SOCIAL media has gone into overdrive about V8 driver David Reynolds’ sexist remark on the Bathurst 1000 all female team at a press conference yesterday, and Illawarra International Women's Day chair Vicki Tiegs said there is evidence of sexism in sport every week.
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However Ms Tiegs doesn’t believe that only one sport is responsible, but was disappointed Reynolds referred to the team as 'the pussy wagon'.
"It’s an archaic way to speak about women and David Reynolds is not providing leadership to those who look up to him by using such language," Ms Tiegs said.
He got a $25,000 fine from V8 Supercars. The same organisation that fills every blank space in its advertising and promotion with boobs and bums in bikinis.
- Richard White Facebook.
Swiss IndyCar driver Simona De Silvestro and Queensland driver Renee Gracie are the first all female team in the series since 1998.
"Women, as well as men, should be able to enter any field they wish to and should not be subject to discrimination because they choose a non-traditional career or hobby based on their gender.’’
Disgruntled people continue to call out the remark on Facebook with one user suggesting that Reynolds made the comment as he feels "a little threatened" by the team.
Reynolds has been fined $25,000 for the remark and there have been a variety of opinions on the punishment. Alison Pritchard said he should be banned for life, while Jan Jakowenko called the fine excessive.
"$25,000 fine for calling the female racing teams car a Pussy Wagon is a harsh penalty, considering that the pansy tennis players and AFL players get fines of around $1500 for their often worse antics or comments," Mr Jakowenko said.
Reynolds and Johnson aren't the only ones coming under fire, Richard White calling out V8 Supercars for what he views as their role in keeping sexism alive.
"He got a $25,000 fine from V8 Supercars. The same organisation that fills every blank space in its advertising and promotion with boobs and bums in bikinis," said Mr White.
"The same organisation that persisted with the hideous misogyny of the XXXX Angels and still have grid loads of Spandex-clad women prancing about and getting sprayed with champagne."
Ms Tiegs said the organisation should be putting in place educational plans for all drivers about what is and isn’t acceptable in relation to behavior and attitudes.
Reynolds’ remark follows controversial comments made by three-time Bathurst champion Dick Johnson, who claimed they were "a million to one" and had no chance of finishing the race.