Vanina Ickx joins the Iron Dames GT program
Iron Dames announced the arrival of three drivers. In addition to Vanina Ickx, who will be competing in GT, the all-female team has recruited two young girls to assist in their development.
A rather surprising signing. Although she participated in tests with a Porsche last December, Vanina Ickx was not expected to make a return. The Belgian will be back in a championship. The daughter of Jacky Ickx has joined the GT program of the Iron Dames. For now, her schedule has not been revealed. But the one who has notably raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will represent the all-pink team and its Porsche number 83.
« I love going where I don’t expect to, reaching the unreachable, and discovering what I’m made of, confesses Vanina Ickx. This year, I will be made of iron. This new challenge, realized by Deborah Mayer, is a gift from heaven, even though it won’t be easy to put the helmet back on at nearly 50 years old. I am very curious to discover racing from this new angle and enthusiastic about sharing my experience with younger people », she emphasized.
The young people are also part of the announcement of the Franco-Italian team. This Wednesday, January 8, the structure founded by Deborah Mayer announced that two young talents had joined the adventure. Lisa Billard and Angelina Simons.
The first, among other achievements, was the first girl to win a karting race in the French championship before joining Alpine and its Rac(H)er program. Now focused on the French Formula 4, she hopes to perform well and reach the top part of the standings.
Helping hand in karting
« I am so happy and excited to be part of this great family. I can’t wait to create memories and share unforgettable moments with all these extraordinary women. I am thrilled to join the Iron Dames and to be able to continue my career, which started at the age of 7 with karting, to become a professional driver and show that women are capable of great things in the world of motorsport », reacted the Frenchwoman, now 16 years old.
Finally, the Spaniard Angelina Simons already boasts an impressive track record. After starting karting at the age of seven, she became the vice-champion of the Canary Islands championship two years later. The one who was the vice-champion of Spain at age 12 was selected by the F1 Academy to race in Champions of the Future Academy (Cofta), a series aimed at promoting young women in karting.
« I am very happy to join the Iron Dames and grateful for this opportunity. It’s a dream I have been waiting for a long time and it’s coming true today. I think there’s a moment when you come across a project like Iron Dames and you just want to be strong, follow the path of more experienced drivers and make them smile », said the young girl.
