Virginija Kėdžiutė drives rallies, slalom races, serves as a soldier in Lithuania and loves make-up and to model. These young, sympathetic bundle of energy told us in an interview about her passion and work in a male world.
WHEEL SISTERS: Hello Virginija, with all what you are up to at the moment it’s a special honour that you could find the time for us, can you introduce yourself?
Virginija: My Name is Virginija Kėdžiutė and I live in the village of Darbenai, near the popular Palanga resort, wich is in Lithuania. I am a Seat Ibiza driver and currently driving in LASF (Lithuanian Automobile Sport Federation)-rallies, and also participate in slalom races of the Lithuania State.
Virginija Kėdžiutė drives slalom and rallys in Lituania with her Seat Ibiza.
Pic: private
Wheel Sisters: Can you describe the motorsport landscape in Lithuania? What are the most popular race disciplines/series? Who are the most popular driver (male and female) in Lithuania?
Virginija: The most popular motorsport in Lithuania is Motocross and asphalt ring motorcycle race. In Lithuania, we have so many high quality Motocross tracks that not all of them can be part of the country’s Championship. The Aleksandria motocross track, which is located in Siauliai will be even part of the European Motocross Championship this year which is a huge rating for the whole country. Most popular driver in Lithuania are male, for example the Gelžinis brothers, Antanas Juknevicius or Benediktas Vanagas. In Motocross I can name Arūnas Gibieža.
Wheel Sisters: You are driving slalom and rally races. How and when were you introduced to motorsport? Please describe your motorsport background.
Virginija: At the time I had no licence to drive a car so I could only watch motorsport spectator. But in 2014 I did the whole driver’s license of the category B, bought a car and started to slalom. That went very well. Then I noticed a rally organised by Lithuania auto sport federation (LASF), I signed up for it and did not regret it.
Wheel Sisters: You are a voluntary soldier, no? Why do you serve in the army? That’s not a popular place for woman. Is there a compulsory military service for woman? What do you like the most in your job as a soldier?
Virginija: Yes , I work at Palanga airport, operations division out in the management and aviation security, wich is the Lithuanian army volunteer forces serve. Our countries military service at this time is not just for men, although as you said it is not very popular among women. I for myself like the Army discipline, because I am really experiencing the exercise with my whole body.
Have you experienced any sexism as a race driver or female soldier?
Virginija: No there was not such case. Both my Army colleagues and my work colleagues strongly support each other.
Virginija serves in the army of Lithuania.
Pic: private
Wheel Sisters: Does your job influence your hobby as a racing driver? (Organizational talent, self-confidence, disciplines)
Virginija: I think the army disciplines me a lot. When I work at the airport, it also gives me self-confidence.
Wheel Sisters: What does motorsport give you personally?
Virginija: Motorsport I replace with daily leisure. There I am meetings with friend who are also interested in motorsport which gives a lot.
Wheel Sisters: What do you feel most proud of achieving on the track?
Virginija: Every time when I see the flag waving at the finish, knowing that I have done everything possible. And then breathe out.
Wheel Sisters: Who is your motorsports hero or role model?
Virginija: I would say I really admire Michael Schumacher.
Wheel Sisters: If you had unlimited cash, what would you do in motorsport?
Virginija: Go to a big rally race as well as open a kid’s kart track. I like children, and I think a lot of them like motorsport with cars, so this could really help them living their dreams.
Virginija is also fast with the ATW.
Pic: private
Wheel Sisters: What is important for anybody who wants to become a driver? What tips do you have for beginners?
Virginija: I follow this rule: Never give up. If young people have dreams with the race sports, do not hesitate!
