Female Drivers Set for Rallycross Action at Mondello Park on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day at Irish RallyCross Championship Mondello Park 2025
This Sunday, March 8, marks International Women’s Day, making it a fitting occasion to see a strong line-up of female competitors taking to the grid at the Rallycross event in Mondello Park. The event highlights the growing presence of women in Irish motorsport across multiple classes.
Among those competing is Elaine Kirwan, an experienced Irish competitor who has raced in hillclimbs, rally events and rallycross. Kirwan has achieved class wins in Irish hillclimb competitions and has also represented Ireland at the prestigious Saint Gouëno Masters hillclimb event in France.
Joining her is Patricia Denning, one of Ireland’s most accomplished female motorsport competitors. Denning has enjoyed success across rallycross, rallying and autocross and made history by becoming the first female driver to win a Rallycross Super Final outright in Ireland. She is also a two-time Ladies Forestry Rally Champion and has represented Ireland in international competitions such as Rally Jameel competing over 1600km of deserts and rough terrain.
The Junior Rallycross category will feature two young female drivers, Ailish Sexton and Mary Mahon, both gaining valuable experience as they progress through the ranks of grassroots motorsport and represent the next generation of talent.
In the Clubman Modified class, Abbie McGuinness continues her rallycross career in one of the most competitive categories on the grid, demonstrating determination and commitment as she builds experience in the sport. Abbie began racing at 11 years old and by 15 had discovered her passion for rallycross. Travelling from Cambridge, England, Abbie and her family demonstrated unwavering dedication, making the journey overseas for every round of the 2024 Irish Rallycross Parts for Cars Championship. Their commitment paid off as Abbie claimed 1st place in the Open Clubman Modified class at the IRX Awards. She told us “the class have been so welcoming, they make me feel like I’m part of the community and I’m honoured to race with everyone!”.
Meanwhile, Leah McManus will compete in the Mini Graduate class, a stepping-stone category that has helped develop drivers in Irish motorsport to transition from junior to senior racing. The class provides an important platform for drivers to hone their racing skills and gain competitive track experience. Leah has competed in both rallycross and circuit racing over the last number of years in Mini Coopers and has been a great presence on the grids, we can’t wait to see what she achieves this year!
The presence of female competitors across several classes at this weekend’s event reflects the increasing participation of women in Irish motorsport, with drivers continuing to make their mark across rallycross and other disciplines.
The event promises a full day of action at Mondello Park as drivers battle it out on the mixed-surface rallycross circuit.