Women in Motorsports North America Women With Drive II ‘Friend-Raiser’ Celebration Includes Passing the Torch to Next Generation

Event Welcomes Notable Female Race Drivers and Showcases Significant and Historic Race Cars

More than 20 female race drivers and 15 race cars from various sectors of motorsports will be on display at next week’s sold out Women With Drive II – Driven By Mobil 1 “Friend-Raiser” event to benefit Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA). The October 5^th event at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Paddock Club will be part of a “passing the torch” to the next generation celebration. The event, hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway and presented by NASCAR and IMSA, will serve as a fundraiser for WIMNA in their effort to improve access to women seeking careers in motorsport along with support and mentorship.

Over nine decades of women’s race cars will be represented, including two special highlights that include Donna Mae Mims’ Austin Healey Sebring Sprite she raced at Sebring in 1964 and eight-year-old Samantha Paulk’s USAC 25 Midget from her first victorious race at Darlington, S.C. this past Labor Day weekend.

“Bringing together legendary women and the cars they raced is an amazing way to bring attention to Women in Motorsports North America as they strive to develop quality opportunities for women in motorsport,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Jill Gregory, Chair of this event. “Having the support of NASCAR and IMSA showcases the importance of this event and the vital part of this event’s success.”

Other examples of the epic collection of race cars that will be showcased include:

A robust list of female drivers representing various race series scheduled to be in attendance at the Women With Drive II ‘Friend-Raiser’ include:

Laurin Brailer – SCCA
Tony Breidinger – ARCA
Sabre Cook – Open Wheel and GT Driver
Jaydn Daniels – Carolina Pro Late Model Series*
Erin Evernham – Former NASCAR Xfinity Series and Sprint Cars
Taylor Ferns – USAC Silver Crown and Sprint Cars*
Tracy Gandu – NASA and SCCA
Olivia Gentry – Great Race*
Genna Gentry – Great Race*
Hannah Grisham – World Racing League and Round 3 Racing
Laura Hayes – MX5 Cup*
Katie Hettinger – NASCAR Late Model*
Shea Holbrook – Former Racer
Phoenyx Kimball – INEX Outlaw Bandolero*
Raven Kimball – Semi Pro Legend*
Julia Landauer – NASCAR Xfinity Series
Sara Montgomery – World Racing League
Samantha Paulk – USAC Quarter Midget*
Shawna Robinson – Retired NASCAR Cup Series
Isabella Robusto – NASCAR Late Model*
Lyn St James – Former IndyCar Racer

*Denotes drivers bringing their race cars

The “Passing of the Torch” to the 2023 Women with Drive III Summit will take place during this year’s “Friend-Raiser” with NASCAR President Steve Phelps and IMSA President John Doonan on hand to announce the date and location for next year’s event.

For more detailed information on this year’s event, click here: Women with Drive II – Driven by Mobil 1 — GSEvents.

The goal of WIMNA is multi-purposed, including to mentor, support and encourage more women to pursue careers in motorsport as well as educate about the sport and the types of careers available. Other purposes include communicating how the motorsports industry can better reach, encourage and attract more women to roles and inspire and advocate for the creation of more inclusive programs. Additionally, WIMNA is a 501(c)3 public charity and supports scholarships, mentorship programs and internships for women.

Barbara Burns 
[email protected] 
+1 (770) 329-7134