When it comes to motorsport, there’s more than one way to be involved, and Shannon-Lee “Shanna” Smallpage has found her niche as a dedicated volunteer official. Specialising in scrutiny – the vital task of ensuring cars meet the stringent safety and compliance regulations – Shannon-Lee is a vital part of the racing world, but her journey to the job was anything but conventional.
Growing up, Shannon-Lee was no stranger to the roar of engines and the smell of petrol. With a family deeply entrenched in car culture, it was inevitable that she’d develop a love for motorsport. But it was through her involvement in local clubs that she discovered the world of scrutiny, eventually leading her to take on the official role she’s now known for.
While some dream of being behind the wheel, Shannon-Lee finds her excitement in working with the cars from the other side of the pit. “I love getting to chat with the teams and, honestly, manhandling all the cars,” she says with a grin. There’s a certain thrill that comes with ensuring everything is running smoothly and safely behind the scenes – and Shannon-Lee has earned the respect of her peers for her dedication to the job.
Though Holden runs in her veins, Shannon-Lee has a special place in her heart for her JDM cars, especially her beloved twin-turbo. “I’ve always had a soft spot for the JDM scene,” she says, reflecting on her diverse automotive passion. “Even though Holden is where it all started, there’s just something about the performance and style of those cars that excites me.”
Like many motorsport enthusiasts, Shannon-Lee harbours a dream – and it’s one that almost every fan shares: the chance to drive the safety car. “I’d love to drive the safety car, like everyone else,” she laughs, acknowledging the universal appeal of the role. But even if she never gets behind the wheel of a safety car, her love for the sport shines through in everything she does.
As a scrutiny volunteer, Shannon-Lee is tasked with checking that cars comply with all necessary regulations. It’s a role that requires a sharp eye and a commitment to staying up to date with ever-evolving rules and standards. She attends regular “scrutiny school” to ensure she’s always on top of her game, proving that in motorsport, continuous learning is just as important as hands-on experience.
Over the years, Shannon-Lee has had her fair share of memorable experiences – and a few heart-racing moments to match. One of her best memories came when she was faced with an F1 car rolling towards the lane. Without hesitation, she leapt into action, stopping the car just in time. But it’s not all smooth sailing in the pit lane. A close encounter with Valtteri Bottas’ roaring car had Shannon-Lee jumping sky-high as it came barreling into the lane. “It was terrifying,” she admits, “but it’s all part of the job.”
Of course, it’s not just the action on the track that makes motorsport so exciting. One of Shannon-Lee’s most embarrassing moments happened off the track, when she found herself bolting for the bathroom – only to come face to face with Formula 1 legend Rubens Barrichello. “I nearly knocked him over in my haste,” she recalls, laughing. It’s just one of those moments that adds to the charm of life in the fast lane.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Shannon-Lee offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Just go to an event and give it a go. There’s heaps of different roles you can do. And don’t let the boys tell you what girls can and can’t do – girls can play cars too!”
Outside of her official role, Shannon-Lee is a loyal supporter of the Holden Racing Team and its legendary driver, Peter Brock. “As a child, my father loved Holdens, and my cousin idolised Peter Brock,” she shares. Her love for motorsport runs deep, and her wardrobe reflects it – her favourite piece of merchandise? Her RIC3 (Daniel Ricciardo) T-shirt, of course.
Shannon-Lee’s journey in motorsport is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. While she may not be in the driver’s seat, she’s made a name for herself as an indispensable part of the motorsport community – and with a heart full of stories and a love for the sport, she’s just getting started.
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