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Ashley has retired from racing. Presiously,
however, she drove in Formula 1200 and Formula 1600
in the USA and Canada. 2004 Honda Michelin
Challenge Series (May). 2002 Ashley Taws, Canadian
Formula Ford Championship
Comments from Ashley:
"I have to admit I have had a lot of unique
experiences in my life. Have you ever been a guest
speaker infront of 1600 people?, done radio and
television interviews, or talked to Paul Tracey,
Alex Tagliani or the President of Walmart Canada. I
also raised $5000 for Walmarts Adopt-A-School
Program.
"I grew up in a small town called Mt.Albert and
moved 20 minutes to Newmarket 3 years ago. I
started racing go-karts from 9-15 years old winning
2 Canadian Grand National Championships. From
2000-2004 I was a professional race car driver
sponsored by Barbie, Mattel Canada. My most
memorable moment was qualifying pole at the Molson
Indy in Toronto. Two years ago I was involved in a
bad car accident on the road as a passenger. I had
a broken back, crushed aeorta, broken rib, nerve
damage in both knees and internal injuries. I am
lucky to be alive and recover in 6 months. I
continued racing one more season and decided to
quit this past summer because I wasn't ever the
same in a race car.
"I did 1 year of business/marketing at Fanshawe
College in London last year and transferred to
Seneca College. I enjoy beach volleyball, ice
racing, indoor go-karting, four wheeling on trails,
spending time with friends, camping and travelling.
I have one younger brother, and my boyfriend's name
is Derek. I am a huge animal lover and have four
short haired german pointer dogs. Last summer I
went White Water Rafting on the Ottawa River. I
didn't fall out, but puked 3 times while going over
the rapids. It was a blast! My favorite T.V shows
are The Simpsons, Friends, Futurama, That 70's
Show, The Family Guy and The Apprentice."
With Ashley now retired from competitive racing,
her website will follow suit in the near future.
AshleyTaws.com was deactivated in mid August,
2005.
Ashley and everyone associated with her racing
career wishes to thank each and every person who
has lent their support, especially following the
terrible road accident that led to the premature
ending of Ashley's career.
20 years old; Toronto, Ontario
Ashley Taws was first introduced to the world of
racing at the age of nine, when her father Pete
brought home a kart intended for her brother Doug.
Not wanting to leave Ashley behind they shared the
kart alternating weekends, racing at the Toronto
Kart Club.
But it was the daughter, not the son who
discovered the passion for speed. In her first
year, Ashley placed seventh despite having to share
the kart every other weekend. The next year, Ashley
had her own kart placing second at the end of the
season.
By the age of twelve Ashley was named Rookie of
the Year when she placed second in the Toronto Kart
Club’s Junior Championship and third in the
Ontario Trillium Series. She finished the year with
a Canadian Grand National Championship.
In 1998 Ashley graduated to the faster more
powerful two-cycle engine to compete in three
classes at the Canadian Grand Nationals, claiming
the championship in Formula 100 Junior. When she
was sixteen, Ashley made her debut racing the
Maximum Benefit/Norbram Group/Big Sisters Formula
1200 car. Winning two races and scoring a total of
five top-three finishes, she was awarded with the
Muriel B. Knap Trophy (for “sportsmanship,
ability and sparkle”) and the BARC Bob Attrell
Award (for “best new driver”).
Ashley continued in the Formula 1200 competition
in 2001 racing the “Be Anything With
Barbie”.
She became synonymous with this eye-catching hot
pink car. Finishing second in the standings, she
captured the Muriel B. Knap Trophy for a second
time.
In December 2002, Ashley was in a serious
off-track accident that left her with a broken
back. With her racing career in jeopardy, Ashley
went through intense physiotherapy coupled with
great determination and returned to competition in
the 2003 season in the Formula Ford Championships.
Missing the first three races of the season, she
finished a remarkable seventh in the standings.
Ashley is currently attending Fanshawe College,
majoring in marketing. She competed in the
Honda/Michelin series in Mosport in 2004 but plans
to be back in open-wheel racing, her first love,
next season.
Ashley Taw’s web site was at www.ashleytaws.com
It closed in August of 2005, following her
retirement from racing.
Related Issue:
Women
Racers
Directory,
Women
in Racing,
Women
Racers,
More
Women in
Racing,
Race
Schedules,
Notable
Women
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