THE IRON DAMES FIGHT AT THE FRONT IN IMSA

This weekend the Iron Dames team returned to the United States to compete in the six-hour IMSA WeatherTech Championship race at Watkins Glen International, a bona fide motorsport institution in America.

IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen

Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Doriane Pin, lined up together with the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 #83 car, continuing to make their mark in the hotly contested IMSA championship after their debut in Daytona in January and Sebring in March.

On Saturday, 19-year-old Doriane Pin embraced her responsibility with a brilliant qualifying performance that secured the team a promising third place on the grid in the GTD class.

On Sunday, a hectic and unpredictable IMSA race had it all for the Iron Dames. For 6 hours, they faced battles for the class lead, Full Course Yellows, Safety Cars, penalties, comebacks and extreme heat in the car. Given the course of the race and the growing potential they have already demonstrated at Le Mans two weeks ago, the final P16 result may seem disappointing, but it confirms their potential for podium contention at major races in the world’s most demanding championships.

A new high-level challenge awaits the Iron Dames this week with the 24 Hours of Spa. Back in Europe, they will be joined by Sarah Bovy, who will reinforce the team for what promises to be another hectic, competitive and unpredictable race in the heart of the Ardennes Forest.

The next generation

The younger Iron Dames generation was also on track this weekend. Aurelia Nobels was making her comeback in the Italian Formula 4 championship with the PREMA Racing team after breaking her arm, which kept her off the track for several weeks. Starting again at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the temple of speed, for one of the most competitive single-seater series in the world was quite a challenge but the young Brazilian driver stood her ground and regained her confidence for the rest of the season.

Natalia Granada, took part in the third round of the CEK Finetwork Championship at the Circuit de Moorland Aragon. Natalia is the first driver to represent the project in karting, and is proving increasingly competitive. The 14-year-old Spaniard is gaining more experience each day and is already impressing with her professional attitude and racing knowledge.

I am extremely proud to see the Iron Dames competing in the United States in one of the most competitive championships worldwide. Today, Doriane, Rahel and Michelle bravely faced a particularly challenging race. The overall result was largely impacted by small technical issues and unwanted penalties. Their fighting spirit and attitude of never giving up in the face of adversity inspire great respect and makes us more motivated than ever for the future. I am also pleased to see the youngest Iron Dames make their mark with dedication and determination. Having three female drivers under the age of 20 racing this weekend in different championships is close to my heart and a real boost for the project. I salute the great team effort to put all of them in the best possible conditions to achieve their dreams for the future.

DEBORAH MAYER, IRON DAMES PROJECT FOUNDER

I’m broken today. Once again, we fought so long for the podium but to let go in the last minute is hard – not only for the drivers but for the entire team! Despite many difficulties, we fought hard from start to finish and crossed the line as a team. We are looking ahead to Spa this week with unchanged passion and determination.

RAHEL FREY

It was an unfortunate finish of this race, but yet again I think we proved we can fight at the front. In the end, we are always performing at our best and pushing to the maximum. Today was just not enough unfortunately but a good lesson before the 24 hours of Spa, we hope it’s not going to be as hot there.

MICHELLE GATTING

I really enjoyed driving in Watkins Glen for the first time and the atmosphere of the United States races again. We can really be happy with the qualifying we did in P3 showing that the performance is there. I enjoy every single lap completed today following and passing the leading pack thanks to a good pace. The end of the race was a bit difficult for us, but we keep in mind all the positives and keep working as a team for the next one.

DORIANE PIN