THE IRON DAMES BRING LOCAL KIDS CLOSER TO THE WORLD OF MOTORSPORT IN MONZA

The Iron Dames, together with PREMA, had the pleasure of welcoming 22 local girls, aged between 6 to 15, to the Autodromo Nationale di Monza circuit for a unique educational and engaging experience within the team and at a world-class racing environment as part of the Positive Impact School Programme.

The programme, co-created by the Iron Dames and PREMA, aims to inspire and nurture an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Sustainability disciplines and to shine a light on exciting professional career in motorsport that study can create.

Through this groundbreaking programme, role models from the Iron Dames are committed to using their time to bring local children closer to motorsport, offering a hands-on experience with the car and team operations through internships and work experience opportunities.

It was the second event of this long-term programme, the first one taking place at PREMA’s premises in May. Events were run where the team is located, as well as at racetracks, bringing activities to children in areas where exposure to STEM-related careers may be limited.

The Monza event, built in collaboration with British firm Enovation Consulting Ltd, gave the girls the opportunity to take a tour of Iron Dames and PREMA garages guided by the drivers, who showed them both GT and LMP2 cars, their equipment and explained the safety factors involved. They also met the mechanics and the engineers, before having the chance to visit race control, welcomed by FIA World Endurance Championship race director, Eduardo Freitas. They also took up a sustainability challenge and LEGO coding activity calling on problem-solving, creativity and application of new skills.

The experience ended for the 22 girls with a moment of fun and discussion at the Iron Lynx hospitality with Project Founder Deborah Mayer, and drivers Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Doriane Pin.

In a field such as motorsport, where innovation and forward-thinking are key, generating true inspiration towards science and engineering at a young age is crucial for the future of motorsports and for sustainable community development.

This initiative is in line with the Iron Dames project’s mission to promote passion and inspire younger ones to embark on a career in motorsport, especially young women, for whom no barrier is insurmountable.

Deborah Mayer, Iron Dames Project Founder, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome these young girls to the team and to see them discover the atmosphere of motorsport with wonder and interest. This programme is close to my heart because it embraces the philosophy of the Iron Dames project: sharing passion and encouraging vocations. I am also proud to see the commitment of our drivers and all the team in this programme. They fulfill this responsibility of educating the younger generation with enthusiasm and dedication, which is essential for the future of their sport.”

René Rosin, Team Principal PREMA Racing, said: “We are always extremely delighted to welcome and inspire the next generation. Their enthusiasm and excitement makes us really look forward to what these kids will be able to achieve, especially in the STEM sector which is so crucial for the world we live in. In motorsports, we always need to look forward to new ideas and new opportunities, and by interacting with kids we feel we are helping to lay the foundations of a bright future.”