AVONDALE, Ariz. - Motorsports industry leaders are gearing up for Women with Drive III - Driven by Mobil 1. This year’s conference will take place at Phoenix Raceway and build on the momentum created from the first Women with Drive Summit in Nashville, and last year’s Women with Drive II – Driven by Mobil 1 in Concord, North Carolina.
I recently had the opportunity to attend an event held during the IMSA Battle On The Bricks weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted by Women in Motorsports North America in collaboration with Bosch Motorsport. While there, I had the opportunity to meet two trailblazing icons in motorsports, Beth Paretta and Lyn St. James.
Our group had the pleasure of listening to Paretta and St. James talk about their individual experiences as women operating in a male-dominated field. As a driver, St. James shared how she became accustomed to being the only woman or one of the very few women in the paddock.
Similarly, Paretta explained to us that there were many instances in her career in which she was aware that she was the only woman in the room or at the table.
Both women explained that WIMNA exists with the goal of unifying women in the industry and expanding the table to create seats for women up and down the paddock.
I walked away from the weekend feeling inspired, with a newfound confidence to pursue my own goals within the sport. I witnessed just how serious Paretta and St. James are about carrying out the mission of WIMNA, which is part of the reason why I am looking forward to attending Women With Drive III - Driven by Mobil 1.
As an industry, motorsports has a history that has not always looked favorably upon women. But things are changing. The last two Women with Drive Summits have sold out because many people recognize the importance of gathering together and creating the connections necessary to accelerate that change.
As someone at the beginning of their career in motorsports, I am looking forward to learning from industry leaders and trailblazers like St. James and Paretta.
The program will begin with a fireside chat with the Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR Lesa France Kennedy and NASCAR President Steve Phelps.
Throughout the two-day summit, a lineup of over 80 panelists, presenters and speakers will share their insights and knowledge with attendees.
I’m especially looking forward to the various breakout sessions and panels led by industry professionals.
Tentative Panel Sessions:
Group Panel Discussion No. 1 “Building a Community” presented by Hagerty
Group Panel Discussion No. 2 “Global Impact of Women In Motorsports” presented by IMSA
Group Panel Discussion No. 3 “Creating More Seats at the Table” presented by Bosch
Group Panel Discussion No. 4 “Women Driven By Dreams” presented by Speedway Motorsports
Group Panel Discussion No. 5 “Don’t Let Ego Get In The Way” presented by NASCAR
Women with Drive III Summit – Driven by Mobil 1 is officially sold out. However, as part of its sponsorship with WIMNA and the WWD III Summit, Gainbridge® will sponsor a live stream of all keynote and group panel discussions to help expand the reach of these professional business leaders in the motorsports and sporting communities presenting at the Summit. The free live stream will be available via https://womeninmotorsportsna.com/live/.
If you are unable to attend this year’s summit in person, I would encourage you to consider tuning in for the live stream. Due to events like this, we can positively influence the future of the sport.
I hope to see you in Phoenix,
Amanda Kauffman
To see the full schedule and learn more about the Women with Drive III – Driven by Mobil 1, please visit: http://www.womenwithdrivesummit.com
For more about WIMNA, visit: https://womeninmotorsportsna.com/
X Corp./Twitter: @WWDSummit and @_WIMNA
Instagram: @WWDSummit and @womeninmotorsportsna
LinkedIn: Women in Motorsports North America
YouTube: @WomenWithDriveSummit
Women in Motorsports North America is a community of professional women and men devoted to enabling opportunities for women across all motorsport disciplines. Founded as a 501c3 in April 2022, WIMNA is quickly establishing its positive impact on motorsports, supporting and creating resources that enable women drivers, technicians, engineers, operations staff, business-related, media, and more to thrive in the industry. Best known for its Women with Drive Summit held each year, WIMNA also provides resources, mentorship, coaching, career connections, and more. Learn more at www.womeninmotorsportsna.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cindy Sisson, Executive Director, WIMNA
704.906.9507
cindy@womeninmotorsportsna.com
Barbara J. Burns, Communications
BurnsGroup PR for WIMNA
770.329.7134
barbara@burnsgrouppr.com
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