Increase of Over 1900% in Female Participation in Jamie Chadwick Karting Series
Increase of Over 1900% in Female Participation in Jamie Chadwick Karting Series
The debut season of the Jamie Chadwick Championship concluded with remarkable achievements, smashing records and fostering a brighter future for female drivers in motorsport. This groundbreaking series, in collaboration with Daytona Motorsport, has witnessed a significant surge in female participation at all levels of karting throughout the UK.
The results were astounding, as the season's end revealed a major impact on the sport:
- An overwhelming 1900% surge in female involvement in competitive karting
- A 400% boost in recreational karting participation
- A substantial 700% increase in endurance racing sign-ups
- A motivating 200% rise in first-time female karting participants
Accordingly, over 450 girls were introduced to the realm of karting in this season, establishing the Jamie Chadwick Series as the UK's most extensive female karting endeavor.
"This year has been nothing short of outstanding," acknowledged series founder Jamie Chadwick, a pioneer in the world of motorsport. "The fierce competition, the passion exuded by the girls, and the astounding statistics—it surpassed my wildest expectations. I take immense pride in observing so many girls not just racing, but flourishing in an environment that supports them at every stage."
The series presented an appropriate arena for young women to showcase their talents, simultaneously fostering a welcoming community where mentoring and camaraderie are highly valued. The season concluded this weekend with Lily Jeffs and Rhianna Purcocks emerging triumphant in their respective categories. Both champions will now be granted a fully-funded test in advanced karting machinery, in addition to a year's worth of mentorship from Chadwick herself.
Said Chadwick, the initiative signifies far more than solely a racing series—it serves as a medium to give back and dismantle the obstacles she faced while growing up in a predominantly male-dominated sport.
The Jamie Chadwick Series: A Testament to Mentorship, Opportunity & Evolution
The objective of the Jamie Chadwick Series was to enable young girls to experience motorsport on its most grassroots level. It encompassed an array of events, including competitive races, as well as free karting sessions for girls with no prior experience in the sport. Furthermore, it offered exclusive mentorship programs, such as the unforgettable journey to the Williams F1 Team headquarters for one participant, alongside Chadwick. The Williams Academy's mentor to Lia Block is none other than Chadwick herself.
Chadwick argued that one of the most rewarding components of the series was observing the camaraderie and support among the participants. "I had always believed that by creating a positive and supportive environment, we could truly make a difference. Seeing the girls come together, helping each other, and inspiring one another to be their best has been truly awe-inspiring," she stated.
The Grassroots Involvement of Jamie Chadwick Series: Crucial for Future Motorsports Participation
In an exclusive interview, Jamie Chadwick expressed her perspectives on the importance of grassroots karting for young girls aspiring to enter motorsports. "There are so many barriers woven into motor sports, and accessibility is mostly the issue. If a young girl wants to play football, she can simply join her local team. However, karting presents a different challenge—financially, logistically, and culturally. The key to overcoming these obstacles lies in offering young girls the chance to try the sport with no initial pressure or costly commitment," she explained.
Jamie Chadwick's initiative addresses these underlying issues, paving the way for girls to experiment with karting without the intimidating factors typically associated with the sport. Campaigns like National Women’s Day Free Karting Events have offered countless young girls the opportunity to explore motorsports as a viable possibility.
Interview with Jamie Chadwick: Vision & Future Prospects of the Series
Q: Jamie, you've made significant progress with the Jamie Chadwick Series this year. What motivated you to start this initiative, and how do you feel about its success in its inaugural season?
Chadwick: I've often said I stumbled into the sport unintentionally. Growing up, I didn't hail from a motorsports family—no one in my family was racers. My older brother developed an interest, and I followed him into a local karting series. At that time, I didn't fully comprehend the male-dominated nature of the sport; I simply enjoyed it. But as I advanced, I started noticing how few girls were participating, and the barriers that prevailed. It was only years later that I realized the challenges I had encountered—socially, culturally, and structurally.
I wished to create something that could make this initial experience easier for young girls today, providing them with the chance to explore karting and motorsports without the anxiety factor, and cultivating a nurturing environment fostering their growth. I am elated to witness the seeds of my dream take root and thrive.
Chaz: It's all about it. It's not just about racing, but also having someone guide you through the process. Whether it's helping girls with their racing skills or offering them career advice, mentorship has played a significant role. We've got some competitors at top levels, and others who are new to karting. Both are valuable, and mentorship helps them see their potential. I want to be there for them as they decide their next moves. Some might become professional racers, while others may race as a hobby. Regardless, they've found a community, and they've learned the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.
Challenges for Girls in Motorsport
Q: What are the two biggest obstacles girls face when joining motorsport?
Chaz: The first is cultural. Motorsport is still male-dominated, and many young girls feel intimidated. There's a fear of not fitting in, or not being taken seriously, which I get. That's why we've strived to create a friendly, accepting environment where girls can be comfortable and supported. The second challenge is financial. Motorsport can be expensive, especially at higher levels. I've always been passionate about making it more affordable, and we're seeing more initiatives aimed at solving this. But we need to keep pushing to ensure everyone gets a chance, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Growth of the Jamie Chadwick Series
Q: Are there plans to expand the Jamie Chadwick Series in 2025?
Chaz: Definitely! This year has been a great start, and we're already thinking about next season. The demand from young girls has been overwhelming, and there's still so much potential to explore. We're looking at expanding to new tracks, possibly in other regions, and we're also thinking about introducing junior racing for younger girls—ages 8 to 12. Our goal is to provide more opportunities for girls of all ages to get involved. Eventually, we hope to go international, especially in regions like the U.S.
Chadwick's Future in Motorsport
Q: You've also made strides in professional motorsport. You've been selected for the Genesis Racing’s LMP2 program for 2025, including a debut at Le Mans. What's exciting about this new phase in your racing career?
Chaz: Endurance racing is something I've always dreamed of, and to have the chance to race at Le Mans is incredible. Genesis Racing is a thrilling program, and I'm really looking forward to joining them in 2025. It's going to be a challenge, but I love endurance racing. It's all about strategy, teamwork, and pushing yourself to the limit, and I can't wait to start. Le Mans is such an iconic event, and to be a part of it is something I've always wanted.
As 2024 draws to a close, Jamie Chadwick continues to challenge the motorsport world, not just by competing at the top level but also by creating opportunities for the next generation of female drivers. Her work with the Jamie Chadwick Series has already had a significant impact, and the future looks promising not only for her but also for the young girls whose careers she is shaping.
The Jamie Chadwick Series' collaboration with Daytona Motorsport also extended to Daytona, with the series organizing an event at the renowned Daytona International Speedway in 2025, offering a unique opportunity for British female drivers to race on the same track where legends of motorsport have triumphed, such as in the famous 24 Hours of Daytona race.
Furthermore, the success of the Jamie Chadwick Series caught the attention of Genesis Motorsport, encouraging them to offer Chadwick a test drive in their LMP2 prototype for the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours race. Marking a significant milestone in Chadwick's career, the selection demonstrated her outstanding talent in endurance racing and further reinforced her position as a trailblazer and role model for young female racers.