Of the eleven races held in conjunction with Grands Prix in Adelaide and Melbourne, two of the most memorable were the Calibra all female races of 1993 and 1994.

In Adelaide, netballer Michelle Fielke edged out skier Kirstie Marshall after a race-long dice for the honours in 1993, while another netballer Katherine Harby won out from Tracey Curro and Brenda Webb in the demolition derby that was 1994.

While in Melbourne, polevaulter Emma George fared best, finishing third to macho men Guy Andrews and Ian Baker-Finch in March this year.

Both Adelaide winners will return as thirty starters do battle in Holden Astras on March 6th for the 1997 title of fastest woman in the land.

Although most have competed in Adelaide, it will be the first time any have raced at Albert Park, ensuring an even playing field for all.

Joining Fielke and Harby will be proven hardchargers like Jo Bailey, Deborah Hutton, Nicky Buckley, Tracy Grimshaw, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and newcomers Jennifer Keyte and Jo Beth Taylor.

In keeping with previous events, political correctness will be ensured with the inclusion of a high profile male competitor.

This is under negotiation and will be announced, along with a full celebrity field, in coming weeks.

Again, participants will be finetuned for track action prior to the event by touring car stars Neil Crompton and Brad Jones.

The race will feature Holden's power-packed two litre Astra GSi sports model - a world class engineered small car with double overhead cam, fuel injected engine and close ratio five speed manual transmission - a car that is sure to make its presence felt around the glorious Albert Park circuit.

Astra has been General Motors most popular small car worldwide, and has just been recently released on the Australian market.

The Holden Astra brigade will not be the only cars to sport the familiar lion symbol at Albert Park.

As official vehicle supplier to the Qantas Formula One Australian Grand Prix, Holden has nominated the prestigious award-winning Statesman model as official F1 course car. Race track authorities will also use SS Commodore V8 and Commodore wagon models for circuit duties.