We recently joined the Girls on Track UK team for the Community Christmas Celebration at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in Central London. Marking a significant step forward in fostering and celebrating diversity within the automotive community, the 150+ attendees (including our team at HBPR) not only heard of the achievements of remarkable women in motorsport but also had the opportunity to network and further their learnings.

Girls on Track UK is an initiative to inspire girls and young women to explore pathways into motorsport and offers a programme of events and mentorship across a networking community of fellow females. Led by Motorsport UK, the governing body of motorsport within the United Kingdom, and joining forces with the FIA for this project, Girls on Track UK’s main priority is to ensure that girls and women are inspired to see and believe that there is a rightful and valuable place for them in the motorsports industry.

This weekend’s event served as a platform to inspire and encourage the next generation of female enthusiasts and professionals, and not only were we inspired by the women on the panel discussion, but also the many people we met of all ages and backgrounds, all driven to explore more about joining or supporting Girls on Track UK.

Chaired by Ariana Bravo, who also recalled her journey to become a Formula 1 TV presenter, she set the tone for an empowering and insightful day, marking the beginning of a series of impactful conversations. The panellists, each a trailblazer in their respective roles, shared their experiences and perspectives, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered in the traditionally male-dominated field of motorsport.

Chloe Grant, a Scottish driver with F1 Academy, brought her racing prowess to the forefront, demonstrating that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing a passion for speed and competition. Having started her career in ‘karts around ten years ago as a youngster in Scotland, and making her car racing debut in 2021, she also highlighted the importance of Motorsport UK in allowing her the possibility to continue her education alongside her career. At only 17 years old, her determination and hard work ethic have already paid off, as she made the final four in the selection process for the recent FIA Women in Motorsport Commissions’ Girls on Track Rising Stars initiative, and has already secured strong sponsorship for the 2024 season ahead.

Joining her was Cleo Collins, a No.1 Mechanic at Alpine F1, who demonstrated that technical expertise transcends gender; affirming that anyone can excel in the detail-oriented world of Formula 1 mechanics. She also emphasised the importance of volunteering and networking, illustrating that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. In her mid-twenties, Cleo shifted her career focus to follow her true love – being a mechanic and working on racing cars – and seized an opportunity provided by the W Series, which proved pivotal for her and finally, as she put it, gave her a sense of purpose.

On the other end of the motorsport scale, Lily Owuye, a Performance Simulation Engineer at WAE (Williams Advanced Engineering), shared valuable insights into the technical aspects of motorsport. She dismantled stereotypes and encouraged aspiring engineers to explore their potential by following an education-based path, despite the high level of competition encountered after obtaining a degree. Lily advised against discriminating against any opportunities and emphasised the importance of starting anywhere, noting that volunteering and networking proved invaluable to secure her crucial first ‘yes’ within the industry she loved.

Close to our hearts at HBPR, was fellow comms professional, Lucy Genon, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Motorsport UK. Lucy imparted wise words on her journey in the communications industry, underscoring the pivotal role of diverse voices in shaping the narrative of motorsport. Lucy discussed her perspective on working her way up from initially gaining a foothold in the industry and highlighted the importance of mental fitness, resilience, and self-awareness – understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial to navigating the inevitable highs and lows of any industry.

The honest review of juggling motherhood with her career also presented challenges that she successfully overcame, a topic that (unsurprisingly) surfaced during the discussion session of the event. Lucy underscored the significance of having a robust support network and wished to highlight that, despite the frequent travel demands of her profession, she views her career as a positive aspect for her daughter. By observing a hard-working mother with a strong work ethic, she firmly believes her daughter is empowered and inspired to believe that she, too, can achieve anything she aspires to in the future.

It wasn’t just all about four wheels as Maria Costello MBE, a celebrated Motorcycle and Sidecar racer and the first woman ever to stand on the podium at the Manx Grand Prix, demonstrated that dedication and skill are universal. Her presence on the panel underscored the inclusivity and diversity that can be achieved when talent and passion take centre stage and highlighted the importance of mentoring and representation in the sport.

What did we take away from the event? Well, the Girls on Track UK event was more than just a celebration; it was a catalyst for change. By bringing together influential figures who actively contribute to breaking down gender barriers in motorsport, the event showcased the industry’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse future.

We spoke to a range of people within our industry – from just starting out to changing direction, joining it for the first time after a different career path or seasoned professionals – about what they loved about motorsports and how they want to enable the next generation of women and girls (of all backgrounds!) to enjoy it.

What was our major take-away? Well, moving forward, it is crucial to build upon the momentum generated by events like the Girls on Track UK Community Christmas Celebration. The automotive community must continue to champion diversity by supporting initiatives, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive, and it’s positive to see institutions like the RAC get actively involved. Celebrating diversity within the automotive community is not just a one-time event; it’s an ongoing commitment to dismantling barriers and creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, feels welcome and empowered.

As a female-led team at HBPR, we recognised the importance of being part of such initiatives that not only inspire but actively work towards reshaping the narrative of our industry. As we look forward to contributing to the continued growth of diversity within our beloved industry, we also recognise the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and driving change. We actively seek out and champion diverse voices and by continuing to support initiatives that foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity, we can play a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative of our industry. For any insights or inputs, or if you have any questions related to PR or the automotive landscape, please do get in touch at hannah@hannahburgesspr.com. Our door is always open.

Image credit: Girls on Track UK