Three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick is spearheading a new initiative aimed at boosting female participation in grassroots motorsport. Chadwick, a standout racer in America's Indy NXT series, has joined forces with Daytona Motorsport in a year-long endeavor to offer complimentary karting experiences and mentorship for girls.
The program will kick off with free karting sessions for females aged eight and above at Daytona kart racing venues throughout the UK. This will be followed by the introduction of 'The Jamie Chadwick Series', an exclusive all-female racing championship scheduled to run for the remainder of 2024.
Chadwick, renowned as the UK's most accomplished active female motorsport driver, clinched victory in all three editions of the W Series before transitioning to the fiercely competitive Indy NXT series. Reflecting on her motivation for the initiative, Chadwick emphasized the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
She highlighted the existing focus on attracting women to higher echelons of motorsport, such as F1 Academy and world championship karting, underscoring the need to also support aspiring racers at the entry level. Drawing from her own experience of starting karting at age 12 without a clear career path, Chadwick stressed the significance of identifying and guiding young female talents towards future opportunities.
In 2023, Chadwick made history by becoming the first woman in over a decade to compete full-time in Indy NXT, amassing an impressive 262 points across 14 races in her debut season. Additionally, she is a member of the Williams F1 team's driver academy and is actively mentoring their F1 representative Lia Block.
Aside from offering financial assistance to participants, Chadwick's primary aim is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment for girls in motorsport. By creating opportunities for young female racers to thrive and feel comfortable in their pursuits, she hopes to inspire the next generation of female drivers.
The initiative aligns with Chadwick's vision of breaking barriers and fostering a culture where aspiring female racers can envision themselves competing at the highest levels of motorsport. By providing a platform for girls to excel and enjoy racing in a welcoming setting, Chadwick aims to pave the way for more women to pursue their passion for motorsport.
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