American Liz Halliday has made a name for herself as one of her country's most talented female racers. She has also proven to be one of America's most versatile athletes for the Californian could be part of the US team who will be vying for Olympic medals in Hong Kong in 2008 in the equestrian events. The 26-year-old is just one of two female drivers competing in the China round of the FIA GT Championships in Zhuhai today - the other is Vanina Ickx, daughter of former F1 driver, Jacky Ickx. 'In America I am better known as a driver. It will be hard trying to make the 2008 [equestrian] Olympics team, but I have competed recently at the top level [in Europe] and hopefully I will make it to Hong Kong,' said Halliday. 'Just recently I took part in the selection trials for the World Games in Germany [next year]. I don't expect to be selected but I have met all the selectors and they know me and they will be looking out for me now,' she said. Halliday said she planned to visit the SAR even if she failed to make the final cut. 'I think it should be a very exciting location for the equestrian competition,' said Halliday, who makes her home in Farnham, England. 'Ever since I was very young I had a real love for horses. There was a stable down the road from where I grew up and when I was about eight, I asked my mother everyday if I could take riding lessons until she gave in and let me,' she said. Today, though, Halliday will be competing in a completely different sport as she focuses on getting a respectable place in the GT1 class racing in a Lister Storm in Zhuhai. 'Obviously I have had to learn to switch my thinking and focus over from one sporting weekend to the next, but both are high adrenaline, and physical sports. High reaction speed is very important in both sports as is accuracy, speed, and a bit of bravery. 'The biggest difference between the two, I think, is that my horse has a brain and my car doesn't, but sometimes that has its bonuses. Also, the horses must get worked everyday and require more constant attention. 'I love both sports equally, however, and I am completely committed to succeeding in them both.' Asked what her biggest difficulties were being a female racer in a male-dominated sport, Halliday said: 'Sometimes gaining respect as a woman in racing is difficult, especially when you are still a rookie at top-level competition. 'There are always going to be those people out there who feel that a woman can't drive a race car, but I find that most people at this level are fairly professional as long as you prove yourself to be a serious competitor.'
