EN VOITURE SIMONE - SIMONE DES FOREST LA PASSION D'UNE VIE
En voiture Simone, la passion d'une vie is a tribute to Simone des Forest, a little-known but extraordinary figure in the history of French motoring. Simone des Forest, born in 1910, was one of the first women in France to obtain a driver's licence in 1929, at a time when women's rights were still very limited.
The author tells how she discovered this inspirational figure during a trip in 2019, when a familiar expression, ‘En voiture Simone!’, led her to discover who this Simone really was. Through her research, Virginie Forest sheds light on the extraordinary life of Simone des Forest, a passionate racing driver who challenged the gender rules and social conventions of her time.
Not only was she a pioneer of women's motor racing, she also went down in history for her determination to break down the barriers imposed on women in the 1930s and beyond. Despite an environment in which women were largely excluded from motor sports, she succeeded in making her mark and being appreciated for her skill and courage on the track, as shown by her several records, some still valid today.
As a first step, the author revived Simone des Forest's legacy through an exhibition at the Gannat Museum in 2024. This exhibition was an opportunity to reveal to a wider public the fascinating story of this daring woman, as well as her often forgotten contribution to the history of motor sport.
Simone des Forest perfectly embodies the adage "Il (elle) ne savait pas que c'était impossible alors il (elle) l'a fait", attributed to Marcel Pagnol. She is a timeless source of inspiration for all those who aspire to realise their dreams despite obstacles.
Her story reminds us that the road to recognition and equal opportunities for women was traced by pioneers like her, determined to pursue their passions and challenge the social assumptions of their time.
This book is not only a compelling biographical account, but also an invitation to preserve and celebrate the memory of often forgotten pioneers like Simone des Forests, whose courage and determination should continue to inspire entire generations.
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