Clipsal grid girls sad to see their role’s ending, but State Government says the decision is final

CLIPSAL grid girls have expressed their disappointment over plans to axe the popular role at future Adelaide events.

CLIPSAL grid girls are disappointed about plans to axe their jobs at future races but the State Government says it will not change its mind, declaring there is a better use for “taxpayer dollars”.

Past and present grid girls have told The Advertiser they’ve never felt “objectified or sexualised” and their ambassadorial roles have helped many of them into careers beyond the race.

Current grid girl Simone, 24, said the position was far from demeaning and had looked forward to taking part for each of the last five years.

“I’d be really disappointed if they did (discontinue grid girls), I love coming back each year. The amount of security Clipsal have around us, it’s a fun event and one of the best experiences you could ever have,” said the online account manager.

Veteran grid girl Jeska, who has worked at the event for more than 10 years, said she felt comfortable wearing their outfits which had become “much more corporate” over the last five years.

“We’re wearing more clothes than half the people walking around (Rundle) Mall today,” the 32-year-old flight attendant said.

“I’m comfortable in it and I don’t think anyone should be uncomfortable around me.”

It’s a kiss goodbye for Clipsal grid girls. Picture: DEAN MARTIN

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the State Government wouldn’t be swayed and he hoped this year’s V8 Supercars season-opener was the last for grid girls.

“I think it’s not a good spend of taxpayers’ money when we’re putting money in one area of government to help young women (with body image problems) and in another area we’re paying for other young women to dress up in skimpy outfits,” he said this week.

“It’s not a censorship role. If the other companies, Holden, Ford, tyre companies still want to go ahead and do what they do, we’re not stopping them.”

Courtney Semmler, 32, was a grid girl between 2005-2009 and said the experience helped her in her full-time career in the media.

Three-time V8 Supercar champion and six-time Bathurst winner Craig Lowndes is all for grid girls in motorsport.

“The girls walk around promoting the companies. It’s having a bit of entertainment in the sport, as in any sport,” he said.