FEATURE
Caroline Ryder is one of those trying hard to drive the change. As Vice Chair of the British Women Racing Drivers Club( BWRDC), she developed and implemented the femaleonly IntoSpeed programme, with the aim of introducing more women into motorsport through hill climb taster days and supported events.
She believes opening opportunities like that is key to achieving greater diversity in the sport.
“ Over the years, I noticed women in the paddock, maybe with their partner, who wanted to try it themselves but not in that environment. That’ s where IntoSpeed came from. It’ s not meant to be exclusive – in fact it’ s the opposite. It’ s designed to open up opportunities and show that motorsport is inclusive, and anyone can do it.”
That is also the perspective taken by Justina Williams who, as owner of EXCELR8 Motorsport, is the BTCC’ s first ever female Team Principal and led Team VERTU to a drivers’ and manufacturers’ title double last year. She was awarded the Lord Wakefield Challenge Trophy for outstanding contribution to motorsport by a woman at Motorsport UK’ s Night of Champions in January, and her presence in the paddock is a constant source of inspiration.
Caroline Ryder has a strong family history in hill climbing
Carl Connikie
The BWRDC created the IntoSpeed initiative with support from Motorsport UK to encourage new female participation at all ages. We spoke to two women who recently followed its pathway.
Where did your interest in motorsport come from?
Sophia McCall, who took part in 2025:“ It was inspired by my dad, who was a rally co-driver. I remember watching Top Gear with him, reading car magazines and hearing stories about his automotive adventures when he was a teenager and young adult.”
Hazel Petite, who took part in 2024:“ It came from my husband, who was a rally driver when I met him. After being out of the sport for 30 years, bringing up our family and running busy careers, he started hill climbing and after a couple of seasons I decided to join him.”
Did the male-dominated nature of the sport put you off trying it out?
SM:“ I was a hill climb marshal for a couple years and I also work in cyber security, so I knew how it felt to be a woman in a male-dominated space. I also knew how supportive the
24 motorsport community can be, so it didn’ t put me off. It was more the switch from marshalling to driving that was the scary bit!”
HP:“ Yes it did put me off and it still sometimes continues to do so. Some of the men are wonderfully encouraging but, some can be downright sexist. This is something I am learning to challenge as I gain more experience.”
How did the IntoSpeed event help you?
SM:“ It was the perfect introduction. I’ m naturally quite an anxious person, so starting something new was slightly nerve-wracking for me but the community and mentorship provided a sense of belonging and encouragement.”
HP:“ It offered fun, camaraderie and friendship. The BWRDC has been a tremendous support and although there is competition, people are quick with praise, constructive criticism and support. I have met some wonderful friends through it. I have found a new tribe.”
Revolution- March 2026