National Women’s Day Celebrated in Style and Speed
On a crisp morning painted with promise, the tarmac of Zwartkops Raceway shimmered beneath a bold new coat of pink in all its shades and glory. This was no ordinary race day. It was National Women’s Day, and the Formula Monoposto Ladies Only Race set the stage for a celebration of speed, spirit, and solidarity. For the first time ever, the circuit’s hallowed ground belonged entirely to women. It was a testament to breaking barriers, seizing opportunity, and racing for more than just the chequered flag.
A PINK CANVAS FOR CELEBRATION
Before a single engine roared to life, Zwartkops Raceway transformed into a sea of pink. The organisers, marshals, drivers, pit crews, and spectators all accepted the track’s challenge to “Think Pink.” From the subtle blush of a scarf to vivid magenta cars, the entire venue became a jubilant homage to women in motorsport. Even the air seemed tinged with excitement, anticipation, and a dash of mischief as everyone vied for the most creative and flamboyant ensembles.
It was a sight to behold. Banners fluttered, children clutched pink balloons and waved hand-painted signs, while families lounged trackside in coordinated outfits that glowed against the winter sun. This united display was more than a theme. It was a living symbol of community, empowerment, and the joy of shared purpose.
THE RACE: NEWCOMERS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
As engines fired up and adrenaline surged, an extraordinary truth loomed over the grid. None of the top finishers had significant racing experience.
First place belonged to Monique Wallendorf, whose path to the driver’s seat was as serendipitous as it was inspiring. With only minimal track time under her belt, Monique received her race entry as a birthday present, a spontaneous gift that would steer her into the annals of Zwartkops Raceway.
Next to her on the podium stood Bianca Botes, another rookie whose racing journey had, until now, been confined to the sidelines. Bianca was the steadfast supporter in the pits, always cheering for her partner but never slipping behind the wheel herself. That all changed on National Women’s Day when she traded her supporter’s hat for a helmet and soared to second place, defying her own expectations and those of the crowd.
Rounding out the top three was Roxana van Wheely, a familiar face in the paddock, though best known as the loyal daughter and sister to racing stalwarts Ron and Nicholas van Wheely. Roxana’s drive was as much about heart as it was about horsepower. A well-known professional driver once remarked that Roxana would make the “perfect wife for any race driver,” acknowledging her tireless work ethic, often outpacing even the most seasoned pit crews.
STORIES FROM THE GRID
While the results sheet may list only finishing positions and lap times, the stories behind those numbers are what made the day unforgettable.
Monique Wallendorf, still flushed with disbelief and joy, described her whirlwind journey from birthday surprise to race winner. “I couldn’t believe it when I got the call,” she recalled, helmet in hand and smile undimmed by exhaustion. “I was just hoping to keep the car on the track, but with every lap, I felt more alive. The support from the crowd was incredible. It was not about winning. It was about feeling seen, valued, and encouraged by everyone around me.”
For Bianca Botes, the day marked a transformation from supporter to star. “I’ve always loved being in the pits, watching, learning. But actually racing? That was never on my radar,” she admitted. “Getting behind the wheel was terrifying, but the cheers, the sea of pink, and the energy from the crowd gave me courage I did not know I had. I hope my story inspires other women to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. This is just the start for me. I now have full intention to gain my SA colours as soon as I can. With the help of my partner, family, and extended family I know this dream is possible and I wish to let young girls know that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”
Roxana van Wheely, meanwhile, wore her third-place finish like a badge of honour. “I’ve always been the one fixing, prepping, and supporting my dad and brother,” she laughed, her overalls still streaked with grease and adrenaline. “Today, it was my turn. To have my family in the stands and hear them shouting for me, there is nothing like it. And to be part of a day where the entire racing community showed up for women, that is a memory I will treasure forever.”
TRACKSIDE MAGIC: THE ENERGY OF THE DAY
From the earliest warm-up laps to the final pink and black chequered flag, the atmosphere at Zwartkops was electric. Marshals donned fuchsia vests, pit crew members fashioned tutus out of pink tulle, and even the aroma in the air seemed sweeter, tinged with the scent of pink-frosted cupcakes and cotton candy. The coming together of fans, families, and fierce competitors created a buoyant, festival-like spirit.
The organisers pulled out all the stops, including pink-themed giveaways, music that pulsed with girl power anthems, and a pre-race parade where drivers were introduced to raucous applause. In every direction, support for the lady racers was tangible. Strangers congratulated each other, children clamoured for autographs, and veteran drivers mingled with newcomers, offering encouragement and advice.
BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING DREAMS
What set this day apart was not only the spectacle of women racing but the way in which Zwartkops Raceway and the greater motorsport community rallied to make it unforgettable. The pink challenge was more than a visual treat. It was an invitation for everyone, regardless of gender, to reflect on the power of inclusion and the importance of creating opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
The ripple effect was immediate. Plans are already underway with full endorsement from Motorsport South Africa for a three-event series in 2026 which will proudly run as the Monoposto Ladies Only League. “We want every woman here to know that there’s a place for her in motorsport, whether that’s on the track, track side as marshals, in the pits, or cheering from the grandstands,” one organiser declared, their voice echoing the day’s spirit of camaraderie.
At least five of the nineteen ladies who took part in this event have already started with plans to get their own cars on the grid and compete in other categories as well. One of the main aims of this initiative was to encourage women into motorsport and, considering the above, this initiative was very successful.
A LEGACY WRITTEN IN PINK
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the last echoes of applause faded, Zwartkops Raceway stood as living proof of what can be achieved when community, creativity, and courage come together. The Formula Monoposto Ladies Only Race was never just about speed. It was a celebration of possibility, a love letter to women’s resilience, and a promise that every day can be a chance for someone’s first race, first victory, or first taste of belonging.
For Monique Wallendorf, Bianca Ferreira, Roxana van Wheely, and every woman who dared to dream, this National Women’s Day was a day of firsts and the start of something extraordinary. And for the racing world, now tinged a little pinker, it was a day that will not soon be forgotten.
The Monoposto Ladies Only League would like this opportunity to thank the FIA and Motorsport South Africa, Vic Maharaj, Samantha van Reenen, Jackie Monteiro, and Jaco Deysel for the endorsement and assistance in making this dream a reality.
A very special thank you to Sports Car Club of South Africa, PABAR, AF Fans, Big Boss Auto, Incipient Automotive and Wright Motorsport, The Sweet Ride, Beautiful Creations, Suz International, SHM Imports and Exports, and Picola Foods. You helped us make this dream a reality and for that we will forever be grateful.
Roll on 2026 for the three-race Formula Monoposto Ladies Only League.
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