P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Michelle Gatting recalled a tearful Le Mans 24 Hours debut with the Iron Dames in 2019 and described the growth of the all-female driver project.
The Iron Dames project is a prominent motorsport organization dedicated to promoting female driver talent, currently boasting a record-high roster of 16 drivers across various series like the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA. Their venture into sportscar racing started at the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours, marking a significant milestone for drivers like Rahel Frey and her fellow Iron Dames teammates. The project garnered considerable attention for its pioneering efforts in creating an all-female lineup and challenging the status quo in motorsports. Through its founder, Deborah Mayer, the Iron Dames have gradually earned respect and recognition in the racing community, overcoming initial skepticism and establishing a strong presence in the paddock. Mayer’s dedication to promoting female talent in motorsport culminated in her leadership of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission from 2022 to 2024, solidifying the Iron Dames’ commitment to long-term success and inclusivity in racing.
