Close-up of Leticia Bufoni wearing a Yokohama-branded helmet inside a race car, her intense focus visible through the windshield


Split-second decisions, next-level precision, limitless bravery — it’s these skills that separate the best racers from the rest.

Despite racing being a male-dominated domain, female racecar drivers have started to carve out their own space in the sport. Their skill, dedication, and sheer determination make them living proof that talent knows no bounds.

From the controlled chaos of Formula DRIFT to the high-octane excitement of off-road racing, women are smashing stereotypes, inspiring future generations, and breaking boundaries — one lap at a time.

The Early Pioneers of Women in Racing

Historically, motorsport events were largely reserved for men. It wasn’t until the end of the First World War in 1918 that motor racing opportunities started to grow for women. In the late 1920s, rallying became increasingly popular, with many women entering competitions as drivers.

In the decades that followed, the world saw an emergence of awe-inspiring female racing drivers. One was Pat Moss, one of the most successful rally drivers of all time. She claimed three wins and seven podium finishes at international events, while also being named European Ladies Rally Champion at least five times.

There was also Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to compete in Formula One. In 1958, she competed at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing in 10th place. She later went on to compete at seven other Grand Prixs. Since Maria, there have been four other women to compete on the Formula One stage: Lella Lombardi, Divina Galica, Desiré Wilson, and Susie Wolff.

Today, there are organizations dedicated entirely to advancing women and girls’ involvement in the racing world, such as the FIA Women & Motor Sport Commission. Nowadays, women have opportunities to race across various disciplines, whether it’s kart racing, off-roading, drifting, or anything in between.

Rising Above: The Challenges Faced by Female Racecar Drivers

Because cultural stereotypes have painted racing as a “man’s sport”, female racecar drivers have long been sidelined and their abilities minimized. Although women have grown more prominent in the sport, these challenges haven’t disappeared.

On the track, the physical and mental demands of racing are undeniable. The precision to master drifting techniques, the strength to handle high-speed maneuvers, and the mental resilience to put yourself at risk every time you get behind the wheel — these are challenges faced by every driver, regardless of gender. But for women, these demands have been unfairly weaponized as “proof” that they don’t belong in the driver’s seat.

The reality, of course, is far from the stereotype. Time and time again, female racecar drivers have proven that they have the strength, skill, and nerve to compete at the highest levels.

Two race cars drifting on a track surrounded by tires, creating a smoky trail under a warm sunset sky.

The Leaders of the Growing Community of Female Racecar Drivers

As more women become involved in the sport over time, they continue paving the path forward for future generations. So, who are some of these inspiring figures?

Amanda Sorensen

At just 22 years old, Amanda Sorensen is one of the youngest and most accomplished women in drifting. One of three female Formula DRIFT drivers of the 2024 season, Amanda has achieved some incredible feats in her still-budding career.

One of her biggest accomplishments? Becoming the first woman to score a podium finish in the history of Formula DRIFT.

“In my first season of Formula Drift during my first interview with Laurette Nicolle, she asked me how I felt about Formula Drift and being a part of it, and I told her that I was going to be the first female to podium. It feels amazing to accomplish that goal,” she said at the time.

As far as what’s next for Amanda, in an exclusive podcast with The Team Ignition Show, she shared that she’s eager to bring drifting to Europe.

Danica Patrick

No list of iconic female racecar drivers is complete without Danica Patrick.

In 2005, Danica became a household name in racing when she finished fourth in his first Indianapolis 500. This accomplishment made her the first woman to land a top-five in the race’s history. In 2008, she made history again when she won the IndyCar Series Indy Japan 300 race. This made her the first female racecar driver to win a major league open-wheel race in a North American series.

Leticia Bufoni

One of the most decorated female skateboarders in the world, Leticia Bufoni, switched gears in early 2024. She announced she’d be making her car-racing debut in the Porsche Cup Brazil, competing with the Mobil 1 racing team. Having placed sixth in the Trophy class during the second weekend, her performance in the competition was undeniably impressive.

Despite being new to the sport, Leticia has already participated in some of the world’s most elite competitions, including Nitrocross.

 

Close-up of Leticia Bufoni posing in front of a gold-liveried Mobil 1 race car, wearing a racing suit and a Red Bull cap.

Toni Breidinger

For Toni Breidinger, her racing journey started at age 9 in a go-kart. Now, at 25, she races full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

But she’s not just your average racer. With 19 wins under her belt, she’s the most successful pro female racecar driver in the United States Auto Club. She also holds the honor of being the first Arab-American female driver in NASCAR’s history.

For Toni, being a trailblazer is something that’s made easier thanks to the other women in her life. Speaking to Glamour, she said her mother gave her some incredible advice when she was growing up that helped her conquer her career: “Don’t be afraid to be you and to be the first you. Don’t feel like you have to follow in the footsteps of someone else…Don’t be afraid to be a trendsetter and pave that path.”

Racing to a More Inclusive Future

While it hasn’t been easy for these female racecar drivers, they have and continue to make historic strides in the sport. From breaking records to scoring major wins, their success proves that the track belongs to everyone. With their help, the future of racing is shining brighter and more inclusive than ever.

Want to hear directly from two of these groundbreaking athletes? Listen to the latest episode of The Team Ignition Show podcast. In it, host Leticia Bufoni speaks with Amanda Sorensen about being a woman in racing, drifting techniques, and more:

Amanda Sorensen and Leticia Bufoni on The Team Ignition Show podcast