Ashley Taws Mosport race notes

August 17, 2003 (Toronto, Canada): Ashley Taws drove her "Be Anything With Barbie" race car to fourth place yesterday at Mosport International Raceway. The nineteen-year-old racer from Newmarket, Ontario, has now competed in four races since returning to competition in July.

Yesterday's race, round seven of eight in the 2003 Canadian Formula Ford Championship, was an entertaining battle from start to finish with as many as eight cars in the lead pack. Taws started fourth, but was up to third after just a few laps. It didn't last long, however, as veteran racer Didier Schraenen soon slipped past to demote her back to fourth. Taws lost even more ground when she locked her wheels under braking at Mosport's tight corner 5.

The race developed into a fierce battle with a train of cars running nose-to-tail and the order changed a little each time they went around the track. Half-way through the race, Taws's pink Barbie car was back up to fifth. She was challenging four fourth, but, at the same time, had someone behind looking to take her place.

With just a few laps remaining, she climbed to fourth and held the place all the way to the finish.

Taws reported it was a tough and exciting contest: "I didn't have much time to relax. I was always either attacking or being attacked. It was pretty intense."

Taws has now competed in four races since returning to racing after injuries from a road accident kept her sidelined until July. In previous races, she has finished third, fourth and ninth.

There is now a long break in the schedule with the next Canadian Formula Ford Championship event at Mont-Trembant, September 27-28. Until then Taws and her "Be Anything With Barbie" car will be busy with test sessions and public appearances. She will also be moving to London where she will begin marketing studies this fall.

-mj-