2026 CASE COMPETITION
SAVE THE DATE
More information coming summer 2026…
Where the next generation of motorsports
leaders compete, connect, and rise
The WIMNA Case Competition returns for its second year as an immersive, team-based competition designed to challenge collegiate students to solve real-world business issues shaping the future of motorsports.
Students will collaborate, think strategically, and present their recommendations to respected leaders from across racing, automotive, business, engineering, marketing, and industry innovation.
Interested in learning more?
Submit your information below to receive competition updates, registration details, and key dates.
About the Competition
Now entering its second year, the WIMNA Case Competition is more than a student competition—it is a national platform for developing future talent in motorsports.
Participating teams will analyze a motorsports industry case, develop strategic recommendations, and present their solutions to an executive panel of judges. The competition is designed to build confidence, sharpen business thinking, expand professional networks, and expose students to the broad career opportunities that exist across motorsports.
From strategy and operations to engineering, brand partnerships, fan engagement, marketing, communications, data, and leadership, students will experience the fast-paced decision-making required in today’s motorsports industry.
Who Should Participate
The WIMNA Case Competition is open to collegiate students from any accredited university.
Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to participate, including but not limited to: Business, Engineering, Sports Management, Marketing & Communications, Data Analytics, Finance, Design & Innovation, Automotive & Mobility Programs, and STEM Disciplines
Diversity in team composition is strongly encouraged, though not required. All are welcome to participate.
Team Format
Each team must include:
- 3–4 students from the same university
- One faculty or university advisor
Universities are encouraged to submit more than one team.
Entry Fee
The initial entry fee is $100 per team.
Entry includes four WIMNA Nation memberships for participating students, connecting them to WIMNA’s growing national network of professionals, students, mentors, chapters, and career resources.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate or graduate students from any accredited university, college, trade, or technical school
- Teams of three or four students from the same educational institution
- One faculty/staff advisor per team
- Diversity in team composition is encouraged but not required
Registration
- Fee: $100 per team
- Deadline: October 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
- REGISTRATION CLOSED
How the Fee is Used
The registration fee will go into a Participation Fund for the final teams presenting at the Summit. This fund will be divided among the finalists to help cover travel, lodging, and conference registration expenses. Please note: The Participation Fund is intended to provide support but may not cover all associated costs.
COMPETITION JOURNEY
LAP 1
VIRTUAL ROUND
Lap 1 is the first round of competition and will be conducted virtually.
Registered teams will receive the initial case prompt by email. Teams will have one week to prepare and submit a 10-minute recorded presentation through a private YouTube link.
Presentations will be reviewed by an executive panel of judges. From these submissions, the top six teams will be selected to advance to the live competition at the Women With Drive VI – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit.
Finalists will be notified in late October.
Lap 1 Highlights
- Virtual competition round
- Real-world motorsports case prompt
- One-week preparation window
- 10-minute recorded team presentation
- Executive judging panel
- Top six teams advance to the Final Lap
FINAL LAP: LIVE AT WOMEN WITH DRIVE VI
Finalist teams will receive the in-person competition prompt two weeks prior to the Women With Drive VI – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit.
On competition day, teams will present their findings live before a panel of judges. From these presentations, the top three teams will be selected, and the overall winning team will be chosen.
The live round is designed to mirror the pressure, pace, and professionalism of the motorsports industry—giving students the opportunity to present in a high-profile environment surrounded by industry leaders, executives, mentors, and future employers.
Final Lap Highlights
- Live competition at WWD VI
- Final prompt issued two weeks in advance
- Executive judges and industry leaders
- Top three teams selected
- Winning team announced on stage
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
The winning team will be announced live on stage during the Women With Drive VI – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit.
Winners will receive:
- Scholarship award
- Team trophy
- Recognition during the WWD VI Awards Ceremony
- National visibility through WIMNA communications
- Access to expanded networking opportunities through WIMNA Nation
Why it Matters
The WIMNA Case Competition creates a powerful bridge between education and industry.
Students gain direct exposure to real motorsports business challenges, universities showcase emerging talent, and industry leaders help identify and develop the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of racing.
This is where classroom learning meets the speed, strategy, and innovation of motorsports.
FOR STUDENTS
Compete. Collaborate. Present. Connect.
The WIMNA Case Competition gives students a meaningful opportunity to build confidence, apply classroom knowledge, grow their professional network, and be seen by leaders across the motorsports industry.
FOR UNIVERSITIES
Showcase your students on a national industry stage.
Universities are encouraged to engage students across disciplines and submit multiple teams. The competition offers a unique experiential learning opportunity connected to one of the fastest-moving and most dynamic industries in sports and mobility.
FOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Invest in the future workforce of motorsports.
The WIMNA Case Competition connects partners with motivated collegiate talent while supporting WIMNA’s mission to advance, connect, and enable opportunities for women and allies across the motorsports industry.
ROUND 1
VIRTUAL
- Registered teams will receive the initial case prompt via email on October 17, 2025
- Teams have one week to prepare and submit a 10-minute recorded presentation by October 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
- Submission to a private You Tube channel is recommended due to file sizes
- Presentations will be reviewed by an executive panel of judges
- The Top 5 teams will be notified during the week of October 31, 2025, and invited to compete in person at the WWDV Summit
ROUND 2
IN-PERSON FINALS
- Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM EST
- Location: Dallara AK ESports
HOW IT WORKS
- Finalist teams will receive a new case prompt one week prior to the competition
- Each team presents a 15-minute session: 10 minutes for presentation, 5 minutes for Q&A with judges. Hard stop at 15 minutes regardless of Q&A timing
- Teams may not watch other presentations before their own and are encouraged to attend the concurrent networking event
FINAL ROUND
SCHEDULE
| Time | Event |
| 3:30 | Opening Remarks |
| 3:40 | Team 1 |
| 4:00 | Team 2 |
| 4:20 | Team 3 |
| 4:40 | Break |
| 5:00 | Team 4 |
| 5:20 | Team 5 |
| 5:40 | Closing Remarks / Judges Deliberation |
SCORING SHEET TEMPLATE
- Total Possible Score: 100 points
- Tie-breaker: Highest combined score in Creativity & Innovation + Feasibility
SUBMISSION PROCESS GUIDE - VIRTUAL ROUND
Submission on private YouTube Channel
To make your channel and its content private (hide your channel):
- Go to YouTube and select your profile icon to navigate to YouTube Studio.
- In the bottom-left menu, click on Settings.
- Select Channel, then Advanced settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and click on Manage YouTube content.
- Click on the option to hide my channel.
- Follow the prompts and check the confirmation boxes to hide your channel, which will make your channel name, videos, playlists, subscribers, and other activity private.
- File Name: UniversityNa me_TeamName_WWDCase2025
- Due Date: October 24, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
SUBMISSION METHOD
- Upload your file via the official Case Competition Submission Form (link will be emailed with the prompt on October 17)
- You will receive an email confirmation upon successful submission
NOTES
- Late submissions will not be accepted
- Ensure all team members are visible and contribute during the presentation
- Visual aids (slides, charts, graphics) are strongly encouraged
FINAL ROUND
PROCEDURE
- Moderator introduces team
- Team presents (~10 min)
- Judges conduct Q&A (~5 min)
- Judges’ complete scorecards before the next team enters
- After all presentations, judges deliberate and select:
- Winner
- Runner-Up
- (Optional) Special recognition awards, e.g., “Most Innovative Idea.”
FAQs
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
The Sim Garage by Dallara – AK Esports is a dedicated space for sim racing and competitive gaming, born from the partnership between Dallara’s motorsport engineering expertise and AK Esports’ passion for virtual racing. Equipped with professional-grade racing simulators and high-performance gaming PCs, it’s the perfect place to experience the thrill of competition—whether you’re a seasoned racer or just getting started. In a vibrant and social atmosphere, guests can challenge friends or online opponents, enjoy their favorite games, and take part in live events featuring both real and virtual motorsport. It’s an immersive experience that brings together technology, entertainment, and community.
For more information, please visit: https://dallara-akesports.com
Quarles is a multidisciplinary, national law firm with approximately 550 attorneys and a comprehensive range of practices, including intellectual property, business law, sports/motorsports law, and labor and employment, serving diverse industries from financial institutions to higher education and non-profits.
For more information, please visit: https://www.quarles.com