More than Equal has partnered with Europe’s leading drag racing venue Santa Pod Raceway and Women in Motorsports North America [WIMNA] to launch “a landmark white paper examining Drag Racing’s leadership in gender inclusivity.”
More than Equal is a global motorsport initiative launched with the target of unearthing and developing Formula 1’s first female world champion.
To do that, it has to address the gender imbalance in the wider motorsport world where only 7% of competitors in formula and GT racing are female.
However, that isn’t the case in the short-distance, high-power world of Drag Racing and More than Equal’s collaborative report – It’s Never Been A Thing: Lessons in Gender Equality from Drag Racing – seeks to uncover why the discipline has been able to achieve gender parity.
Women sadly only make up only 4% of elite competitors across disciplines, but in 2024 Drag Racing celebrated its 100th female event winner in the NHRA series.
The report “highlights six primary themes that help explain why and how Drag Racing has achieved excellence in female representation, including collaborative advocacy, cultural and structural advocacy, elite-level representation and engineering excellence.”
With its findings, the research then provides strategies for other motorsport disciplines to adopt in order to follow in Drag Racing’s groundbreaking footsteps.
More than Equal’s research findings can ‘drive meaningful change in motorsport’
“This research underscores More than Equal’s commitment to leveraging data and insights to drive meaningful change in motorsport,” said Dr. Fran Longstaff, Head of Research at More than Equal.
“By understanding what has worked in disciplines like Drag Racing, we can equip the drivers in our development programme with the knowledge and tools they need to overcome barriers and succeed at the highest levels.
“Collaborating with motorsports that have achieved gender parity is crucial to creating a more inclusive future for all drivers.”
Richard Foster-Turner, Business Development Manager, Santa Pod Raceway / Trakbak Racing said: “It’s been decades since gender became a non-issue in Drag Racing. Our participants consider themselves purely racers.
“Nobody outside Drag Racing has been talking about this, but now with this white paper we are putting Drag Racing’s gender-equal credentials out there to stimulate discussion and follow-on research, and to help other motorsports work towards the same level of diversity.”
Cindy Sisson, Executive Director, WIMNA added: “It has been an honour for WIMNA to participate in this study, as we have always admired the NHRA’s groundbreaking approach to promoting women in racing.
“From trailblazers like Paula Murphy and Shirley Muldowney, who shattered stereotypes and proved that women can not only compete at the highest levels but also dominate as champions, the NHRA has consistently led the charge in fostering gender equity in motorsports.
“These pioneers paved the way for future generations, and WIMNA is proud to continue building on this legacy by supporting and empowering women to achieve greatness on and off the track.
“Together, we celebrate the ongoing progress and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that motorsports remain a space where everyone can thrive and succeed.”
It’s Never Been A Thing: Lessons in Gender Equality from Drag Racing is available for download here.
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