In this week’s episode, Geoff is talking to Laura Byrnes who was Finalist in the 2021 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards for Western Australia.
Laura Byrnes is a Late Models Motorsport competitor in Speedway Motorsport (oval track dirt racing) for Red Shamrock Racing. She has been competing in motorsport for the past 15 years and in the 2020/21 race season, moved into Late Model racing – the pinnacle of sedan dirt track racing.
Despite being only in her first season, Laura was Rookie of the Year Championship for the Pro Dirt Series, finished second overall during the Winter Series, and top 10 (out of 38 of Australia’s best) for the Pro Dirt Series and Perth Motorplex Track Championship. Laura is the first in her family to race and got into motorsport through grit and determination at 11 years old.
Laura is currently leading the Women in Motorsport section on Australian Motorsport news site – Behind the Sport, and contributor to Women in Sport WA. Laura has been a committee member for the Junior Sedan Racing Association and was a Women of Australian Motorsport Committee member, where she ran the Junior Driver Development Program.
In 2021 Laura was a sports finalist in the WA Young Achiever Awards, and has recently received the Shona Joy Sports Mentoring Scholarship through Women Sport Australia.
Laura has also received a General Sports Scholarship from the UWA, where she studied Law and Psychology. Laura is an ambassador for the Miracle Babies Foundation as she was born 9 weeks premature. Standing at only 150cms tall and driving a race car over 5.5 metres long – Laura is determined to show your size, height, weight and background are not as important as your desire to succeed.
In this episode:
- We hear how an 11 year old Laura first raced her car – with blocks on the pedals so she could reach!
- Laura encourages us to “stay fearless” in whatever we do and to “keep on doing you”
Links
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Transcript
Annette:
Welcome to the inspirational Australian’s podcast, where we chat to people making a difference in their communities and in the lives of others, and here is your host for today, Geoff Griffin.
Geoff
Welcome to the inspirational Australian’s podcast stories of inspiring achievements and community contribution. Every week we will celebrate an award program category. Winner or finalist. We hope you’ll be inspired and encouraged to know that Australia is in good hands, together with our corporate partners and not for profit partners, Awards Australia showcases ordinary people from right across Australia doing extraordinary things. If you enjoy hearing the stories of our inspirational Australians, please subscribe, rate us and review us. We really appreciate it.
My guest today has achieved outstanding success in Motorsport. She also studied law in UWA and is currently on a sports scholarship. In recognition of her achievements, Laura Byrnes was chosen as a finalist in the 2021 7NEW Young Achiever Awards for WA in search of Fitness Sports Award. It’s great to have you on the podcast today. Laura, welcome.
Laura
Thank you so much for having me, Geoff. I really appreciate it.
Geoff
Oh absolutely. My pleasure. You are outstanding and the motorsport is really tough. It’s dangerous. I know it’s very competitive and it’s also male dominated. So I really, really excited when young women take the challenge and succeed it’s not all about being successful. It’s about having a go. So congratulations to you. You’ve had a driving passion, excuse the pun, for motor sport, since you were 10, what led you down that path?
Laura
So, I’m actually the first in my family to race, which is quite unusual within the Motorsport family. But basically, dad’s always been into motorbikes, so I think I had my first motor bike when I was maybe five or six, but he wouldn’t let me race or anything like that in motocross. And we just used togo to our local speedway in Kalgoorlie and one day on the system I was sitting inthe back of the dad. They announced it would be 10 to start racing. And so, I turned I him much to his dislike and said I want to race cars. So, it took about a year of convincing him and trying to convince me he took me to go karts to try and get into that as well because that’s a bit cheaper and obviously it takes up less room than a full-blown race car, but couldn’t be persuaded and had my first car at 11 and haven’t looked back since.
Geoff
So, most people officially start learning to drive when they’re 16, 17, 18, or so on. Some even much later, too scared, but at 10, 11 years old, you’re starting to drive cars and manual and manual could you reach the pedals of that stage?
Laura
No. So a funny story I actually learnt to drive in a Toyota Troop Carrier like these big because I was sitting ona bag of fertilizer to try and see over the steering wheel and reach the pedals on my first race car. I actually had really big blocks on the pedals that got big so yeah, I couldn’t reach the pedals.
Geoff
That’s amazing. And instead of a picture, this little kid peering through the bottom of the steering wheel, trying to see the power of wheel. There is a way, it’s pretty impressive and it’s a male dominated sport of this. As I said, how hard was it to get started by the sport to get where you are today?
Laura
I think for the most part, you know, in the particular type of racing I do speedway, most people are quite accepting of it. I have had even recently run ins with people where they’ll be like, oh, you are only successful because you are a female and its sort of that novelty aspect. But it’s like, no actually I’ve been driving for 15 years like I’ve been putting a lot of time and money into, into what I’m doing and to get the developments of, of where I am in the car. And I guess physically as well with them with training. So yeah, I think some people, if, if they are sort of negative towards women in Motorsport, it’s more for lack of a better word ignorance. They don’t realize how much actually goes into things behind the scenes. Even within marketing aspects and things like that and the riseof social media to market yourself. There are definitely things perhaps the older generation don’t necessarily capitalize on as much that the old long-term races because it hasn’t been around forever. So yeah, I think the biggest thing is just keeping your head out surrounding yourself by people that appreciate what you do and understand the hard work. And reality is there’s a lot more women now in Motorsport. So it’s, it’s great and we’re all really, really quite close. So it’s very good.
Geoff
Yeah, I think some good advice and all that to keep your head up regardless. You know, I get terribly sad as we all do when people take their lives due to suicide. And if only we could convince these people or get a chance to tell them that things change, what is today is different tomorrow. And if you don’t win a race or things that work out tonight and tomorrow is your day. I really respect and admire what you just said. I think there’s a lot in that for everybody. You are a late models motorsport competitor, and speedway Motorsport some pretty intense to tell us about late model motor sport, the training just mentioned, and what’s involved in the buildup to a race made.
Laura
Yeah, so late models, if you haven’t heard of them because obviously there’s a wide range of disciplines in motor sport, but we’re on an oval track dirt track. So, we basically go around in a circle as fast as we can. Late models can reach around about one hundred and fifty down the street before we sideways into the corner and I realize I’m doing lots of hand actions. That’s a race car driver thing. Our can’t say, but I’ll be doing that. Yeah. But yeah, so these things are basically flying demonstrate fully. We go sideways into the corner and the cars and cells are about five metres long, three metres wide. And so for those that have seen me before, I’m very petite. I’m only one hundred and fifty centimetres tall. So, it is a bit of a novelty when I, when I drive back into the, into the pits and then a really small girl comes out of this very large car. So, I love it because lots of kids then compare that height to mine. But yeah, so that’s, that’s basically what the cars are in cars. And so, I have a chassis which is purpose-built and we have to buy them from overseas. And then everything else is just aluminium strapped on. So there really is nothing to these cars are anyway about a ton. Everything is just to to get us aerodynamic, basically flying through through the corners. I like to think of this as low speed aircrafts.
Geoff
When you watch and you look at these cars flying down a dirt road track and it is spinning sideways or just hanging or drifting. Yeah. Yeah. I have the utmost admiration for the ability to control those vehicles. So, that is, is really cool. What about the training, what goes into your training regime?
Laura
Yes, pretty much as you mentioned. The control of them is, is key. So, for me, I only started in late last year, so I only just finished my first full season and I realized pretty quickly how fit you need to be to be able to turn these cars. Although we don’t turn very much because the car is able to do a lot of it. So, you’re wrestling with a really fast car, so you need to be able to pull it up when, when things go a bit sideways. So, for me, I do strength training three times a week and I’ve got my own home gym here as well, just in case we go and lockdown. But the cool thing is arm strength. So, I’ve been really lucky to work with a place called Revolt Hills with exercise physiologists and they have taken everything into account that I need as a motor sport driver. To be able to wrestle with this car and have the stamina to be able to do 30 lap feature races because it can go for even half an hour, stoppages and things like that. So it’s sort of, you need that explosive energy behind you, but then the reality that that’s potentially going to be 30 minutes of just fullblown adrenaline explosive energy. So there’sa lot going on.
Geoff
There’s so much adrenaline pumping, I imagine during the race. Yeah, it’s hard to imagine the heart rate must go up through the roof.
Laura
I actually had a funny moment one time with the Apple Watch because with them you can set the parameters that you could potentially having a heart attack. And I was sitting on the dummy grid one time, which is where we went to go out onto the track and my Apple Watch started going off and I was like, what’s this? Like someone said, any messages I checked it and it was like having a heart attack because I’m just really nervous. But my heart rate was that high.
Geoff
SoI think as spectators of any sport we get, that is to get really nervous, doesn’t matter what level you are and how long you’ve been in a sport. It’s really important to be reminded that you’re only humans and you’re taking on super challenges that we may not think is humanly possible, but you’re out there doing it and the heart races and all the signs. So, I think that’s pretty cool. What a, how much practice to actually get out on the track or simulating, being on track.
Laura
So, not actually that much generally practice sessions are held the week prior to the actual race day. So that’s great because it means we can test setups and things like that different times. But that’s kind of if you want to track time outside of that, you generally need to hire a track and that gets quite expensive, as you can probably imagine. So, it is really limited, I did try it with a racing simulator last year, but for me I personally found that it wasn’t the right response for actually driving and being so mean to late models, I didn’t want to confuse my driving styles of how to race on a simulator. This is racing in real life. So yeah, everything else is pretty much just focusing on, on the fitness side of things and hoping that will be enough for when we actually get on track.
Geoff
A lot of it would definitely come down to training to being read, your mind set. How much do you think, natural ability is important?
Laura
I think a fair bit and not necessarily you know, it’s something you can try and to do, but there’s some aspects of pricing that you see that are going to get it or not. And late model is definitely one of those sports that you need to. You either get it or you don’t, and lots of people jump off after their first use because of it. I think the biggest thing that that people struggle with is the ability to adapt. So, you can, you can have a look at the track and set your car up for what it looks like. But if you’re doing a 30, 40 lap event, at track’s going to deteriorate, so you need to adjust your mindset and how you’re driving to the track conditions. And some people like, I only want to do a low line, but if everyone’s on the low line, you need to move out the track and race higher and some people really struggle with that. And yeah, I feel like I’m lucky that I, I’m just like whatever goes I’m going to do it. So if that means going super highand trying to make my own line out there, then that I’m going to do it. So yeah, it’s, there’s a lot, a lot of the mind is, is the cool thing, I think in racing.
Geoff
You have to have a mind of steel or aluminium, as I said, yeah, I guess that’sa lot of it to just have that capacity to overcome fear and understand or believe in yourself to the point where you know you can do it. And it sounds like going up higher, it makes sense is more dangerous or risky?
Laura
Yeah, 100%, because yeah, we’ve got a really solid, concrete walls. So if you hit that, you’re going to get a fair bit of damage, but I like to think of it as if that you are higher at the wall, the impact is going to be less than if you run a low line coming up to the wall because you’re increasing your speed so you’re going to the madness. Yeah. Yeah.
Geoff
Yeah. Yeah, positive way to think about and despite being in only your first season, I believe you were named the Rookie of the Year for the series.
Laura
Yes. That was, that was a bit of a surprise. We were hoping that we would just be able to do as many rounds as we could for my first season. And yet by doing that we ended up, you know, I ended up getting, getting better. We ended up working better as a team and understanding a lot more of what goes into the car. And yes, I picked up rookie of the year, which was really, really special. I think it was eight of us that were we’re brand new to the sport. So I’m really proud to take that one.
Geoff
Yeah, that’s a great achievement. Congratulations. How did you actually go in the overall competition?
Laura
So, there was about 36 of us that competed overall in Western Australia, and I’m stoked to say that I was top 10 in both the Pro series and the track championships. I was hoping for a top 15, the top ten is even better and maybe next year I’ll be able to jump in for top five fingers crossed.
Geoff
Yeah, absolutely. Well, you’re new to the sport. And I guess it’s about making your way up there that will come with experience and knowledge of what to do when and how to do it. I guess I’ve never, all power to you and that’s of course why can win finals because you’reamazing young woman in all aspects of your life in your work and you study our motor sport, you’re a high achiever, a great role model for anybody, particularly young women, who want to get intoa sport that may be male dominated not to be to get in there and have it go. So again, all power to you are extraordinary, we’re so blessed to have been able to meet you in person, but also to have people like yourself being put forward that may in other than Motorsport. You may not get that chance to be acknowledged across a broader community platform.
And there are different types of racing tracksout there and you take different and different cars perform better in certain conditions.
Laura
Yeah, so for us in late models, we kind of combine two divisions which you could create late models which we have a limited capacity in our engine there at five to five create engine basically, and we get them straight out of America. And then we’ve got the more open engines so that they can go up to eight, eight hundred. So sometimes we outperform those motors, which is awesome because it’s kind of lightweight, where the cheap engines. But then other times like if the track is really slick, that they’re going to bea lot better. So that’s why it’s so great. It just depends on the track conditions of where we’re going to end up. But at the same time, the create engines are really, really affordable for starting in the sport because it is quite expensive and it’s all I need at the moment while I’m learning.
Geoff
If it’s wet, do you still race or how does that impact the race?
Laura
So, if it’s raining, we can’t race because our cabs are completely open. We don’t have Windows or anything like that and even a small amount of water can make the track really slippery and we get absolutely nogrip. So yeah, if it rains no, but generally the tracks always quite moist and the top layer of the track would be tacky. And so that’s, that’s what makes it really good for us. We’ve grip and things like that. Yeah. Towards the end of the night, all the moisture is generally add, and it’s what we call a black track, which is pretty much the same is as concrete. It’s quite special to ra ce and all the different conditions.
Geoff
Well, that’s interesting. I’m trying, I’ve been trying to refrain from asking this question because it’s probably really dumb. Well, I could ask right? What does late model mean? It’s sort of militant called, you know, it’s a nineteen twenty one over twenty twenty. It’s only one year old. What is late Model
Laura
So, I have been asked before as well when I don’t havea great definition for why that’s what they’ve called us, but I think it’s to do with the… So, in other sports, generally, your car needs to be a minimum of 15 years old, but in light models pretty much there would be cars that are made this year and we can race them right away. But in terms of late models, it doesn’t really make sense because we’re, we’re a chassis kind of like it’s not something you can go down to your local dealership strip and turn into a race car like it’s a purpose-built car. But yeah, I think it’s just because as soon as they’re made you can start racing them.
Geoff
Yeah. Well, I don’t feel so bad.
Laura
Yeah. The history of car is America. So, everything that they do with basically boarder cross herein Australia. So I yeah. Next time I’m over there, I’ll have to ask you,
Geoff
Well, let me know. I’m still fascinated by how, why? Well, I think that sum is pretty amazing and you sort of think about the limo to five meters long. It’s pretty big. Yeah, it’s open, so I imagine it doesn’t have the same comforts as a limo and you probably don’t have the champagne and crystal glasses in the back.
Laura
I wish
Geoff
So how comfortable or uncomfortable when you’re racing around the track Is it?
Laura
So, what we have is, is kind of like a little pod in the car and there’sa left hand drive as well rather than a right-hand drive. So that just helps the car with the set up when it’s going into the corner for white distribution. Again, also because they are American, but yeah, it’s like this little pod. So for me it’s quite, quite nice because I’m quite small but so the for the bigger guys it’s, it’s very cozy. But you know, we’re in a full containment seat so that keeps your head and everything like that really, really straight like you’re looking forward and a five-point harness system. So your seat seatbelts. So you really can’t wiggle around or anything can. Yeah, I think it’s quite comfortable. There’s been a few times I’ve been waiting to go out on the big lap. Now. I could have a little nap here. Obviously on the track there’s no, nothing allowed. But yeah, it’s quite good. I feel quite safe in it.
Geoff
Do you have a robot cage? Or supports around you in case you roll?
Laura
Yes, it’s pretty much the chassis doubles as our cage and yeah, that is all around us. So, if we were to flip or if a car were to land on top of us, where we’re really quite safe. On my car, because I also struggle with the weight, so the cars need to be a certain way. I’ve got a little bit of room to play with with that. So, what we’ve actually done is put a full steel anti protrusion bar on my left-hand side. And so that is, that’s protecting me even further. So, if a car were to come in sideways or something spiral, it’s not going to get me.
Geoff
Oh, cool, that’s good. It’s makes sense. Does everybody have that or not?
Laura
No, So, a lot of people, obviously trying to make the cars as light as possible. So, they don’t necessarily have that to play with in America on some tracks, it’s compulsory, but it’s not compulsory here yet. I just like being super safe as well. I only got one life and like doing the risky thing. So, I still do the risky thing safely.
Geoff
Makes good sense to make something in there for everybody. I think where have you raced? What’s your favourite track? And if you’ve been interstate racing?
Laura
So, my favourite track, I reckon Perth Multiplex. I would say that’s the best purpose-built facility we havein Australia for Motorsport because it combines the drag’s speedway motor sport and flat track blocks. So, it’s really, really special that we’ve got all of that and the tracks always be beautifully prepared. But yeah, I have raced interstate and I’ve been to South Australia at Murray bridge speedway so that was back in junior sedans. But I’m hoping when the border eased, we might be able to do some exploring in the late model and try a few more tracks over east.
Geoff
Awesome. Yeah, will be nicer with the situation with covid may be difficult when that’s all behind us. Like yourself and all sports will be able to compete again, interstate and internationally of course for those that do that. What are your racing aspirations?
Laura
I guess the long term for me is I really would like to race in America. But obviously that again is all up in the air because of covid, but that that’s my long-term goal that I’d like to get over that even if it’s one year just to prove first. And then I’m over that it to race full time. There’s so many different tracks you can race that and you can pretty much race like everyday of the week. Just being able to jump onto them would be be awesome.
Geoff
So yeah, it would be extraordinary. Great experience. Yeah. And it’s good to dream. It’s good to have aspirations and goals.
In addition to your successes in Motorsport, you are committed to give back involved with the Australian Motorsport news behind sport, and also contribute to women in sport WA. What, what, what does that entail?
Lauren
So, at the moment I’m contributing articles, but because of winter and rain out, there hasn’t been many at the moment. But yeah that’s, that’s my long-term plans for this year to get more coverage of women in Motorsport on these great platforms. So I’m behind the sport is, is Australia wide and so that’sa great avenue for more women in Motorsport to get that, that coverage because yet the major outlets obviously Motorsport, it’s onlya very small component of major news. And yet for us at a local level, it doesn’t, doesn’t tend to make it get really passionate about getting more of us out there. In particular, the next generation. So, the junior drivers, the under 15s getting them as much exposure as they can in the hope that that helps them continue in the sport and maybe get into late models as well.
Geoff
The motor sport, particularly late models on television, Fox, sports or anything. How do people get to watch it?
Lauren
So, they do this streaming platforms that you can join up like Dirt Vision and you can watch the racing there and then you don’t have to come to speedway. You can watch it from home. But sometimes as well, we are on the telly multiplex. I can’t remember what channel it is, but yeah, Perth multiplex generally has some recaps out there. A lot of that is sprink koslo, but every now and then we do get a bit of a mention which is awesome.
Geoff
So yeah, fantastic. And nicely played there deliberately or otherwise in terms of notremembering what channel. Because of course, we are supported by channel seven. So, if it wasn’t channel seven, it’s good just to forget and deliberately and we are thankful to seven for all the support programs. You’re also a committee member for the Junior Sedan Racing Association and you’re a Woman of Australian Motorsport committee member as well. And you run the junior driver development program, can you tell us about all of those?
Laura
So, I’m a past members of it, because the Women of Australia Motorsports, it’s no longer around and switch to a tribunal, but I’m really grateful to have been part of both of them. Yeah. When I stepped out of junior’s, I was able to jump into JSRA as a publicity officer, so that was really awesome to be able to give back a lot of the knowledge that I’ve gained to the next generation. And I still do keep in touch with the club, so when I need some help, I always like to make myself available. But yeah, Women of Australian motor sport, I was really lucky to be able to work with lots of young girls, particularly in carting. And we, we had a junior development program that we did each year. That was exceptional to be able to put these girls through it. And a lot of them are quite big names now in an Australian motor sport. So really proud that we’re able to help them on their journey and, and help to set goals.
Geoff
Fantastic. I mentioned you would be very supportive of others. And drew inspiration in what you do as well of course. You talked about being a little pocket rocket at one hundred and fifty centimetres tall and driving that five-metre-long car. It’s hard to imagine this tiny 150-centimeter person in this huge open vehicle. And I know that must be a little scary, but how hard is it, or how hard isn’t it at your size to be able to compete competitively ina sport like motor sport?
Laura
So, for the most part it’s, it’s pretty good. Likea lot of the things on the car were we were able to adjust, which is great. I’m lucky that I fit in like child sizes still. So, it means that the gear we have it really fits. For example, my state is, is a child state, but at the same time it does make it quite difficult because not a lot of things as well are made for women. So, it’s sort of getting that fine balance between what, what you need versus what your body can fit. And there’s only been a couple times where I’ve sort of gota little bit down about not being the right size for the sport. I don’t like saying that because it is so accommodating, but, you know, there’ll be some things like at the moment, struggling a little bit with the gears, so we weren’t able to move where the gears are in the car. So we had these quitelong extenders for it. So, if a car spins in front, generally we’ll have to spin out as a result, but my gears and stick and I can’t get out of that because I can’t reach them properly. So, it’s things like that that it does make it a bit hard, but reality is there’s always some sort of work around. And so just this season in off season, at the moment we’re working on developments in the gear. So, we don’t have that kind of issue again. And just changing position of the pedals again, so it’s more comfortable for me and my short legs. But yeah, I mean that’s, that’s the beauty of these cars as they are, they are flexible for what you size is. For example, the guy that had this car before me was probably like one hundred and eighty centimeters or something. He’s like a giant. I don’t even know if that’s tall, but he was very tall. So yeah, it is good. They are flexible. Yeah, I just think sometimes what we have in Australia needs a little bit, a little bit of work in terms of sizing, not only for women, but yes, more women in the sport.
Geoff
Well, I think it’s, it’s wonderful that you’re saying that cars can be made to fit and all that type ofstuff. But what I’m hearing, to be honest, is that people like you don’t use excuses. You are proud ofwho you are, what you do and don’t make excuses. You go out there and give it a go that I’m hearing. And I think, yeah, that is a lesson for everybody. Don’t look at the negatives. Look at the positives of what you can achieve under circumstances, disability or anything else, your height, your weight, whatever it is. Why are you down? Give it a go it for what you’re able to achieve.
Laura
So, I kind of got into the sport because I needed something that it didn’t matter your size. And so that was why motor sport was great because all kids are quite small. So I see these, these kids in these because I was like, well, that’s going to keep you safe and it doesn’t matter. My height and my dad always used to say to me, once you strapped into that race car, you’re the same as everyone else. And that’s definitely carry through with me in my journey and motor sport. And yet like you said, everything I like to think is everything is adaptable. So if something works forsomeone else, it doesn’t work for me, then we just need to do some development to make it work. So yeah, I’ve been saying there was a gentleman a few years ago in Kalgoorlie. He only had one leg and he was able to get that car adapted to what he needs to have control. So yeah, the biggest enemy to yourself in motor sport, biggest enemy in motor sport is yourself lucky. That yeah, there’s always work arounds to do things. If you want to jump into it, you can.
Geoff
Self-belief and don’t make excuses. I think when we make excuses, we don’t learn because we’re the go team had ability to think and to learn by making excuses for why something went wrong with someone else’s fault. It’s the car’s fault, whatever, but it’s not our fault, you know, we just need to be true to ourselves and be the best version of ourselves within our capacity. We’re not all going to be the very best or win every single race. And success doesn’t come by chance on some occasions. I know you train really hard, what type of training regime, how many hours you talked about going to the gym or weight training three timesa week, what else is involved?
Lauren
So, the biggest chunk of my time is actually probably spent in the workshop on the car. So between races there’s always things to be doing. We literally have to checkover the whole car because it’s put through so much on the race track and so that’s doubled. If it’s a week where I have practice and even cleaning the car, can take two hours and sometimes because is so many bits to it. It’s been great forme because I’ve been able to learn a lot more about the mechanical side of things. Because I work with my dad it’s, it’s great because we’ve got this extra bonding time and I guess that’s why we’ve done doing the sport in the first place because we got to hang out. And now he probably sees a bit too much, much of me. But we’ve got this awesome bond would be fun, but yeah, that’s pretty much what takes up most of my time. Yeah. Physical training. I’ll do our sessions for that. But then the rest of the time in the workshop weekends is spent in the workshop. So not much to my life, it’s just cars.
Geoff
It’s pretty intense and such a commitment. And I guess we probably don’t always think about motor sport requiring so much of our time in maintenance repairs and maintenance to get the vehicle right. It is one of those sports when you’re so reliant on machinery, there are many sports we’re reliant on our own ability. Whereas you’re not just relying on your own ability in, there’s a lot that can go wrong that’s out of your control. So, it’s good to remember that in terms of these types of things, it’s not just the driver’s ability, it’s a lot of luck and probably as much the ability to be able to fund repairs and things to its sponsorship of sponsors that could help you out?
[00:33:47] Speaker 2
I do, I’m very lucky to have quite a good group of sponsors and the core of them have actually been with me from the early days. So, there are two that has stuck with me from junior’s all the way down into late models. That’s cool. Danny Wilkshire Engineering, so I’m really appreciative to have that kind of backing behind me and we’ve had a few more jump on for the upcoming seasons I can’t mention them yet, announcements are coming soon, but yeah, things like that certainly help and even if it is product support, there’s quite a few that yeah, its product support and and that then means that we can reinvest those funds somewhere else. So yeah, that’s I wouldn’t be able to race at this level without, without the support that I have through my marketing partners.
Geoff
Yeah, that’s fantastic. Sponsors are so important we and we know that only too well. And through these covid times it’s really, really hard. We’re really struggling to maintain the integrity of our programs as much as people want to stay on board. Sometimes it’s tough. Big shout out to the sponsors and sponsors of any sport or any programs. Now, intense training competition can really take its toll as I’m sure it does for you mind and body. What’s your recovery strategy?
Lauren
So, I generally like to not really do anything the next day because yeah, it is, it is tough and you’re right about the mental side of things as well. So, I mentioned before, featurettes can take half an hour, and so that’s half an hour of trying to stay in the zone of no distractions and things like that. And I’ve been guilty of breaking that sometimes as well. I’ll behalf way through a corner, belike and go, what will I have for dinner after this? You can’t, you can’t do that. Right. Break that concentration. So, the next day is usually just just relaxing. Sometimes I might go back and watch some of the race videos from, from the night prior. That yeah, otherwise usually right. xpath, plenty of cops to refuel me from the night before. And it just kind of veg, you watch telly. I don’t train the next day either. I like to just spend it all in recovery.
Geoff
Sounds pretty necessary. Yeah, I meant to ask for all of us out there, how tall in feet and inches is 150cm?
Lauren
It’s 4’11”.
Geoff
My wife is 5’11’ and some people say to it which we’re quite short. And I think, oh, I never really thought about it. To me she is stands tall. Yeah. And yeah, and I’ve never really thought about it until someone mentions, I don’t know what people need to mention it, but to learn and grow and be successful must come face to face with failure. How do you deal with it? What lessons have you learnt along the journey that have helped you cope and grow?
Lauren
So, I feel like you need to have some, some bad values to be able to grow. And I’ve certainly had my fair share of them. The biggest piece of advice I can probably offer is to not dwell on things too much. It’s really easy to sort of get stuck in a rut and keep replaying things over and over again. That if I did this, if I did that, but reality is, you’ve already chosen what, what you did, you’ve done it and you need to now build on that moving forward. You can’t be stuck in the past thinking of it. If you didn’t wake up that day and just stayed in bed, it wouldn’t have happened either. But yeah, you’ve gone at you’ve raised this has happened. Work on it for next time, so it doesn’t happen again. Yeah. And me, I had a pretty bad crash in 2011 that I struggled to get out of that rut. And I actually, it was the worst crash I’ve had, and that took me a bit of time. So I think it’s just being patient with yourself. Because no matter what it is, not just writing, but yeah, some, some things take time to bounce back from. So be gentle with yourself as you’regoing through that and just know tomorrow’s a new day and you get to try it all again.
Geoff
I like that be patient with yourself. Begentle on yourself. I think often we are patient and gentle with others, but we forget to do that for ourselves. We are our own worst critics. Yeah. Way too often. I think that’s great advice. I’m sure you go through many ups and downs both during your career and in course in your Motorsport program, who do you stay motivated, stay strong and bounce back from the low moments?
Lauren
I thinkfor me, I’m really lucky again that I work so close with my dad. He’s a really good sounding board and you know, while we’re spinning spans in the shed, we just sort of have dinham moments and things like that. So it’s great to be able to share what’s going through your head. Obviously you don’t have that kind of connection reaching out, you know, whether that’s through a counselor, a psychologist or a good friend. I’m also a really big fan of journaling. So if I get stuck on something again, I can’t get it out of my head. I like to write it down and generally after I’ve done that, I put it in a drawer, leave it for the next time that I need to Journal. But once it’s out of my head it’s, it’s fine. So, I don’t need to keep thinking about OK going over things and that’s like crash’s or if I’m pretty guilty, like if some people are quite negative towards me, we don’t really like criticism that doesn’t have an end goal. So yeah, I’m pretty guilty if, if people say nasty things to me, comments on the Internet, I read all of them. So yeah, things like that. I’ll just write it down and then I don’t have to think about it again. So that works for me.
Geoff
I love it and I love your honesty. We dwell on things and people are so cruel. Yes, certainly on social media, probably more so than in person, but people seem to have the ability to want to destroy or put people down to build themselves up or make themselves feel better. But it’s such a terrible part of society. I so I think you have a beautiful message there, stay strong to whatever it is that will help you as an individual, to forget to ignore, to focus on the important whether it’s channeling, whether it’s meditating, whether it’s taking time out or thinking of the positives. Whatever it is, talking to someone is really hugely important. Whatever it is, do it whenever you need. People be there for you. They want to be there for you, they never think that you’re not important enough for you wasting people’s time. I can tell that you have a lot of foresight and insight. And part of that I think will come from your training your study, but a lot of it, and most of it is in your heart, and it makes youa very special person. So I hope people will not listen to this podcast babble relisten because there are so many insights that you provided us with so far thatare invaluable and very, very helpful. Thank you for that.
Lauren
Thank you.
Geoff
You were selected as a finalist, as I mentioned, of the 7NEWs Young Achiever Awards for not only your significant achievements in Motorsport, but for being a shining light and a role model. As I’ve just mentioned for young women in the sport, but also giving back to the sport and to the community must have been a real thrill to have been nominated, but in particular then to go on to the finals?
Lauren
Yeah, it certainly was. I was, I was pretty overwhelmed that I even made it into the, the top four and reading the buyers of the other other finalists there. It’s justexceptional to know that motor sports also on this, on the same level. And I think that’s what made it really special for me knowing that, you know, there are so many other young races out there in particular inGenius or young kids considering a career in Motorsport. But then knowing that actually it is getting recognition on this kind of level that this is a really good pathway to, to jump into. And even if it’s just a hobby or if it’s something that you can makea full blown career out of and not just the driving side of things, you know, the mechanics and like the electronic side of things too. Yeah. It’s just awesome to be able to have their support as I mean, something like this. You’re probably not aware.
Geoff
You’re probably not aware but judging goes over the period ofa whole month. Depth and the judges, there’s a quitea large panel of around 10. And they spend a lot of time delving deep into the nominations, but also into the person trying to understand the value of the human with respect for the search fitness for sponsoring the sports world. Because we do get to acknowledge people like yourself that are having a go that are really committed acts that are probably wholesome, rounded, holistic in terms of their approach. And your community and career also factored into that as well as your significant achievements in motor sport. So, all of that factor in and as I say, the judging goes over the period of a month. And we finally meet together at pan-pacific in Perth, of course, where we held our event to that full day of final judging. I love it, I love the experience of people coming together. Also, good community, people coming together and it’s a hard job trying to narrow it down to so. So tough. I chair the panel. Fortunately, I don’t vote because it would be gut wrenching. Now is there anything in particularthat stands out in your mind about that awards night held last May?
Lauren
I think for me it’s a really special moment, was just meeting the other finalists in the sport of sort of being able to congratulate them on their achievements, and to me it was like, was really nice bonding moment that we’re all in these different divisions or different disciplines. But we’re really appreciative of the success that we’ve had individually. So that was so nice and just hearing about the amazing things that these young people are doing in WA. I was saying to the people at my table, I just, it fills my heart like my heart was so, so happy because there’s all these really talented people chasing after their dreams and inspires you further. I know I made some notes after that thinking, I don’t want to let this feeling guys just feeling so inspired and so happy that we’ve got so many young people chasing their dreams and, and absolutely kicking goals is wonderful
Geoff
And it is inspiring, I get to enjoy the privilege of traveling across the country to be a part of the judging, but alsoa part of the awards night and watching all of the inspirational young people and for the judges. You’re judging a nomination up to then have the privilege of seeing these young people in personis really inspiring and you’re right. There are so many young people doing inspiring things. And sometimes we hear about the negatives. But there are a lot of people doing amazing stuff, and we know our future is in good hands across a broad range of disciplines as you said. And the 7News Young Achiever Awards nominations are opening across the country. If anybody would like to find out how to nominate someone or about sponsor partnership opportunities head to http://awardsaustralia.com for more information about your state program.
You also recently received the Shona Joy Sports Mentoring Scholarship through Women’s Sport Australia and the general sport scholarship from your UWA, can you tell us about those?
Laura
Yes, I was really, really lucky to get that’s Shona Joy Scholarship. So through that it’s, it’s basically about mentoring us to, to follow what we want to do. And for me, my end goal would be to, to end up making racing my full-time career and helping the next generation of races come through. So for me, it’s more the training aspects away from the racetrack. So, sort the media and marketing side is what I really want to be helping the next generation. Because that’s, that’s your edge at the moment in the sport. Talent can only take you so far. You need to be making sure your car’s well-presented, that you talking neatly, that you’re maintaining connections. LinkedIn is big tool. So, through the mentoring program, we actually did the workshop not too long ago and that provided some really great insights and it was awesome. Again, hearing from so many other people chasing their goals in different sports as well. So yeah, I’m excited for the next step which is being partnered with a mentor and, and then then helping us through through that journey together.
And yeah UWA. So that was, that was while I was still a student there, while I was doing my law and psychology degree and yeah, I was overjoyed to have picked up a sports scholarship for Uni. That again was something that I didn’t expect Motorsport to be recognized at that level. So I think I was the best Motorsport scholarship at UWA. So again, I was absolutely over the moon and um, yeah, that’s something I hold really quite dear.
Geoff
You’re also an ambassador for The Miracle Babies Foundation, largely because you were born nine weeks premature. Well, you are just inspiring. It is never a dull moment with you. Tell us about the foundation? Yes, a miracle baby foundation is Australia’s leading foundation supporting sick andpremature newborns.
Lauren
Yes, Miracle Baby Foundation is Australia’s leading foundation supporting sick and premature newborns. And I reached out to them quite a few years ago because I was to get the question of, you know, you are so little, why are you so little? And so, it was really great to be able to, to partner with someone like miracle babies and say, oh, it’s actually because I was born 9 weeks premature. And this, this is an outcome of that. And then being able to direct them to the foundation so that they can read more about it or even consider donating to them. So that’s beenreally something that I’ve enjoyed is, is spreading more awareness about it because I feel like most people know someone or are a premature birth. And it is really quite traumatic, but I’ve heard through friends and also my parents as well of my birth. Just sort of having a baby is a tough time in itself. And then sort of the, the angst of hold on this is actually going to, is this going to be OK in the end? And whether that’s you baby, spending time in the neonatal ward or have been to switch to like an emergency caesarean or born unwell are all things you don’t quite factor into into the journey. So miracle babies foundation support parents through that difficult timeand then post hospital as well. So they have what’s called nurture groups for otherparents and the miracle babies. And it’s a great way for other babies to, to hang out together. It’s a really, really great environment. I’ve been to a couple to see how they work and the hosts of them are so lovely. And so yeah, if you do have a prem baby in a sort of after the extra support of others that have been through the samesituation or very similar, I can’t recommend it enough. I know it to be something that I used when the time comes for me to have a future Baba that I just love the work that I’m able to do with the to them. And to show that it’s not, it’s not a, I guess, a weakness or anything like that being born so early. I like to think that it’sjust too eager to explore the world. And. Yeah, that’s, that’s what we’re all here. Little miracle babies, miracle baby.
Geoff
Your family must be very proud of you as are all those who surround you. Laura, what’s, what’s something that we might not know about you?
Laura
I’m very good at hula hooping.
Geoff
Sounds like a very important thing to be able to be good at.
Laura
Yeah, no, I’m not really sure. That’s probably the big thing, but I think a lot of people think my full-time job is race cars. So it isn’t. I have a I have a full-time job on the side and then pretty much full-time race cars after that after hours. Yeah. So that, that keeps me busy and keeps me going, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love when I, when I get to do.
Geoff
Fantastic! What other interests or hobbies do you have other than driving super-fast race cars full time on your part time job?
Laura
So, I definitely have been bitten by theadrenalin bug, so I’ve got a couple of motorbikes, a lot of bike riding. So, I try and do that whenever I get to spend more it. But also, I really like reading and singing as well. So it is. I’ve gota couple little videos of me singing up, but I wouldn’t ever do it publicly. I just like sharing little snippets. Also sewing I like I like sewing as well. So I know I’m not all adrenaline sports. There’s a, there’s a soft, humble side to me.
Geoff
I think it’sa little humbleness about you. I just can’t quite picture that last one. Sewing and racing superfast cars. And I think, you know, you get away from the threat. Then you get on your bike and you start going faster you, but then you throw in sewing as well. That should quiet time. Is it?
Laura
Yeah, yeah. It’s nice, I like making things.
Geoff
Yeah. It’s could be a good way to relax a bit too. Yeah, it sounds like you need a little bit of relaxing in there somewhere. Excuse my pun again, but one of the driving passions that makes you tick?
Laura
I always just like being challenged. So for me, every time you go into a racetrack, you challenge yourself and even it, it might be 30 odd cars out there. Biggest competition is yourself and being betterthan the person that you were yesterday. But for me, the driving force behind the pun intended, a lot of what I do is just the next generation because when I started, I was that kid on the sidelines watching the other cars race. And there werea couple of girls racing then. And I just, I thought these, these are these, this is amazing, like I want to do that. I want to be able to do what they do. So for me it’s, it’s being that role model for that next generation as well. Because I know what it’s like when you go up to race car driver and also the autograph or a poster and things like that. So I try and be as welcoming as I can. I let people sit in my car as well. Obviously, you have to remember there’s a height limit. So yeah, that, that for me, I think like you said, there’s only one winner in these races and it’s, it’s not always going to be you. And so for me, I’m just going to be happy if I can get all people into the sport, into racing, and more and more women as well. That’s. That’s what makes me tick. That’s what makes me happy. So. Yeah,
Geoff
Fantastic. Now our listeners can’t see this through word of advice for you from me. You’re going to need a bigger trophy shelf because I think you’ve run out of room on that one. And there, on the floor for a few glittering, quite large trophies there, which I’m sure you’re very proud of. You’ve given us a lot. But you have any other words of wisdom for our listeners?
Laura
I think thebiggest thing and I am using it as my, my motto now, but stay fearless and that’s got quite a few layers to it is easy to say, feel as if you’ve got a big tie looking at you or something like that, but it’s the little things as well. You know, I actually have anxiety and so for me sometimes it’s the little things you know, whether that’s trying something you haven’t done, that might not seem likea big deal for anyone else. That is, but it’s a big deal for you. So, staying fearless and for the little things, whether that’s, you know, finally getting on top of the dishes that are piled up in the sink or whetherthat’s trying something new and trying Motorsport and staying feel is have so many aspects to it. And I think that’s the biggest thing. It means something different for all of us and keep doing you.
Geoff
100 percent. Sounds good.
And sometimes you know, if we are fearless with our fears or our anxieties, we can overcome them. Yeah. And we think, why didn’t I just try to do that before I take it on? I think we don’t remain fearless. And I’m not saying that we can overcome everything because we can’t. Yeah, there are probably things that we could if we really believed in ourselves andtrusted in the process that we put in our mind.
Laura
I think as well as a, as a race car driver. You know, mentioned before we do get nervous before we go out on the track, sometimes we’re strapped into our car, ready to go, but you might have to sit there for half an hour or so. And for me that literallyis sitting with with fear. I’d be lying, if I said that I wasn’t scared, sometimes when I go out racing because I am, I don’t know if my car’s going to do something like that. It shouldn’t have been in fireballs and rollovers before. So you know what’s going to happen. But yeah, it’s sitting with that fire, understanding it understanding its motive is it’sa driving force is, is going to make me know better or is just something that I need to address a little bit deeper down, I think is some important things to, to think of when you’re sitting with that fear, so for me it’s driving force before I’m going out onto the track and it feels that adrenaline and that little fly in my belly. So yeah, keeps me going.
Geoff
Where can our listeners connect with you? Because you are extraordinary, and you would be a great motivator to many how do people connect?
Laura
So, I’m on Facebook and Instagram. Our team page is Red Shamrock Racing. Otherwise, I’m also on the as Laura Byrnes Motorsport. So, on my page, I share a lot more of the behind-the-scenes stuff and things that I get up to in the shed. Also, a bit of mucking around in the shed, so you definitely catch me dancing on there as well. Plus fixing, fixing heavy machinery.
Geoff
Sounds worth connecting to go behind the scenes and see that dancing, it will be pretty cool.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to have you on the podcast. You’re an absolute inspiration and I think you add value to so many peoplein terms of going through your dreams being fearless, giving ita shot. So thank you so much for sharing some of your story with us today. I hope you’ve enjoyed the podcast as well.
Laura
Oh, I really have Thank you so much and I think to, you know, if you, if you have any questions about what I’ve said today, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Particularly especially if you’re thinking of jumping into Motorsport, I can definitely see you in the right direction that’s a motorsport. pun. Well, thank you so much. It’s been an absolute pleasure.
Geoff
Well, I think, and you mentioned before that you listen or you read every comment. So, if anybody has any questions or wants to let Laura know that I think she’s amazing, like we do and please, please do, I’m sure she’ll really appreciate it. I hope everybody listening has enjoyed hearing Laura’s today as much as I have. And remember until next week, please be kind and remember, together we make a difference.
I hope you enjoyed today’s interview as much as I had. It was lovely to subscribe to our podcast that you won’t miss an episode showing us each week as we talk with ordinary Australians achieving extraordinary things. Did you know that Awards Australia is a family-owned business that proudly makes a difference in the lives of those that make a difference for others? And we thank our corporate not for profit partners to making award programs possible. Do you know someone that’s makinga difference or maybe your business might like to sponsor an award? Contact us through our Instagram page, inspirational.Australians, or head to our website, http://awardsaustralia.com. It Would be great if you could share this episode with your network, because who doesn’t like a good news story? And please rate and review us. We would really love to hear your thoughts untilnext week. Stay safe and remember together we make a difference.
Annette
Thanks for joining us today from the inspirational Australian’s podcast. We hope you enjoyed listening and have been inspired by ordinary Australians achieving extraordinary things. So it’s goodbye for another week. Remember, together we make a difference.
