Un-Limited Motorsport, in collaboration with Duckhams Racing and Motorsport UK, has launched an initiative aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in motorsport. This partnership, which also involves the charity Girls on Track, focuses on creating more opportunities and support for female participants in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The initiative kicked off with a well-attended event at Motorsport UK’s headquarters, where over 50 young women gathered to explore potential careers in motorsport. During the event, team members from Un-Limited Motorsport and Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers engaged with attendees, highlighting the importance of increasing female representation in the sport.
Following this initial engagement, six young women from Girls on Track participated in a hands-on work experience programme with Un-Limited Motorsport at the Silverstone circuit in September. This experience allowed them to gain valuable insights into race operations and team dynamics, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the motorsport experience. The performance of the participants impressed the Un-Limited team, leading to two of them continuing with the team for the rest of the racing season. This ongoing mentorship covered six critical areas of motorsport, from public relations to team management, enabling participants to tailor their experiences to align with their career aspirations.
Looking ahead, Un-Limited Motorsport and Duckhams Racing are committed to expanding these initiatives to create lasting change within the TOCA paddock and the wider motorsport community. Tom Grainger, Team Principal of Un-Limited Motorsport, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Motorsport UK through the Girls on Track initiative is about more than just racing. It’s about creating a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. This initiative is a step toward breaking down barriers and demonstrating that there’s a place for everyone in motorsport.”
Duckhams Oil has a long-standing association with motorsport, celebrating a legacy that spans 125 years. The brand’s history began with a land-speed record set in 1948 and includes participation in various prestigious championships such as Formula One, British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), British GT, and more. The company has been linked with notable drivers throughout the decades, including legends like Ayrton Senna and James Hunt, as well as current champions such as Dan Cammish and Shaun Balfe.
Rajat Moitra, Chief Marketing Officer at Duckhams, highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting diversity in motorsport: “Duckhams is incredibly proud to be associated with the excellent initiatives of Un-Limited Motorsport, Motorsport UK, and Girls on Track. We have been breaking boundaries since 1899, driven by the pioneering spirit of our founder, Alexander Duckham. Our sponsorship of British female rally driver Louise Cooke in the World Rally Car Championships underscores our dedication to supporting female drivers. We look forward to championing more initiatives like these as we continue our winning legacy.”
Through this partnership, Un-Limited Motorsport and Duckhams Racing are paving the way for future generations of women in motorsport, ensuring that the industry becomes more inclusive and representative of diverse backgrounds.