Susie Stoddart Remains On Track With Help From BT Wholesale

September 8, 2003 - BT Wholesale is working with Susie Stoddart, the world’s top female racing driver, to promote the benefits of broadband usage to women.

Susie, a broadband user herself, is currently riding high in Britain’s Formula Renault Championship lying eight out of thirty drivers and is on course to challenge for a place at the top of the table. In her last outings, Susie has finished seventh, fourth and third - the first woman to claim a podium position in single seater UK motor racing since 1993.

Susie is living her dream of becoming the first woman to mount a serious challenge for the Formula One World Championship – an ambition that is very much on course. Next year, Susie will be a Title Contender for the Formula Renault Championship with winning team Motaworld in their number one seat.

Susie is the most exciting female prospect to emerge in British motor racing for many years, and BT Wholesale is delighted to be supporting her development. As an intelligent, youthful, and focused woman working with speed and competitive edge, Susie’s progress serves as an example to everyone that preconceptions and gender stereotypes have little relevance when confronted with honed talent.

Philippa Winterburn, head of broadband marketing, BT Wholesale, said, “Susie has really broken new ground with her achievements this year, and we’re so proud of her. As an organization, BT Wholesale just doesn’t accept limitations on an individual’s ability to pursue their dreams, and as such Susie symbolizes what can be achieved with the power of broadband. Broadband, like racing, is often seen as a guy-thing. Female internet innovators feature about as much in the public’s imagination as female racing drivers. But Susie is our very own Lara Croft, breaking down those barriers and proving that the stereotype isn’t true. She’s a great role model to us all.”

Susie herself said, “I’m really happy to be supported by BT Wholesale. I use broadband technology and it has enabled me to communicate with racing fans all over the world. Its always-on technology makes it easy for me to have web-room chats with my fans, and its high speed connection allows me to place some great images and footage on my website. With broadband behind me, am sure that I will go from strength to strength.”

Susie’s next Formula Renault challenge comes at Oulton Park, where she is racing on 20 and 21 September. She also will be a guest at the National Final of the Broadband Britain Challenge, a nationwide contest that has sought to seek out Britain’s most innovative users of broadband technology.