The world of motorsport can be intimidating for newcomers, but for one woman, a chance encounter with the Women in Motorsport Summit at DirtFish Rally School in 2026 proved to be a life-changing experience. What began as a nervous journey into the unknown evolved into a story of courage, community, and finding one’s voice in a male-dominated sport.
In 2026, she made the drive from British Columbia to Washington, unsure of what to expect. The journey was fraught with delays and anxiety, but the welcome she received at DirtFish was far from what she anticipated. This event would not only introduce her to the thrilling world of rally but also inspire her to pursue a career in motorsport.
The power of a welcoming community
The first challenge was simply getting through the gate. After hours of traffic delays, she arrived late and, in her nervous state, even drove onto the property the wrong way. Despite this, the DirtFish staff treated her with warmth and kindness, making her feel at ease. This welcoming atmosphere was a stark contrast to the intimidation she had felt earlier.
Meeting Josie Rimmer the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Coordinator, was a turning point. Josie’s friendly demeanor and quick integration of her into the event helped alleviate her anxiety. This interaction underscored the importance of feeling accepted in a new environment, especially one as unfamiliar as rally racing.
Experiencing the thrill of rally
Her first experience in a rally car was a thrill ride in DirtFish’s rear-wheel-drive Subaru BRZ, driven by a female driver named Tasha. The exhilarating ride through gravel, trees, and snow was a stark contrast to her initial nervousness. Tasha’s reassuring presence made the experience enjoyable and accessible, even for a complete novice.
Throughout the day, she met inspiring women whose stories challenged her perceptions of what was possible in motorsport. One such woman was Michèle Mouton a rally legend whose achievements lit a spark within her. Mouton’s story of breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport resonated deeply, inspiring her to consider her own potential in the industry.
Finding her voice in motorsport
The following year, she returned to the Women in Motorsport Summit, this time at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma. With a newfound sense of belonging, she sat in the second row and listened to Becs Williams speak. Becs’ confidence and knowledge of the sport struck a chord, making her realize that she too could share her passion publicly.
Taking a leap of faith, she messaged an organizer of a local drift series and asked if there might be an opportunity for her to announce. To her surprise, the answer was yes. This led to her first announcing gig at Agassiz Speedway, where she navigated the challenges of live broadcasting with a mix of nerves and excitement. Her journey from nervous newcomer to confident announcer highlights the transformative power of taking risks and embracing new opportunities.
Her experience also underscored the importance of visibility in motorsport. By seeing women like Becs and Michèle thriving in the sport, she found the courage to pursue her own dreams. Similarly, her presence as an announcer inspired others, including a man whose wife decided to give drifting a chance after hearing a woman’s voice on the broadcast.
Inspiring the next generation
In 2026, she plans to return to the Women in Motorsport Summit with a new purpose: to inspire others as she was inspired. Her journey from a nervous newcomer to a confident voice in motorsport serves as a testament to the power of community, the courage to try new things, and the importance of visibility in breaking barriers.
Whether you’re already working in motorsport, trying to get involved, or simply a fan looking to get closer to the sport, the Women in Motorsport Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. As she reflects on her journey, she hopes to be one of the people who helps someone else believe they can do it too.
