PROGRAMS OF MENTORSHIP,
ADVOCACY & EDUCATION

Below is a listing of inclusive and resourceful programs for women in motorsports. These programs are for informational purposes only; WIMNA does not endorse, approve, certify, or control these programs.

Accelerating Change

Accelerating Change believes in fostering educational, social, and bonding experiences that create a lasting impact that will drive more women to take action – be it taking part in automotive-centric events, developing skills and confidence in the automotive industry, or forging a network with like-minded individuals.

Club Athena

Club Athena, is an award-winning, nationwide, and virtual extracurricular club accredited by STEM.org. This educational enhancement to classroom learning creates portfolio projects that get the attention of universities and employers.

The Athenian Clubhouse is a private social network where girls in middle school and high school develop a leadership mindset, prepare for college, explore careers, and learn essential skills.

The elite membership explores professional career tracks in the specialties of invention, design, engineering, fabrication, and business while “getting their hands dirty!”

Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs – Women in Motorsports

Their ongoing goal is to increase the active participation of women and girls in the CACC motorsport disciplines, by promoting opportunities designed to encourage new enthusiasts to enter the sport and enabling their interest with straightforward information required to compete on track and/or volunteer at events.

They strive to build women’s belief in their potential and foster an “I can” attitude towards motorsports by sharing profiles and achievements of current women participating in CACC motorsport.

They support female driver development through mentorship, training, and competition bursaries. And finally, strive to retain current female enthusiasts through recognition of achievements and ensuring the community is an inclusive and safe place for everyone.

Della Penna Motorsports NextGen Foundation

Founded in 2021, the Della Penna Motorsports NextGen Foundation is a 501C-3 organization that empowers girls between the ages of 5-16 with the knowledge, expertise, skill and mentorship – and most importantly, the opportunities – to supercharge a future in motorsports – whether it’s behind the wheel, in the pits, or behind a computer.

From the classroom, to the track, to the podium, the love of motorsports will engage and support girls as they join the next generation of motorsports professionals … race car drivers, chassis designers, team engineers, or mechanics.

Driven Women Magazine

The motoring magazine for women.

Driven Women Magazine is the only motoring magazine of its kind in the world that focuses on women and motoring culture.

Their magazines feature thought-provoking long-form articles and interviews that readers will not find anywhere else, written by experienced journalists and passionate amateurs alike, from around the world.

Fast and Fearless

The Fast and Fearless website showcases the inspiring women who are flourishing, and encouraging change in motorsport.

Website visitors will find articles, interviews and more. Highlighted are well known faces, those working hard behind-the-scenes, as well as up-and-coming stars.

The industry is full of passionate people doing a job they’ve dreamed of, so take a look at how they got to where they are, and learn how you could do the same!

Females in Motorsport

From global racing stars and TV presenters to mechanics and wind tunnel technicians, Females in Motorsport aim to share stories from those working in the industry.

Between articles and social media platforms, Females in Motorsport has reached over 5 million people.

Females in Motorsport strives to showcase up-and-coming drivers who are taking their first steps on the motorsport ladder. They also are committed to bringing updates from the motorsport paddock and providing a platform for followers to check series results via their social media channels. 

FIA: Girls on Track

Girls on Track aims at promoting gender equality in motorsports to inspire the next generation of female drivers, engineers, team managers, and fans.

Sponsored by the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, FIA Girls on Track is a grassroots educational program that introduces 8 to 18-year-old girls and young women to the variety of career opportunities in motorsports through a set of educational activities, from karting to media tutorials, practical STEM activities or fitness workshops.

FIA: Women in Motorsports

The Women In Motorsport Commission was created in 2009 in order to:

  • Demonstrate that women are recognised by the highest body responsible for motor sport.
  • Show that motorsport is open to women in all of its aspects, whether as competitors, officials, team managers, engineers, mechanics, etc.
  • Promote the place of women in motorsport through media, international events, partners and stakeholders.
  • Develop social and educational programmes, in order to encourage greater participation of women in motorsport.
  • Make young women (drivers, officials, professionals, customers) aware of road safety issues.

Formula Female/Go Girls Karting Initiative

Created by Derek Daly’s niece, Nicci Daly, the Go Girls Karting & STEM initiative is based in Ireland.

The program, supported by Sport Ireland and Cjj Motorsports, is designed to drive visibility, opportunity and a pathway to active participation for young girls in the Motorsport Ireland Karting Championship.

Launched in 2019, the Go Girls initiative is aimed at 13-17 year old girls to engage, educate and empower the next generation of women in Motorsport. 

Init Esports

Init Esports is an esports promoter focusing on SIM Racing special events and championships promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Init Esports brings esports content to fans and sponsorship opportunities to brands by producing online competitions and real-life events,

Founder Stefy Bau is an entrepreneur and 3-time motocross world champion, with 20+ years of experience in motorsports, e-mobility and esports. Her motto is #WomenSupportingWomen.

IUPUI – Motorsports Engineering

IUPUI is the only university in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in motorsports engineering.

Fueled by a love of cars, engines, and making things run? How about racing or aerodynamics?  The Motorsports Engineering Program at IUPUI may be the perfect fit for you!

The perfect blend of engineering curriculum plus vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, data acquisition, and other motorsports-specific courses, Motorsports Engineering at IUPUI offers students a Purdue University engineering degree— right in the heart of the racing capital of the world.

Jessi Combs Foundation

Jessi Combs was a pioneer. She worked harder than many – with more grit and determination than most – to earn her position as an expert in several male-dominated industries including the trades.

The time is now for women to pursue their dream of a career in the trades and the Jessi Combs Foundation is here to fuel those dreams through their annual scholarship program.

JCF is dedicated to continuing the work Jessi started including her commitment to inspiring women to pursue a career in the trades.

Their scholarship program is one of the ways they fulfill their mission to educate, inspire and empower the next-generation of trailblazing and stereo-type breaking women…..like Jessi.

McPherson College Automotive Restoration Program

The Automotive Restoration Technology Program at McPherson College was established in 1976 through the generosity and foresight of local entrepreneur Gaines H. “Smokey” Billue. His gift of over 125 classic and antique cars provided initial funds for the program. 

Today, with industry connections spanning the country and internship opportunities in a broad range of automotive settings, McPherson College stands alone as the only school to provide a bachelor’s degree in Restoration Technology.

Whether you’re a student, business owner, or an individual with an interest in the car world, McPherson has a way for you to plug into our nationally recognized auto restoration program and benefit from the program’s events and initiatives.

Mo Racing Driving Connections

Empowering women and girls through motorsport opportunities and driving connections to women’s initiatives.

MO Racing was created to inspire, mentor and amplify opportunities to drive, crew or avidly spectate at the race track.

They provide workshops for young women/girls, connections to Porsche and BMW experiences, cars & coffee, rallies, autocross and ultimately racetrack adventures.

NASCAR: Drive for Diversity

NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion strives to create an inclusive environment in all facets of the NASCAR industry recognizing the value of diversity, which allows underrepresented demographics to go faster and farther in workplaces, at the race track and in the stands.

Their programs include: NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, and NASCAR Supplier Diversity.

NASCAR Technical Institute

Provided by Universal Technical Institute, the NASCAR Technical Institute is the exclusive educational provider for NASCAR and the only campus in the country to offer NASCAR-endorsed training.

UTI teams up with IGNITE Worldwide to support the advancement and empowerment of women in the skilled trades.

Their 15-week elective program trains students in everything from engines, fabrication, welding, aerodynamics and pit crew essentials. Through their elite Spec Engine program, select students have the opportunity to help instructors build engines – some of which are actually used in competition.

Path to the Pits

The Path to the Pits organization provides access to racing – as well as motorsport career guidance – for young adults (aged 18-28) from underrepresented communities, nationwide.

Path to the Pits is focused on increasing gender and racial representation in the auto racing paddock.

To further their mission, Path to the Pits is an Alliance Partner with McLaren Racing Engage. 

Race for Equality and Change

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are moving full speed ahead in the “Race for Equality and Change.”

Together IMS and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES  have built the engine that will drive fundamental change and support diversity and inclusivity across the motorsports industry, including: diversifying competitive driver fields at levels of the sport; recruiting and developing a diverse workforce; diversifying employment, leadership and ownership within the NTT INDYCAR SERIES; investing in minority communities.

Racers: Girls Behind the Helmet

RACERS was created as the first motorsport website dedicated to female racers…or just “racers”, as they prefer to be called…because hiding behind those helmets there are no gender barriers. 

This non-profit project aims to provide a platform to aggregate news, race reports, exclusive interviews, and behind the scenes stories from women drivers across the globe; and to establish a community of racing drivers, fans, sponsors, and general stakeholders interested in following these pioneers’ careers into the echelons of motorsports.

SCCA: Women on Track

The mission of the SCCA Women on Track Initiative is to expand participation of women in all facets of SCCA programs and activities as participants, volunteers, leaders or supporters.

The Initiative is comprised of a four-person leadership team overseeing a committee of women representing each program area of the SCCA, including RallyCross, Road Racing, RoadRally, SCCA Pro Racing, Solo, Time Trials, Track Night in America, Volunteers/Officials

Shift Up Now

Do you see female athletes? Trailblazers? Role Models? Game Changers? Did you know that almost every face you see raises her own money to race?

Motorsport has come a long way in the past 50 years, but there is still work to do.

It’s time to change the game, and Shift Up Now wants your help to ensure more female athletes are funded in top seats in motorsport.

Shift Up Now wants female athletes to be visible, so they can continue to inspire courage and confidence in younger fans.

They also want to be a resource for racers – male and female – offering advice, coaching, and sharing lessons learned to help racers climb the ladder.

Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF)

The SAWF  is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the personal and professional advancement of women in the automotive industry.

SAWF achieves this mission by collaborating with industry partners to create educational, mentoring and networking opportunities for its members.

Their members serve as strong role models for one another and for young women of all ages who are interested in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with the hope that they will apply these skills to the automotive industry of the future.

STEAM Sports Foundation

Through summits and scholarships, the foundation is dedicated toward showing tomorrow’s workforce career opportunities that are available via science, technology, engineering, arts and math via employers seeking innovative backgrounds. 

One key scholarship emphasis is on the under-served demographics of minorities, women and the economically-challenged.

TechForce Foundation: Women Techs Rock

Although the automotive world is made up of mostly men, the number of women in the field is growing every day. Opportunity abounds in repair shops, dealerships, and at car companies.

There is a place for you to build an exciting career and maybe even launch your own business.

The Female Lead

We rise by lifting others.

The Female Lead is an educational charity created by loyalty and data entrepreneur, Edwina Dunn. Edwina knows first-hand what it feels like to work in a male-dominated industry, and how women need strong female role models to inspire confidence and ambition.

The Female Lead aims to make women’s stories more visible, and to provide positive role models for future generations by celebrating women’s achievement, endeavor and diversity.

UNC Charlotte Motorsports NCMARC

UNC Charlotte Motorsports at the NC Motorsports and Automotive Research Center is located in the heart of NASCAR country and is the first stop for employers hiring interns and entry-level engineers. They are located within 50 miles of 90% of the NASCAR Cup teams and 5 miles from Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Their program is rigorous and well respected in the automotive and racing industries. They offer one of the most innovative “hands-on” programs available in the U.S., allowing students to be some of the most qualified applicants in all of motorsports.

W Series

W Series is a free-to-enter championship, launched in October 2018, that provides equal opportunities for women and eliminates the financial barriers that have historically prevented them from progressing to the upper echelons of motorsport.

W Series drivers are selected purely on their ability and the series’ cars are mechanically identical, which means that W Series races and championships will be won by the most talented drivers, rather than those with the wealthiest backers.

The more high-profile female role models it can create, the more W Series believes it will inspire young girls and bring more females into the grassroots of the sport. 

Central to W Series’ mission is the idea that if you can see it, you can be it.

Women in Motorsports Powered by PNC Bank & Chip Ganassi Racing

Announced in March 2022, the campaign aims to drive awareness and support for gender equality and economic inclusion for women in the workforce. The initiative includes a leadership video content series showcasing female industry leaders and an internship designed to accelerate career pathways in motorsports for women.

The program will provide a platform to fuel dialogue about the increasing importance of women as decision makers and influencers with employees, customers and race fans across the country.

Women in Motorsports: Making Waves

This is a Facebook page created for girls and women who have dedicated their lives, sharing a dream and earning their stripes in motorsports – whether as a professional, or dreaming to one day compete or work in this business.
 
The group exists to show and educate people that there is a critical mass of women of all ages, at all levels, amateur and professional working and competing in the world of motorsports.

Women Shifting Gears

Their motto: Because the automotive industry has been traditionally male-dominated doesn’t mean there is no space left for others.

Women Shifting Gears produces podcasts featuring women leaders in the automotive field. And hosts events and experiences aimed at amplifying women’s voices and participation in the automotive culture.

Their focus is on creating inclusive opportunities that provide networking, skill-building, and career growth.

Women’s Motorsports Network

The International Women’s Motorsports Association is passionate about reaching those women who rarely attend motorsport events – by exposing and educating them through interesting, and innovative ways that will entice them to participate.

For example, they support unique track events on race days that offer up close and personal interaction with racing wives, business leaders, track owners, women racers, and industry specialists.

Fans, track volunteers, crew members, and drivers will want to be a part of this association that connects and celebrates all women involved in any type of motorsport.

Be sure to check out their Racing Girls Rock Podcast!

Women’s Sports Foundation Project Podium Grant

Lyn St. James established the Women in the Winner’s Circle Academy: The Complete Driver in 1994, and from that program awarded the first-ever Project Podium scholarship in 2007.

After closing the Academy, in 2013, St. James combined resources with the Women’s Sports Foundation to establish the Women’s Sports Foundation Women in the Winner’s Circle Project Podium Grant.

The Fund is committed to creating a diverse talent pool in motorsports and empowering drivers with the ability to generate financial resources to grow and sustain their racing careers.

Those who apply, qualify, and are approved will receive a grant on a matched fund basis only. 

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