The Palestinian Speed Sisters are racing to stardom

Betty Saadeh is one of many female motor racers climbing the ranks on the race tracks. Her team, the Speed Sisters, is the first female team competing in the Middle East.

Saadeh’s team is advancing and pushing boundaries in the Arab circuits as an all-female motor-racing team, competing alongside male opponents in the races held in Ramallah and areas in the West Bank.

The team consists of both Muslim and Christian Palestinian women between the ages of 18 and 39.

"Driving doesn’t differentiate between male and female; it’s a car and you drive it as you please. The car doesn’t know if the driver is female or male,'' said Saadeh.

Participants say that although male and female drivers compete on an equal basis in West Bank races, the men tend to have more expenses, personalized cars and as a result perform better; however, this has not stopped the Speed Sisters from their pursuit and moving forward.

"We are the first female race team in Middle East. International media has interest in a female team, how Palestinian females are racing in this male sport,'' said Saadeh.

The crowds who come out to watch the races cheer and supports the women and their dedication to compete against their male counterparts in the male-dominated sport.

"I am ready to compete. I am optimistic I will reach a high level," Saadeh said.

The British consulate in east Jerusalem sponsors the Speed Sisters and invests in their training, equipment and the modification of their vehicles.