An important aspect of advancing the world of motorsport is highlighting the women that are fighting to make a change in a male dominated sport. As the first installment in this series, I would like to introduce all of you petrol heads to a woman who is changing the narrative.
Emma Gilmour is a New Zealand born rally driver who in November of 2021, was signed by McLaren Racing. She was chosen to be one half of the McLaren Extreme E Team. By signing for McLaren, we became their first ever female driver. Yes, in the 59 years since Bruce McLaren founded the team, there has only been one female driver. And that would be none other than the amazing lady I am writing about today.
Emma Gilmour became the first ever woman to win a round of the NZRC (New Zealand Rally Championship) in 2016. Not only that, but she was runner up in that same championship for three consecutive years. And, as we all know, consistency is key! She also just so happens to be a winner in the FIA Women in Motorsport and QMMF Cross Country Selection. She has successfully broken ground and was a very popular driver at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting her on the first day of the festival. McLaren was hosting a meet and greet with Gilmour and there were a fair amount of young women that were incredibly excited to meet her. I, of course, got my photo with her and we had a very engaging conversation. I asked her how she was enjoying Goodwood so far and she said she was having a blast. I told her how important she was to all the young girls that were getting the opportunity to meet her this weekend. Once our conversation had ended, and of course the rain started, we said our goodbyes. I had no idea that I
would get the opportunity to speak with her every single day of the festival. Not only did she remember me every time, but she was always willing to take a photo. She told me how cool it was that she was getting the opportunity to drive an F1 GTR 12 in a Gulf inspired livery at the Festival of Speed. Even after the weekend had ended she and I continued to exchange pleasantries on social media.
Many people don’t realize how truly important it is to have women like Emma Gilmour that are putting themselves out there and in the path of greatness. Over the next couple of years, I hope to see a massive increase in women competing in the higher levels of motorsport. And when we do, I hope everyone is standing in the grandstands ready to cheer them on!
Comentários