From a career in the military to performing driving stunts in a supercar on set with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Alix Capper Murdoch Atkinson is a woman passionate about motorsports and female empowerment.
Proving herself in an industry dominated by men, her gender has nothing to do with her success but she uses it to her advantage to give back to society by providing a safe platform for women to ask questions about the automotive industry and driving, enabling women to be more confident when it comes to driving in general.
She’s a motor racing instructor, a Formula 1 commentator, and stunt driver who will soon be running her very own “women’s only” driving course in the UAE. AboutHer.com caught up with the extreme sports professional to find out exactly where she sees the future of Saudi women in motorsports, what inspires her and what it takes to be a champion.
How did you get into the world of racing – what piqued your interest?
As a young girl I was mesmerized by military aircraft and joined the Royal Air Force in 1994. After 5 thoroughly enjoyable years, I went to study broadcasting and got a job as the female pit-lane commentator at a small circuit in Scotland. I was already into cars and would take my motorcycle to the track at the weekends which is how I found out about the job. The rest (as they say) is history!
What does it take to be a professional racer?
There are very few professional racing drivers in the world. To be classed as professional, you have to be paid and even the Formula 1 drivers generally spend their first year without a wage from the team. If the question is, "What does it take to be a champion?' The answer is determination, passion, commitment, natural talent and money. Lots of money.
You partake in what can be known as an extreme sport, with being a female stunt driver, what has been the craziest driving stunt you’ve ever done?
There have been many however, one that will stick out in my mind is a music video for American rap artist, Kanye West. We had new fewer than 17 supercars and we were being chased through the streets by police cars (and not any old police cars, they were Porsche's) and a police helicopter. It was a night shoot and the atmosphere was incredible. Kim Kardashian was there too.
For those of us who can’t drive above 60 mph without risking a speeding ticket, can you describe the feeling you get being in control of a car that travels at speeds we can’t even imagine?
I love speed but I genuinely don't speed on the roads. It’s not about going fast in a straight line, it's the corner speeds that get you and the late braking into a corner. If you do it right and stay smooth, you'll feel like you are gliding. It's like a rollercoaster where you have control of the carriage.
Who are the women that inspire you and why?
I am inspired by women who are good leaders, women who fight for their country, those who do good for others and those who care about the community. Most of the women I look up to are friends or acquaintances because women who make a difference without being famous are the true inspirations in my eyes. My young cousin who cared for her boyfriend as he fell terminally ill and died in his 20's. The women who go to great lengths to re-home stray animals and my female colleagues in the military who go to war to defend our human rights in the world.
Along with being a motor racing instructor, you are an F1 commentator, in an industry that is dominated by men, have you had to experience any gender bias within the sport and if so, how do you combat that?
I always get asked this question and most people are pleasantly surprised by the answer. From starting out in the military and then moving into motorsport, I have found there is a lot of support and respect as soon as you prove yourself in the job you do. That is regardless of gender. Of course there are often the 'men’s' conversations that happen when you are the only woman but I have grown used to it. The boys often say 'it's ok, its Alix. She's just like one of the boys!"
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Creating Miss Auto Know because the whole concept is to offer women a safe place to ask questions about the automotive industry. A lot of women feel uncomfortable asking advice about buying a new car or how to operate a new safety feature on a car so this way I feel like I am sharing my knowledge and giving something back to society.
Why do you think there are not more women involved in professional racing? Is it a lack of opportunity or interest?
It is partly down to perceptions and partly down to physical and mental abilities. There are a lot more men who play football, cricket and rugby just like there are more girls who do ballet, figure skating or gymnastics. A phycologist once told me that apart from the physical strength needed to endure 60 laps of high G-force over nearly two hours, women also lack the fight element in fight or flight and would be more prone to think of the consequences of their actions, especially prevalent in motorsport.
Do you hope to see Saudi women eventually partaking in motorsports?
I think this is something we will see almost straight away.
What 3 driving tips do you have for new, first-time female drivers in Saudi Arabia?
Choose the right vehicle for you. Attend a safe driving course where you can learn tips and tricks to help along the way and, wear a seatbelt.
What empowers you and how do you use your position as a female race car driver to empower other women?
Next month I will be partnering with Dubai Autodrome to launch a regular 'women only' driving course to teach other women loads of tips and tricks for a comfortable and enjoyable drive from learning how to easily spot which side your fuel filler cap is on to how to stop people cutting you up or driving too close. I'll also be giving women the chance to test the features on their car, find out how they function and discuss the benefits for you and your whole family.
