Behind The Shutters: Courtney Ward, Ambassador, Mazda MX-5 Owners’ Club

Classic car clubs have a vital role in preserving historic vehicles. Aside from the spares, camaraderie and events, they need to be a welcoming space for all interested parties. The best way to get into older motors is to start young – and Courtney Ward, Mazda MX-5 Owners’ Club ambassador, joined when she was 11. We found out more about her role – and about how she intends to inspire more young women to join the club and follow in her tyre tracks.

Within the MX-5 Owners’ Club, the ambassador’s job is a crucial one – involving getting youngsters on board and making sure they stay members.

Not that young enthusiasts need much convincing of the MX-5’s merits: it’s an affordable cabriolet, and still one of the cheapest routes into rear-wheel drive sports cars. Lancaster Insurance is an official partner of the MX-5 Owners’ Club, and offers car club discounts.

LIS: Congratulations on the ambassadorship, Courtney. Can you tell us what the job entails?

Courtney Ward: “My role entails overseeing younger members in particular on a national scale and promoting all that the club has to offer and how inclusive we are as community. Furthermore, it requires me to represent the club in a number of ways, including being on stands at a variety of different shows.

“Most recently, I was on our stand at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, where we were helping to restore a special edition Mk1 over the course of the weekend.”

LIS: How important is it that young women join the MX-5 Owners Club?

CW: “Ensuring they feel represented and included is paramount. Growing up in the Owners’ Club, I have always felt seen and supported...

“Through promoting what we have to offer and experiences of how everyone is involved, I find it most effective to convey this speaking to people in person.

“It’s a great opportunity being able to represent the club on a national level, so I like to make the most of this by having conversations with girls and women in particular about how they would benefit from becoming a part of our MX-5 family.

“From speaking to a wonderful young lady at various shows over the years, she has become a member, passed her driving test and now has an MX-5 of her own. It’s wonderful so see young people like myself become more and more involved and how the Club supports them.”

“I believe an imperative factor is representation. The prospect of coming into a male dominated community and sport can be quite daunting, particularly regarding the treatment of “car girls” over social media, therefore, if we are already well represented and respected as equal it makes car clubs feel more accessible.

“Many women are forming women’s only car groups, it’s truly amazing to see so many women and girls coming together to do something that they love, but it would be even better to see everyone coming together. I think demonstrating this community spirit and the events we have to offer is crucial.”

LIS: What does the MX-5 mean to you? Why is it so important?

CW: “The MX-5 to myself, and many others. is far more than just a car. Our Mk1 Dakar is a part of the family and has been for over 25 years now. From the way they drive to the way they unite so many of us, they’re a perfect introduction to the car community.

“It’s ideal for any goal as a build; you’re able to experiment with modifications and motorsport, should you want to. The car is a blank canvas. In terms of current price range they’re more accessible to young people, especially if they’re wanting a project, as some are still priced quite affordably.”

LIS: What are your future plans as ambassador?

CW: “My plans as ambassador oscillate around increasing the regularity of what we already have going on and continuing to bring different areas together.

“Already this year, I have organised a meet at Caffeine and Machine which is happening on 11 July and I want to continue doing this, as well as making motorsport experiences more accessible and arranging workshops for specific skills, like detailing.

“Increasing activity across more social media platforms is really important to me, too, as you’re getting more people involved."

“Next month will be the start of the page in our award-winning magazine which documents what’s going on for young people and how some young members have been working on their cars.

“This involves the collaboration of myself and two other younger Area Co-ordinators - Lee Denniss and Adam Gill - who truly deserve commendation for their roles, continuing to increase membership and engagement by successfully carrying out regular runs and meets.
They’re a credit to the club!

“I want to continue building up the club as an accessible and enjoyable place for a younger generation, introducing them to MX-5s. I’m doing this by ensuring we’re represented at a variety of different shows, so there’s something for everybody.”