) positive personality qualities and lower on masculine (e.g. bossy, aggressive) and feminine (e.g. nervous, dependent) negative personality qualities.

A series of statistical correlations were conducted between participants' results of the two measures. The findings identified a significant relationship between win orientation and masculine negative gender role characteristics. This result suggests that participants who are more win-focused are likely to place a higher value on winning than driving well or having fun.

When stressed, these drivers are inclined to become anxious or angry. It appears that these drivers may be less receptive to trying different racing strategies and less cooperative when racing as part of a team. Assisting win-focused drivers to think positively about their good performances with an emphasis on enjoyment may prove to be advantageous.

Mental skills such as relaxation and positive thinking will help a racing driver to better gain control in response to increased driving errors, vehicle concerns, anxiety, and anger at self and others. Performance-focused drivers' often experience pressures from the outside (e.g. the media, the public, and sponsors). The expectation to win consistently can make a driver anxious thus vulnerable to performance errors, or a loss of enjoyment of their sport. It is essential that they take time to relax, train physically and mentally, socialize, and develop other life skills.

Otherwise, the pressures of expectations might persuade them to become more win focused rather than performance-focused. Performance-focused drivers' can continue to excel by putting in place a mental strategy to cope with additional external demands.

A RACE TIP to help you focus on your performance: -

• Race your very best
• Avoid distractions
• Concentrate on your driving
• Enjoy the drive

Feedback appreciated.

Email Pat Concha, zoot@acay.com.au