Driving Change: Pathways Into Motorsport
WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT FEATURE
OPENING THE DOOR
The BWRDC has been welcoming women on track for decades, offering a community that can provide guidance, events and support. Founded by Mary Wheeler MBE in 1962, it has been instrumental in bringing hundreds of female racers into the sport.
As well as providing valuable advice, it also runs a variety of points-based championships in which women from different motorsport clubs, racing in different competitions and disciplines, can all compete against each other for a range of impressive trophies.
“ When I first started, it gave me something I could be a part of and aspire to,” says Ryder.“ A lot of people join us from karting and it gives people confidence, a sense of community, and some valuable introductions.”
Supported by Motorsport UK as part of its ongoing commitment to female participation, the IntoSpeed events offer newcomers the chance to get behind the wheel in a comfortable environment and Ryder says it is amazing to see participants’ confidence build throughout the day.
“ They start with some trepidation, and you can see them all thinking‘ why have I signed up to this?’,” she says.“ But we have a really fun time, it’ s really educational, and by the end the smiles are getting bigger and bigger, and they’ re hooked.”
Driving Change: Pathways Into Motorsport
Motorsport UK is working to increase female participation across the sport through several initiatives, including:
Girls Karting Academy – A girls-only introduction to karting for 8 – 15-year-olds, combining track sessions with confidence-building activities and the chance to win a fully funded karting scholarship.
Girls on Track UK – Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the community hosts hub events at major motorsport fixtures across the UK, offering young women behind-the-scenes access and insight into careers in the sport.
IntoSpeed( BWRDC) – Hill climb taster days designed to introduce women to competition in a supportive environment.
BMMC Marshal Taster Day – A female-only introduction to marshalling at Brands Hatch on 7th June during American SpeedFest.
Motorsport UK is also highlighting a female-only Marshal Taster Day being run by the British Motorsport Marshals Club at Brands Hatch on 7th June during American SpeedFest, giving women interested in officiating and trackside volunteering a direct route into the sport.
CONCLUSION
The experiences of Ryder, Beeken and Williams just go to show that the pathway to motorsport is there – you just need to have the confidence to follow it.
“ To me, it’ s not about qualifications, it’ s more about the person,” concludes Williams.“ If you’ ve got the right mindset and understanding, if you care and are proud of what you do, you’ ll go above and beyond.”
With grassroots initiatives expanding and more visible role models across the paddock, the pathway for women entering motorsport has never been more open. From programmes such as the Girls Karting Academy to community-led initiatives like IntoSpeed, the sport is steadily building a more inclusive future for the next generation.
Marshal Steph Beeken has seen an increase in other women joining the‘ Orange Family’
Revolution- March 2026
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