THE TIMES: “I love cars, I love speed and I love to drive fast,” said the driver on a makeshift race course near Ramallah, on the West Bank. The sentiments are not unusual — but the long hair sweeping out from under the helmet and the eyeliner are signs that this is not a typical racer.
Mona Einab, 24, is a former contestant for Miss Palestine. She is also one of the Speed Sisters, a group of Palestinian female racing drivers trying to break stereotypes — and records. “It’s doesn’t matter that I am a girl. I love being a girl. But you can be a girl and a serious racer in Palestine.”
Led by Suna Aweideh, 39, known as Queen of the Car Races, the Speed Sisters are open to new drivers but number between five and seven regulars. “We are getting better and better, thanks to a little help from our friends,” said Ms Aweideh, pointing to the two British women.
Sue Sanders, a professional trainer, and Helen Elstrop, a racer, flew in this week to provide two days of instruction to the “sisters” in a project initiated by the British Consulate in Jerusalem. “These girls are welcoming us with open arms. They just want to know as much as possible. They are so eager,” Ms Sanders said.
While she has focused on mental preparation, Ms Elstrop put the girls through their paces on a makeshift course. The consulate is also paying for equipment and arranging sponsorship through local organisations. Read on and comment >>> Sheera Frenkel, Ramallah | Tuesday, June 15, 2010
