By Lauren Clark, Account Coordinator, Breaking Limits
I was honored to be invited to attend the third annual Women in Motorsports North America, Women with Drive summit. The summit brings together the most successful and influential people in the motorsports industry, with a key goal of providing opportunities for women across all disciplines. Creating an inclusive, resourceful environment to foster mentorship, networking, advocacy, education, and growth, ensures the continuation of Breaking the Limits of our sport.
The summit took place at the renowned Phoenix Raceway days after the NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Talk about perfect timing! The two-day event consisted of over 450 women and men, including 60 drivers, 96 speakers, 58 sponsors, 5 panel discussions, 9 breakout sessions, and 6 keynote speakers. Never in my life did I believe I would have the opportunity to be in a room with some of the most distinguished professionals in motorsports. After seeing so many current students attending the event, I told our President, Kristin Labonte, “I wish I had the chance to attend an event like this before I graduated!” The amount of networking and potential future partnerships was astounding. It felt like the entire event was super charged!
During the summit, we were asked, “What does Women in Motorsports North America represent to you?” These were the top three answers along with key quotes from a variety of speakers, I think ties everything together.
Community:
Pippa Mann – Racing Driver, Coach, Shift Up Now-Leader:
– “We are in the community to help women rise.”
– “The key thing is determination. Your level of determination needed to succeed is not to be underestimated.”
Ryan B Allen – Automotive Brands & Partnership Manager, North America, Mobil 1:
– “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
– “It’s the passionate people that will continue to move this forward.”
– “Networking is imperative to break in, but also to stick around.”
Empowerment:
Beth Paretta – CEO, Paretta Autosports, Co-Chair, WIMNA:
– “If you can see her, you can be her!”
Jacob Bergenske – Director, Bosch Motorsport North America:
– “If you believe it, you can be it!”
Jim Jordan – SRO TC America:
– “You belong here, you belong where you are. Don’t reject yourself.”
Inspiration:
Beth Paretta – CEO, Paretta Autosports, Co-Chair, WIMNA:
– “It is our time!”
– “You’re only as good as your network.”
Cindy Sisson – CEO, GSEvents, Founder/CEO, Agency Won Inc, Co-Chair, WIMNA
– “We deserve a seat at the table.”
– “Our success will come from building a longer table for all.”
– “The strength of women in motorsports comes from each member’s experience, knowledge, and network.”
I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. Every speaker, sponsor, and attendee were meant to be at this summit. When I found out that our President, Kristin and Founder, Bobby Labonte were to be keynote speakers, I became even more excited! Bobby and Kristin Labonte spoke about, “The Fortitude of Champions”. To Breaking Limits, fortitude means being resilient, looking for opportunities, being brave, and having unwavering belief in yourself. Creating relationships that drive brand loyalty and increase client revenue helps to deliver wins and championship level success.
I believe keynote speaker Carlette Patterson’s speech on “Champion Change” was compatible with Breaking Limit’s mission. The champion of change formula consists of relating new hope, repeating new skills, and reframing new thinking. You must put in the work to change. Change is not easy for all. You may experience comfort or fear, but you are growing and learning during this process. Once you learn and recognize the work that needs to be done, you may focus on the end goal. Your goals should be something you’re passionate about. If you are working towards something you love or are passionate about, you will meet your goal. Own your truth, believe in the process, and be passionate about what you do. In Carlette Patterson’s words, “Champion what matters to you.”
I was nervous during the days leading up to the summit. I knew I was about to be in a room with people I’ve looked up to my whole life. Having only been in the motorsports industry for a couple years, I did not feel worthy of being in the presence of known greatness. However, as the summit started, I realized I am not the only one to feel this way. I quickly realized I do belong here, and I should go talk to this person or that person, no matter how much more experience they have. I have never been more grateful to be in the presence of such amazing women. Events like this provide women the power of connecting to something they’re passionate about and discovering what it takes to be a champion!