Michelle Gatting, a key figure in the revolutionary Iron Dames, takes us on a journey back to her emotional debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours. She shares insights into the project’s remarkable expansion and its role in propelling female talent in motorsport into a new era.
The Iron Dames, a pioneering venture in motorsport, has been at the forefront of promoting and cultivating female driving talent. With 16 drivers competing in various series and disciplines, including the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA, European Le Mans Series, and GT World Challenge Europe, it’s evident that the Iron Dames are not just participants – they’re game-changers.
Gatting reminisces about the project’s inception during the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours. The palpable emotion of this groundbreaking moment – one that saw an all-female team competing in a global arena – is still fresh in her memory. She describes the profound sense of achievement and pride that brought tears to the team’s eyes as they stood on the starting grid, ready to make history.
The public response to the Iron Dames has been overwhelmingly positive, despite initial skepticism due to the short-lived nature of previous similar projects. However, the Iron Dames have defied these doubts by not just enduring but flourishing. They now command respect and recognition within the paddock, a testament to their passion, skill, and professionalism.
The driving force behind the Iron Dames is Deborah Mayer, a woman of strength, determination, and kindness. Since founding the project in 2018, Mayer has been a nurturing hand guiding the Iron Dames, fostering a sense of family and shared ambition.
The Iron Dames are set to expand their horizons even further. Their partnership with Porsche for the 2025 racing season signifies a new chapter in their journey. Gatting, now an official Porsche driver, is excited about the project’s future and her personal ambitions within it. She dreams of sharing a car with male factory drivers, further blurring the gender lines in motorsport.
The ‘Supported by Iron Dames’ initiative is another leap forward. This venture aims to mentor three female drivers – Emma Chalvi, Laura van den Hengel, and Ava Lawrence – across the GT racing, rallying, and karting disciplines.
The Iron Dames have already left their mark on many a racetrack. Their inaugural European Le Mans Series win and their first victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship are just the beginning. Gatting shares that the ultimate goal for the team is to clinch a championship title, a feat that requires consistency and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Despite a challenging start to the season at the Qatar 1812 km, the Iron Dames are undeterred. Their sights are set on the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours, where they aim to surpass their previous best finish.
In a sport traditionally dominated by men, the Iron Dames are shattering barriers and redefining norms. They stand not just as a testament to the power of female prowess in motorsport, but also as an inspiring symbol of perseverance, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence.
