In May, the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit is set to feature an exciting lineup of influential figures from the motorsport world, as four leading women from the FIA join the roster. Emilia Abel, who serves as the FIA Junior Road Sport Director, Erin Bourke, the project’s leader of the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse initiative, Marina Duñach, the manager of the FIA Rally Category, and Pernilla Solberg, the president of the WRC Commission, are all slated to make appearances. The event unfolds at the picturesque LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, on Saturday, May 24.
This summit has become an annual gathering, serving as a beacon for female leaders across motorsport. Attendees can also look forward to insights from Claire Williams, the former principal of the Williams F1 Team, European Rally Championship Driver Aoife Raftery, ARA Champion Lia Block, and Trans-Am Racing driver Michele Abbate.
Josie Rimmer, who coordinates the summit, expressed her enthusiasm: “Collaborating with motorsport’s governing entities to bring these exceptional women to our event highlights the progress we’ve made since our inception in 2022. Having Emilia, Erin, Marina, and Pernilla join us is truly an honor, and their voices are pivotal for driving change in our field.”
Emilia Abel will delve into her experiences and her vision for the World Rally Championship, highlighting how inclusive motorsport can lead to new talent and perspectives. “It’s crucial to dismantle barriers, ensuring all individuals, irrespective of gender, can succeed,” Emilia emphasized. She sees the summit as a prime opportunity for connecting and advancing diversity within the sport.
Erin Bourke will shed light on the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse initiative, spreading awareness about the prevalent issue of online abuse in sports. She noted, “Participating in this summit allows us to share successes and empower more women across all aspects of motorsport.”
Marina Dunach plans to address the current landscape and future pathways within rally sports. She remarked, “There’s significant talent among women in rally, yet achieving true gender parity remains a challenge. Sharing our experiences and motivating others to join and persist in this arena is vital.”
As she steps into her second year as WRC Commission president, Pernilla Solberg is eager to return to the summit, focusing on expanding opportunities for women throughout motorsport’s ecosystem. “Being part of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit again is thrilling,” Pernilla shared. “Josie’s commitment to fostering change for women in motorsport is truly inspirational, and I’m excited to be a part of such a dynamic event once more.”
Overall, the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit promises to be a lively exchange of ideas and stories, paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation in the motorsport community.
