KartSportNews does not cover car racing, or what former karters are doing in car racing. However, this person still has an involvement in the sport, and this is for a good cause 🙂
Melinda Price will utilise her position in the Radical Cup Australia Series this year to leverage both her role as a Motorsport Australia Girls on Track Champion and a Breast Cancer survivor.
Lining up for the second season for Volante Rosso Motorsport in the national Radical Cup series with Greg Kenny, Price will provide opportunities for young girls from the Girls on Track program to access the inner sanctum of the team at each of the five rounds of the Radical series, which this year visits Phillip Island, Perth, Tailem Bend, Sydney and Bathurst.
On-track, Price explains that after a busy off-season, she is in prime position to advance on the results she and Kenny achieved last year – and the team’s success.
“By the end of last year, we’d made some really solid gains and the performance of Volante Rosso Motorsport speaks for itself – every Radical Cup Australia Championship from the outright to Rookie right through to Masters, they were able to win,” Price said.
“Greg and I had some really good pace and I have certainly been working hard throughout summer to ensure that I’m in better shape to muscle that car around. They are a high grip, very physical machine to drive – I feel like I’m ready for a big season.”
The Girls on Track participants selected by Price will have the chance to ‘takeover’ her social media to create behind the scenes content that supports Price and brings further coverage to the Girls on Track program, while also getting real world advice.
“For girls with a desire to get into the media or marketing side of motorsport, it can be tough to build affiliations with a team to then gain hands-on experience, which is why I’m doing this,” said Price. “By registering for the Girls on Track program they’ve shown interest in the sport, so I’m providing an opportunity to gain a working insight to a team.
“I can welcome girls at each location and give them direct access to my experience and what goes into a race weekend. At the same time – it gives me the opportunity to give back to a sport that has given me so much joy over the years.
“Through this, we’re not just diversifying the sport, but also providing opportunities for young talents to flourish.”
Price – who was part of the highest placed all-female driver squad at the Bathurst 1000 with Kerryn Brewer under the Castrol Cougars banner in 1998 in 11th – is also a breast cancer survivor, being diagnosed as she was in the week of giving birth to her only daughter.
Throughout the Radical Cup Australia series during 2024, she’ll provide her advocacy through raising money for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Her Radical – along with the Volante Rosso Motorsport pit area – will carry a QR code where fans can make a donation towards Breast Cancer Network Australia’s PLAY4BCNA Pink Sports Day – where she continues to be an ambassador.
Follow this link for Melinda Price’s PLAY4BCNA Fundraising page or connect through below QR Code
BCNA’s most public event is the Pink Lady AFL Match, where – since 2005 – survivors, friends and family flood the Melbourne Cricket Ground and create a giant Pink Lady which can be seen from space.
“Surviving breast cancer was a battle that tested me both physically and mentally – especially being at the point of giving birth,” said Price. “But it also made me realise the power of community and the importance of giving back. I’ve worked closely with BCNA using my platform in racing to raise awareness and wish to extend that this year.”
Price believes her dual approach through Girls on Track and BCNA provides a unique point of difference for sponsors to stand apart from the clutter that can often dominate the sporting space.
“I believe what I’m doing here offers an exceptional leverage point for potential sponsors,” added Price. “It provides them with an ongoing and multi-layered storytelling opportunity that spans various aspects. It presents a genuine opportunity to connect with a wide range of audiences and convey their message with a distinct point of difference.”
To find out more about Breast Cancer Network Australia’s PLAY4BCNA Pink Sports Day program and Melinda Price’s fundraising efforts, follow this link or go to the QR Code below.
2024 Radical Cup Australia Calendar
- April 12-14 Phillip Island, Vic (SpeedSeries)
- May 17-19 Carco.com.au Raceway, Perth, WA (Supercars)
- June 7-9 Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA (Lamborghini SuperTrofeo)
- October 18-20 Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, NSW (SpeedSeries)
- November 8-10 Bathurst International, Bathurst, NSW (SpeedSeries)
*Shannons SpeedSeries coverage streamed on 7plus
**Supercars coverage through Fox Sports and KAYO
***SuperTrofeo coverage to be streamed (TBC)
Note: Full coverage details to be confirmed and subject to change