Photo: From the athlete’s personal archive
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has launched the Women in Motorsport movement. The aim of the movement is to popularize and encourage the involvement of women in motorized sports. The Latvian Automobile Federation (LAF) is creating a series of stories about women who actively participate in the exciting life of motorsport in Latvia.
In Latvia, we are increasingly confronted with ladies who devote even more of their free time to motorsport than men, who seem to be the biggest players in this sport.
We would like to introduce a woman who rarely misses a mini-rally or autosprint race – Iveta Lauciņa, a woman whose eyes shine while participating in the race!
What motivated you to focus on motorsport?
As soon as I found out that there are such amateur car races in Smiltene, I realized that I also want to participate. At first I doubted whether I would be able to. It was winter, the track was watered, you could only drive with studless tires. Although there was a ladies test, no ladies started. Already after the first race I realized it is for me, emotions are indescribable. It could be compared to love – eyes shine, a smile from the lips does not disappear, do not want to eat, sleep does not come.
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Photo: From the athlete’s personal archive
One has motorsport as a hobby, but one even has a lifestyle and someone a job. What motorsport do you have?
Well I would say that lifestyle. I agree that motorsport is an incurable disease, it happens once and for a lifetime.
Have you tried different motorsport disciplines that have addressed you the most?
Currently a mini rally. I would also like to learn drift, but whether I manage to do it in this life or in the next, time will tell.
Sprint – to be alone, but a mini rally – to be with someone – which is easier and what is more exciting?
Minirally – both easier and more exciting. Easier, because there is a man next door who takes responsibility, thinks, saves the situation. I would like to thank my co-driver Salvis Vanags! More exciting, because it’s not just driving – you have to read the legend, you have to count the times – this is a set of events.
What feelings take over you – when you start, but when – when you hear your name and climb on the podium?
There is usually no worry about getting started. There is a desire to take the best possible trip. Climbing the podium – a joy that succeeded and pride. Of course, different, women’s test or total. I am aware of and acknowledge the superiority of men in this sport, but still, the cups taken away from the jackets are the most valuable!
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Photo: From the athlete’s personal archive
Things without which competition is unthinkable?
Besides the organizers, the tracks, the cars and me – I like to have a commentator with a good sense of humor and music.
You have an interesting car design – how did you come up with the idea and realization?
Thanks! I am grateful to Krišjānis Vanags for Dinoco’s idea. After a bump on the track – Salvis Vanags with his brothers, Ralph and Krišjānis, built this car for me in a flash, for which I am very, very grateful to them. Of course, a new car needs a new design. There were several ideas, but as much as I am fascinated by everything unusual and different, the choice fell on Dinoco.
What goals do you set for yourself in the competition?
First, have fun and enjoy the day. Then, if it’s an autosprint, then a pedestal, if a mini-rally, then “get on the right side”, so to speak. Above 75th place in the overall ranking and above 10th place in its class.
What are your daily challenges? Without sports?
I am an entrepreneur, so the challenges are everyday. The challenge now is to build a 22-apartment house.
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Photo: 4rati.lv
What do you recommend for ladies who want to participate but have something to slow down?
The brakes must be released and the wishes allowed to come true! Looking back, a person usually regrets not what he has done, but what he has not done. Live so there is something to remember! Motorsports – they will definitely be fantastic memories.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I prefer active recreation, so there are many hobbies. I play theater, participate in bowling competitions, am a hunter, like to swim, boat. Historically, I also travel.
The information was prepared by:
LAF Taken
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