Porsche Motorsport Partners With Iron Dames To Support Female Drivers In Endurance Racing

The collaboration between Porsche Motorsport and the Iron Dames initiative aims to promote women in motorsport. This partnership, under the slogan "Porsche X Iron Dames – because every dream matters," begins with the Asian Le Mans Series in Sepang, Malaysia. Four female drivers will compete in various series worldwide, driving a Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Michelle Gatting from Denmark, Rahel Frey from Switzerland, Sarah Bovy from Belgium, and Célia Martin from France are set to race for the Iron Dames team in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Their schedule includes participating in the FIA World Endurance Championship's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Manthey team manages their participation in the LMGT3 class of the FIA WEC.

Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing
Porsche and Iron Dames Join Forces for Women in Racing

Porsche's commitment to diversity is evident through this collaboration. Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, stated: "Porsche stands for a culture of equal opportunities and diversity. Encouraging women to get involved in motorsport and then supporting them in open competition is something we value highly."

The alliance with Iron Dames will continue for several years, integrating with Porsche's junior development programs. This initiative aims to create a pathway from karting to top-tier racing for young female talent. The project aligns with Porsche's national support programs and its central Junior Program.

Deborah Mayer, Founder of the Iron Dames Project, expressed her enthusiasm: "It’s an honor to join forces with such a renowned brand as Porsche Motorsport, who share the same goal of leaving a lasting legacy in motorsport while driving forward progress."

Achievements and Future Plans

Porsche customer teams have already achieved success with the Iron Dames. In 2023, Gatting, Frey, and Bovy made history by winning a class at the WEC season finale in Bahrain. They were the first female trio to achieve this feat in the World Endurance Championship.

Their achievements extend beyond endurance racing. Last season, they won the LMGT3 class at Imola during the European Le Mans Series' 4-hour race. Additionally, Marta García from Spain recently tested successfully with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team.

Upcoming Competitions

The Iron Dames' 2025 schedule includes several prestigious events:

Championship Drivers Team
FIA World Endurance Championship (LMGT3) Michelle Gatting (Denmark), Rahel Frey (Switzerland), Célia Martin (France) Manthey
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (GTD) Michelle Gatting (Denmark), Rahel Frey (Switzerland), Sarah Bovy (Belgium), Karen Gaillard (Switzerland) Proton Competition
European Le Mans Series (LMGT3) Michelle Gatting (Denmark), Sarah Bovy (Belgium), Célia Martin (France) Proton Competition
Asian Le Mans Series (GT) Michelle Gatting (Denmark), Sarah Bovy (Belgium), Célia Martin (France) Proton Competition

This partnership not only supports female drivers but also sends a strong message that dreams are worth pursuing regardless of ambition level. The collaboration aims to empower women in endurance racing and inspire future generations.

Porsche Cars North America has been pivotal since its establishment in 1984 as an exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles in the U.S., headquartered in Atlanta since 1998. It operates two Experience Centers featuring driver development tracks and business facilities.

The company supports over 200 independently owned dealerships across the U.S., ensuring customers receive exceptional service aligned with Porsche's legacy of performance excellence.

Porsche's rich racing heritage boasts over 30,000 motorsport victories globally. This legacy continues to inspire new generations through initiatives like "Porsche X Iron Dames," promoting diversity and inclusion within motorsport.

Article Published On: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 23:50 [IST]
Read more on: #global #porsche
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