Motorsport South Africa’s vision is to create equal opportunities and treatment for women participating in all categories of motorsport in South Africa; to encourage new female entrants at all levels; to promote the efforts and achievements of female competitors, and to create a greater awareness of women in motorsport.
MSA’s aim is also to encourage women who may not want to become involved in the competition side, to become officials and administrators in motorsport.
LATEST WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT NEWS
- ROBINSON AIMING FOR PODIUM AS ASTRON ENERGY POLO CUP HEADS HOME TO GQEBERHA
One of South Africa’s top female talents, Tyler Robinson, heads to the Eastern Cape and its Aldo Scribante Racetrack this weekend as Round 4 of the highly anticipated Astron Energy Polo Cup resumes as part of the National Extreme Festival. Tyler, currently ranked 10th in the championship, has been on the comeback trail after experiencing a disappointing opening round in Cape Town due to a terminal incident in the opening race. Determined to gain ground in the championship, Tyler demonstrated her skill and determination with a top-seven finish in Round 2 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. At the following round… Read more: ROBINSON AIMING FOR PODIUM AS ASTRON ENERGY POLO CUP HEADS HOME TO GQEBERHA - NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN SHINES IN CHALLENGING FIRST ROUND OF THE INAUGURAL FIM WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Misano Adriatico, Italy – June 16, 2024 – Nicole van Aswegen delivered a commendable performance in the first round of the Inaugural FIM Women’s World Championship, held at the Misano World Circuit. Despite challenging conditions and several on-track incidents, van Aswegen showcased her resilience and racing acumen over the weekend. Race 1: Saturday Drama and Determination The first race was marred by multiple accidents, reflecting the unfamiliarity many riders had with the track. Nicole started in 14th position and made an early move to 13th on lap 1. However, she briefly slipped back to 14th and subsequently to 15th and… Read more: NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN SHINES IN CHALLENGING FIRST ROUND OF THE INAUGURAL FIM WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - STUART CONVERTS CHALLENGING START TO SOLID ZWARTKOPS FINISH
Round 4 of the 2024 DOE Formula Vee Partnered with CIM Lubricants championship this past weekend (7-8 June) at Zwartkops Raceway saw Chloe Stuart convert her early pace into a good result despite an issue in the first of the day’s two races. The only female competitor in the series and Victron Energy South Africa brand ambassador participated in two of Friday’s latter three practice sessions. Despite the second of these being aborted early due to an incident elsewhere on the circuit, she gained nearly three seconds on her initial pace. The practice day left her confident about Saturday’s business… Read more: STUART CONVERTS CHALLENGING START TO SOLID ZWARTKOPS FINISH - FORMIDABLE PERFORMANCE BY TC RACING DUO AT ZWARTKOPS
The past weekend’s (7-8 June) fourth round of the 2024 DOE Formula Vee Partnered with CIM Lubricants Championship saw Tjaden Tromp and Chloe Stuart head into the midway mark of the season on the back of a strong performance at Zwartkops Raceway. The TC Racing outfit’s results were headed up by Tromp, for whom this was the first outing at the circuit in the series. His extensive experience in testing proved to be an advantage, with his participation in Friday’s practice sessions being limited, with only two sessions, due to academic commitments in the morning. The first of his sessions,… Read more: FORMIDABLE PERFORMANCE BY TC RACING DUO AT ZWARTKOPS - NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN SECURES TOP 8 FINISH IN ITALIAN TEST AHEAD OF FIM WORLDWCR DEBUT
South Africa’s fastest female superbike racer, Nicole van Aswegen, recently demonstrated her exceptional skill and determination during a test session in Italy, securing a remarkable top 8 finish despite having no prior experience on the track. This impressive performance underscores her readiness to compete in the inaugural FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR), set to commence at Misano World Circuit on 14-16 June 2024. The Italian test, held last week, was a pivotal opportunity for Nicole to familiarize herself with the European circuit and the Yamaha R7. Despite the unfamiliar terrain, she showcased her talent by finishing among the… Read more: NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN SECURES TOP 8 FINISH IN ITALIAN TEST AHEAD OF FIM WORLDWCR DEBUT - ROBINSON SHOWS HER METTLE AT UNCOMPROMISING ZWARTKOPS
Round 3 of the 2024 Astron Energy Polo Cup Championship was a coming-of-age performance for the only female driver in the field. Coached by one of South Africa’s best female drivers in recent years, Tasmin Pepper, young Tyler Robinson put in her best season performance so far at the first of two visits to Zwartkops Raceway as part of the Extreme Festival. Despite facing initial challenges in the 2024 season, Tyler’s unwavering determination and relentless work ethic propelled her back into the championship race. Her resilience and hard work culminated in a commendable performance at Round 3, a testament to… Read more: ROBINSON SHOWS HER METTLE AT UNCOMPROMISING ZWARTKOPS - ROBINSON FIRED UP AS ASTRON ENERGY POLO CUP HEADS TO CHALLENGING ZWARTKOPS
After a disappointing start to her 2024 Astron Energy Polo Cup season, Tyler Robinson bounced back in fine style at Round 2 in April to get her championship back on track. This weekend, 17-18 May, she will be racing at her home circuit, Zwartkops Raceway, determined to improve and claw back the points she lost to the leaders. Retirement in the opening race of the Killarney round prevented her from starting Race 2, and she left Cape Town without scoring any championship points. In the second round, however, a gritty performance in both races saw her record a seventh and… Read more: ROBINSON FIRED UP AS ASTRON ENERGY POLO CUP HEADS TO CHALLENGING ZWARTKOPS - TC RACING ON RED STAR PODIUM
This past weekend (10-11 May) saw Tjaden Tromp take a podium in the third round of the DEO Formula Vee Partnered by CIM Lubricants Championship, held at Red Star Raceway, while Chloe Stuart’s weekend culminated with significant single-lap pace improvement prior to an engine failure. Throughout Friday’s practice sessions, the duo made significant improvements, which left them confident ahead of their first race day in the series at the circuit. In Saturday morning’s qualifying session, Tromp secured eighth place on the grid, with Stuart in 10th place, directly behind him in the formation. In Race 1, Tromp jostled for position… Read more: TC RACING ON RED STAR PODIUM - STUART POSITIVE ABOUT PACE DESPITE ENGINE FAILURE AT RED STAR
Chloe Stuart consistently improved her single-lap pace this past weekend (10-11 May) in Round 3 of the 2024 DOE Formula Vee Partnered with CIM Lubricants Championship held at Red Star Raceway. Friday’s practice sessions resulted in a four-second gain, leaving the female Victron Energy South Africa brand ambassador eager for the business end of the weekend, which started with Qualifying on Saturday morning. In this session, she recorded 10th place on the Race 1 grid. Stuart looked competitive in the day’s first race, setting her best time of 2:11.563 on the penultimate lap, nearly 5.5 seconds better than 24 hours… Read more: STUART POSITIVE ABOUT PACE DESPITE ENGINE FAILURE AT RED STAR - STUART EAGER FOR RED STAR SUCCESS
Chloe Stuart anticipates a strong performance in this coming weekend’s (10-11 May) DOE Formula Vee Partnered with CIM Lubricants third round of the 2024 Championship, to be held at Red Star Raceway. The youngest female driver on the grid and Victron Energy South Africa brand ambassador showed good pace in this year’s first two rounds. While mechanical issues influenced Round 2’s results, she is confident the coming weekend will see her deliver an even stronger performance.” “Each time we go onto the circuit, we feel better prepared for the next race.” Says Stuart. “While we realise that miracles will happen… Read more: STUART EAGER FOR RED STAR SUCCESS - STUART RIDES OUT KYALAMI CHALLENGES
Chloe Stuart’s maiden outing at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit this weekend (11-13 April) did come with its fair share of challenges in the second round of the 2024 DOE Formula Vee Partnered by CIM Lubricants championship, but allowed her to showcase her never-say-die approach towards her goals of motorsport success. The 14-year-old Stuart, the youngest female driver in the category’s history, showed steady improvements throughout Thursday and Friday’s practice sessions despite minor mechanical issues early in the weekend. Starting the weekend’s first of two races from 18th on the grid, she made a solid start, but the race was soon… Read more: STUART RIDES OUT KYALAMI CHALLENGES - TYLER ROBINSON SHOWS DETERMINATION AT FIERCE KYALAMI POLO CUP ROUND
The Astron Energy Polo Cup Championship roared into action at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg, delivering a spectacle of speed, skill, and fierce competition. Among the contenders, Tyler Robinson stood out not only as the sole female competitor but also as a symbol of perseverance and determination. Entering her second visit to the historic circuit, Robinson, representing AF Fans, faced formidable competition in a field of 20 cars. Qualifying on Friday saw her secure the seventh position, setting the stage for an intense weekend of racing. Saturday’s opening race proved to be challenging, with Robinson battling hard… Read more: TYLER ROBINSON SHOWS DETERMINATION AT FIERCE KYALAMI POLO CUP ROUND - ROBINSON POLO CUP CAMPAIGN DEALT BLOW AFTER OPENING RACE RETIREMENT
Tyler Robinson experienced a stroke of misfortune during the opening round of the 2024 Astron Energy Polo Cup Championship in Cape Town over the weekend. Although she demonstrated impressive speed and skill during the qualification session on Friday, where she secured fourth place, her championship bid suffered a hefty blow as things turned for the worse on Saturday. During Race 1, Tyler had an accident, which caused her car to be stranded in the kitty litter of Killarney International Raceway’s Turn 1. Suffering severe damage to the car, she could not continue, and the car was retired from the race… Read more: ROBINSON POLO CUP CAMPAIGN DEALT BLOW AFTER OPENING RACE RETIREMENT - ROBINSON PREPPED FOR CAPE CUP CHALLENGE
Tyler Robinson, an emerging talent in motorsports and a strong advocate for women in the sport is all set to participate in the upcoming season of the Astron Energy Polo Cup Championship. This will be her second season in the championship, where she debuted in 2023. The championship is part of the popular National Extreme Festival tour and is scheduled to kick off this weekend amidst an enthusiastic Cape crowd. No longer a rookie, Tyler is looking forward to a solid outing in Cape Town, hoping to kickstart her 2024 championship bid. After racing karts, both locally and internationally, the… Read more: ROBINSON PREPPED FOR CAPE CUP CHALLENGE - ROBINSON CLAIMS TOP FIVE FINISH AS NATIONAL PREPARATION CONCLUDES IN REGIONAL VW CHALLENGE
Former FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars finalist Tyler Robinson competed in her first event of 2024 after placing in the top five of her class as part of the PABAR VW Challenge this past weekend. Tyler, no stranger to the Zwartkops Raceway, entered herself into the regional tin-top championship in preparation for her second national saloon car season. No longer a rookie in 2024, Tyler will again compete in the Astron Energy-sponsored Volkswagen Polo Cup Championship. Friday’s practice sessions were focused on finding a balanced setup around the twisty Pretoria circuit ahead of the all-important qualifying on Saturday… Read more: ROBINSON CLAIMS TOP FIVE FINISH AS NATIONAL PREPARATION CONCLUDES IN REGIONAL VW CHALLENGE - VICTRON ENERGY BRAND AMBASSADOR TAKES EARLY POINTS LEAD AT ZWARTKOPS RACEWAY.
Victron Energy South Africa’s Blue Power Active brand ambassadors had a successful weekend (March 1-2) at Zwartkops Raceway. While the initial entry list included four entrants, the start of the programme saw two drivers compete in the second round of the BMW ///M Performance Parts Race Series and one debutant in the DOE Formula Vee, partnered by CIM Lubricants, season opener. While the weekend started with Official Practice on Friday, the TC Racing outfit, consisting of Tjaden Tromp and Chloe Stuart, made headlines earlier in the week following the announcement to move to the DOE Formula Vee, partnered by CIM… Read more: VICTRON ENERGY BRAND AMBASSADOR TAKES EARLY POINTS LEAD AT ZWARTKOPS RACEWAY. - FLAWLESS STUART HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGING OFF-TRACK TC RACING ZWARTKOPS DEBUT
This past weekend’s (1-2 March) season opener saw Chloe Stuart rise to the DOE Formula Vee, partnered by CIM Lubricants, debut challenge at Zwartkops Raceway; however, teammate Tjaden Tromp could not compete. Both drivers participated in various unofficial tests and practice in the past week, but the start of the official race weekend saw Tromp not being allowed to participate in any sessions. Simplified, the reason relates to his age. While both drivers are currently 14, Stuart’s 15th birthday will occur within the first 16 months of 2024, while Tromp’s birthday is in the latter half. Despite the fact that… Read more: FLAWLESS STUART HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGING OFF-TRACK TC RACING ZWARTKOPS DEBUT - TYLER ROBINSON GEARS UP FOR 2024 MOTORSPORT SEASON
The upcoming weekend marks the start of Tyler Robinson’s 2024 motorsport season, wherein she is set to participate in the PABAR VW Challenge opening round at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria. This event is of immense significance to Robinson as it sets the tone for her season and will help her gauge her performance against other accomplished racers. Tyler will compete in Class B and face 15 other skilled drivers on the tight, twisty Zwartkops circuit. A seasoned competitor with ample experience in various racing categories, the Gauteng teenager will focus most of her attention on her national VW Polo Cup… Read more: TYLER ROBINSON GEARS UP FOR 2024 MOTORSPORT SEASON - FEMALE SOUTH AFRICAN TO JOIN GLOBAL RESEARCH TEAM TO TACKLE ONLINE ABUSE IN SPORT
In another proud moment for South African motorsport, Roshni Gajjar from Gqeberha, has been announced as one of the first four recipients of the prestigious Global Research Scholarship, awarded by the FIA in support of its United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign. The four scholars selected will carry out Masters by Research Programmes at Dublin College University with full funding from the FIA Foundation. Their work will help to improve understanding of online abuse against athletes and officials, providing a strong basis for the UAOA coalition’s ongoing efforts to drive behavioural and regulatory change. Gajjar will join Ana Rodriguez Armendariz… Read more: FEMALE SOUTH AFRICAN TO JOIN GLOBAL RESEARCH TEAM TO TACKLE ONLINE ABUSE IN SPORT - SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORCYCLE RACER NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN TO COMPETE IN THE FIM WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Nicole van Aswegen, a South African motorcycle racer, has been selected to race in the inaugural FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship, which will start in June 2024. Van Aswegen, who goes by the nickname “Nix21”, is one of the most accomplished female riders in South Africa, having won the South African Female 600cc Championship in 2010 and becoming the first ever woman to compete in a National Superbike Race in South Africa. The FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship is a new project announced by the FIM and Dorna Sports in April 2023, with the aim of creating a platform for… Read more: SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORCYCLE RACER NICOLE VAN ASWEGEN TO COMPETE IN THE FIM WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - OUTLINING MOTORSPORT’S GENDER GAP
For many years, there has been a noteworthy gender gap in motorsport, where the involvement of women and girls at all levels is dishearteningly low. A 2023 report published by More than Equal (MTE), Inside Track: Exploring the gender gap in motorsport, assessed on 20 December 2023, https://www.femalesinmotorsport.com/post/get-the-inside-track-on-more-than-equal-s-game-changing-report outlined the findings from their Global Attitude Survey which indicated that female participation only accounts for 10% across all competition categories worldwide. This lack of gender balance in motorsport has been a cause for concern for several years. Participation Statistics According to research, there had been a slight increase in female drivers… Read more: OUTLINING MOTORSPORT’S GENDER GAP - PUCK KLAASSEN’S DAKAR CLASSIC JOURNEY: TRANSITIONING WHEELS AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Young South African woman racing the Dakar Classic with her father The Dakar Classic is in its third stage and has thoroughly tested the skills and endurance of its participants thus far. Young Stellenbosch driver Puck Klaassen is transitioning from motocross to four wheels through this event and has faced the challenges of the past three days with a smile! Puck is racing in Saudi Arabia alongside her dad, Sebastiaan, who acts as her navigator. For both the 21-year-old and her father, it has been quite a journey – even just getting to the start line. The allure of rally… Read more: PUCK KLAASSEN’S DAKAR CLASSIC JOURNEY: TRANSITIONING WHEELS AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES - TYLER CONCLUDES 2023 WITH DOUBLE KYALAMI PODIUM
While many South Africans celebrated the Day of Reconciliation public holiday, young Tyler Robinson celebrated two podiums at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, finishing third in class in both races held separately over Friday and Saturday. Forming part of the final South African Endurance Series (SAES) round, a grid of over thirty VW Polos made up of competitors from the CompCare Polo Cup and Pabar VW Challenge took to the iconic South African circuit for the final time in 2023. Tyler, competing in her AF Fans-backed Universal Racing Team Red Polo Cup race car, showed strong form throughout, ranking consistently… Read more: TYLER CONCLUDES 2023 WITH DOUBLE KYALAMI PODIUM - TYLER SET FOR KYALAMI VW CHALLENGE
The iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit will buzz with noise again this weekend (15-16 December) as it hosts the South African Endurance Series (SAES): Nine Hours of Kyalami event. Tyler Robinson, competing in her Universal Racing Polo Cup race car, will be part of a Volkswagen field of over 30 Polos, forming part of several support categories to the SAES spectacle. Robinson, who made her Polo Cup debut at the same circuit earlier this season, has gained much experience and is expected to be a podium contender in her class. Like most racers, Tyler started in karting, where she quickly… Read more: TYLER SET FOR KYALAMI VW CHALLENGE - INAUGURAL FIM WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO KICK OFF IN 2024
The excitement is building for the inaugural FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship, slated to commence in 2024. This ground-breaking event promises to be a thrilling addition to the world of motorcycling, featuring women riders competing on a global stage. Key details about the new series were revealed in a press conference held during the Prometeon Spanish Round at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto with FIM President Jorge Viegas, FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission Director Janika Judeika, WorldSBK Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla and Yamaha Motor Europe President and CEO Eric de Seynes. Also in attendance was 2023 Women’s European… Read more: INAUGURAL FIM WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO KICK OFF IN 2024 - SHERRILL JOYCE CASTLEY (23 JANUARY 1944 – 02 SEPTEMBER 2023)
Sherrill Joyce Castley will long be remembered as a lady who truly lived her life to the fullest. A loving wife to Allen Castley and mother to Mandy she leaves a granddaughter named Lauren and her sisters Trisha and Ronelle.Sherrill was the in-house model for Foschini early in her career and instrumental in creating the Miss Killarney competitions of the early 80’s with Elaine Kriel. She tried her hand at Killarney Karting and then teamed up with her close friend Elaine Kriel as a navigator in rallying for a number of events. Jan Kriel made his Malta Bridge Service Station… Read more: SHERRILL JOYCE CASTLEY (23 JANUARY 1944 – 02 SEPTEMBER 2023) - THERE’S NO GETTING TAYA OFF TRACK
“That feeling of racing around the track so low to the ground is the most exhilarating feeling in the world.” This is from the mouth of 17-year-old karting enthusiast Taya van der Laan, who was hooked on this exciting motorsport just five minutes into her first visit to a karting track. Her brother was barely five years old in 2017 when the family went to watch him try out karting for the first time. Taya recalls standing on the side lines mesmerised by the other kids taking practice laps. “We had been there for five minutes and my heart was… Read more: THERE’S NO GETTING TAYA OFF TRACK - EMPOWERING WOMAN IN MOTORSPORT
Matric Student from Daniel Technical High School that is based in Kariega (Uitenhage) Ashely Pape took another step forward when Timekeeping the National Championship event for SA GT & South Africa Endurance Series for cars held at the Aldo Scribante Raceway on the 5th August 2023. Ashely has been in training at Club & Regional events and was given the opportunity to work at a National Championship event. Motorsport South Africa’s (MSA) Chairman of the Events Safety & Technical Panel, Sparky Bright had the following to say: “Ashley Pape has excelled at the task as a timekeeper of the past… Read more: EMPOWERING WOMAN IN MOTORSPORT - SOUTH AFRICAN MOTOCROSS WOMEN SET TO SHINE AT 2023 FIM AFRICA MOTOCROSS OF AFRICAN NATIONS
This month, South Africa is hosting the prestigious FIM AFRICA Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) at Zone 7 Speedspot in Cape Town from 11th – 13th August. Not only have thirty-six (36) of the finest Motocross riders in South Africa been selected to compete at this year’s event against the best riders from countries across Africa, but for the first time in history the SA team has a female Team Captain in Kayla Raaff and a female team manager, Monja Conradie. “What better way to celebrate Women’s Month this August than with such a strong Women’s contingent in this exciting… Read more: SOUTH AFRICAN MOTOCROSS WOMEN SET TO SHINE AT 2023 FIM AFRICA MOTOCROSS OF AFRICAN NATIONS - FEMALE SUPERBIKE DUO PAVING THE WAY FOR MORE WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT
South Africa’s only female superbike racing duo has established a non-profit company called Basadi in Motorsport with the aim of making a lot of noise about motorsport to a female audience. The directors are Morongoa (Mo) Mahope, aka “Mo83”, and Nicole van Aswegen, aka “Nix21”. Mo only learnt how to ride a bike at the age of 30 but the bug soon bit and she became the 1st black female superbike racer in South Africa in 2016. In 2016 she was also appointed a brand ambassador for Motorsport South Africa and then later also for Ducati South Africa and most… Read more: FEMALE SUPERBIKE DUO PAVING THE WAY FOR MORE WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT - VICTRON ENERGY POWERS MOTORSPORT DRIVERS TO SUCCESS
Victron Energy was again represented this past weekend through its BLUE POWER ACTIVE ambassadors at various motorsport events. Kyle Lawrence competed in the third regional round of the Northern Regions Kart Championships, while Chloe Stuart participated in Round 2 of Formula Monoposto as part of the Historic Tour. Lawrence, who has returned to competitive karting this season, was in sublime form claiming two wins and a further podium to claim the DD2 Masters win on the day. His performance was enough to finish within the top four of the combined results, which saw the lighter and faster DD2 class race… Read more: VICTRON ENERGY POWERS MOTORSPORT DRIVERS TO SUCCESS - MOTORSPORT ENABLING TEEN TO LIVE BEYOND HER DISABILITIES – HEROES DON’T ALWAYS WEAR CAPES
Most youngsters at 15 years of age are excitedly edging towards a learner’s driving licence – one step closer to the real thing at 18, and a world of perceived freedom in their own wheels. For 15-year old Taylor Hill however her biggest love and passion is karting and she isn’t letting anything stand in her way. Taylor was born with a genetic condition, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder (CMT), a degenerative hereditary nerve disease that usually appears in adolescence or early adulthood. Her love for motorsport was nurtured by her father Leon, and many weekends were spent on kart tracks with her… Read more: MOTORSPORT ENABLING TEEN TO LIVE BEYOND HER DISABILITIES – HEROES DON’T ALWAYS WEAR CAPES - TOYOTA GAZOO RACING JUNIOR ACADEMY PREPPED AND READY FOR 2023 NATIONAL CHALLENGE
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) team is well-prepared for its second season of national competition, with the opening round of the MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge set to commence on 3-4 March at the Idube Raceway, Camperdown, KwaZulu-Natal. For the new season, the team’s challenge will be spearheaded by essentially the same successful line-up, with a few changing classes and the addition of a new driver. Reagile Mailula remains in the Mini-MAX class, where he finished in ninth place in 2022. However, he made steady progress throughout the season, and 2023 could see him challenge for the… Read more: TOYOTA GAZOO RACING JUNIOR ACADEMY PREPPED AND READY FOR 2023 NATIONAL CHALLENGE