The Heart and Humour of Circuit Racing
If there’s one thing you’ll remember about Rebecca Armstrong, it’s her incredible knack for storytelling and her unfiltered love for the sport. Rebecca might not have started out as a motorsport enthusiast, but her passion for cars and a “why not?” attitude quickly pulled her into the scene. From her first experience at Targa High Country in 2013, where she was roped into volunteering after a chance encounter with a Scrutineer, to her current role as a Sector Marshall, Rebecca has embraced every twist and turn on her motorsport journey.
Rebecca’s connection to cars runs deep. It started when she was just a toddler, sitting on her dad’s motorbike, and later, learning to steer the car while perched on his lap. Her love wasn’t initially for motorsport itself, but for the machines and the experiences they created. It wasn’t until she moved from Western Australia to Victoria that she discovered volunteering as a way to stay close to the action, without needing the budget to race herself. “I’m poor, lol,” she quips, “so I figured I’d support those who had more money and could do it!”
Her candid humour shines through in everything she does. From flag marshalling to overseeing the safety of the track as a Sector Marshall, Rebecca’s seen it all—from close calls with mud-spraying drivers to the infamous “Hot Dog Round,” where officials flock for the best meal of the weekend. “A soggy sandwich is your thanks for hard work,” she jokes, “but watch us all go nuts for that Sunday hot dog!”
But it’s not all laughs and lighthearted moments. Rebecca’s path hasn’t always been smooth, especially as a mother. She’s faced discrimination and missed opportunities because of the boys’ club mentality that still lingers in motorsport. “I used to be the ‘Golden Girl,’ but once I couldn’t make it to the track ten times a year after having kids, I saw how quickly things changed,” she admits. Despite these setbacks, her love for the sport remains unshaken, and she’s found ways to navigate the challenges with resilience and grace.
Rebecca’s ultimate dream isn’t just about advancing as an official—she’d love to get behind the wheel herself one day. Her heart is set on racing in categories like Improved Production, where she can have fun with her own car, even if it means shedding a few tears if someone bumps it on the track. Until then, she’s content with making a difference trackside, providing crucial communication and safety oversight to ensure races run smoothly.
Her advice to newcomers is as refreshing as her personality: “Don’t be afraid to get out there. Don’t listen to the bullshit. Stay out of politics and remember it’s a hobby. You are meant to enjoy yourself!” It’s this attitude that makes Rebecca such a beloved figure in the motorsport community—a reminder that at the end of the day, it’s about the love of cars, the camaraderie, and the incredible experiences shared along the way.
Rebecca’s journey is a testament to what it means to give your time and passion to a sport you love, even if it means standing on your feet for 15 hours a day without pay. She’s the heart and humour of the circuit, and we’re all the better for having her there.
What’s your why? Whether you’re a racer, behind the camera, on the tools, or the loudest cheerleader, we want to hear your story! Share with us your passion and motivation to inspire others. Submit your story: https://bit.ly/4aYoxO4