Driven Together: Women in Motorsport Event Ignites Inspiration in Athlone

28 Oct

From the track to tech: inspiring the next generation of women in motorsport.

Under the bright lights of the Athlone Springs Hotel on October 10, 2025, a vibrant community of competitors, volunteers, engineers, and motorsport enthusiasts gathered for the second Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission networking event. The evening celebrated women’s growing presence across every layer of motorsport - from behind the wheel to behind the scenes - and underlined a clear message: motorsport is for everyone.

The Athlone gathering was designed not only to celebrate achievements but also to build pathways - inspiring women and girls to get involved, whether as competitors, officials, or through STEM-driven roles supporting the sport. Early arrivals took part in an Introduction to Motorsport session led by Motorsport Ireland Development Officer Kelsey Kirby and Women in Motorsport Commission member Vicki Gissane, offering newcomers a friendly and informative guide to starting their motorsport journey.

Inspiring Voices and Global Perspectives

The evening’s keynote address came from Kate Beavan, strategic advisor to the More Than Equal initiative, a global programme working to discover and develop the world’s first female Formula 1 World Champion. Beavan shared insights into how data, training, and mentorship are helping women compete at the highest levels of international motorsport.

Adding a global perspective, Josie Rimmer, Head of Strategy and Women in Motorsport Coordinator at DirtFish, brought her trademark energy and experience from the U.S. Motorsport scene. Attending the event were Helen Kagendo of the Women in Motorsport Commission Kenya and Sosanna Ní Dhubháin, engineer with Aston Martin F1 Team, highlighting the international reach of the gathering.

The event also featured a special video message from global motorsport leaders: Burcu Cetinkaya, FIA Women in Motorsport Commission President; Ronan Morgan, President of the FIA Drivers Commission; and Carol Ann Armstrong, FIA Volunteer of the Year, who sent greetings from the Bathurst 1000 race in Australia. Their messages emphasized the global recognition and support for Ireland’s growing involvement in women’s motorsport.

Panels, Pathways, and STEM Power

Across multiple panel discussions, speakers and attendees explored the wide range of opportunities available from karting and circuit racing to night navigation, endurance trials, and rallying, as well as volunteering and officiating.

The event also featured a new SIM/STEM session, highlighting how simulation training, robotics, and engineering are creating exciting new entry points into motorsport. Students from Sacred Heart School Tullamore captivated the audience with a demonstration of their VEX Robotics projects, showing how technology and teamwork can fuel a lifelong passion for motorsport innovation.

Celebrating Volunteers and Officials

In line with FIA Volunteers & Officials Month, the Commission dedicated part of the programme to the essential role of marshals, timekeepers, and other officials who make motorsport possible. Many attendees shared stories of how volunteering became their gateway into the sport proving that you don’t need a race car to be part of the action

Claire Dowdall, Officials Development Manager Sport Ireland also contributed to this discussion, sharing fascinating insights from a recent volunteer and official study. Her presentation highlighted trends, challenges, and opportunities to further support grassroots engagement in motorsport.

Richa Mergulhao shared her experience of being selected as one of the officials for the FIA High Performance training programme and announced the good news that she has been appointed as a FIA Steward at Formula 1 race in 2026.

Momentum That Matters

The atmosphere in Athlone was filled with energy and encouragement. Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper reinforced the message of opportunity, praising the initiative and saying:
"This event is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the level of female participation that already exists within our sport and to celebrate the progress being made across all areas of motorsport."

The Women in Motorsport Commission extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to attend, share their stories, and inspire others with their experiences.