JOIN IRON DAMES AT THE 24 HOURS OF DAYTONA FOR A PANEL WITH NASA TRAILBLAZERS: THE WOMEN BEHIND RACE CARS AND ROCKETS 

Iron Dames is thrilled to announce an impactful panel discussion, “The Women Behind Race Cars and Rockets” hosted at the iconic 24 Hours of Daytona on 24 January.

Bringing together history makers and barrier breakers from the worlds of endurance racing and space exploration, the panel will highlight their accomplishments and challenges, recognising their efforts to pave the way for women in male-dominated industries. The event aims to challenge perceptions and empower future generations – particularly young women – to become game changers in their chosen paths.

Inspired by the Iron Dames visit to the Kennedy Space Center last year, the panel at Daytona will feature an extraordinary dialogue between trailblazers from two seemingly distinct yet deeply connected worlds – motorsports and space exploration – which share a history of limited female representation.

Iron Dames Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting will be in attendance alongside former NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain, Director of Kennedy Space Center Janet Petro, and Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. Together, they will explore their experiences as women excelling in male-dominated fields. From the racetrack to outer space, their stories showcase how bold dreams and hard work can pave the way to success, inspiring others to embrace leadership, innovation, and ambition in any field.

This event also seeks to engage students from local colleges to join and hear firsthand from women who have turned bold aspirations into remarkable achievements. These students will have the unique opportunity to connect with diverse role models who demonstrate the power of perseverance and the limitless potential of following one’s passion. It is also an opportunity to enhance young women’s interest in STEM Careers, something Iron Dames and NASA are very committed to.

Fans and attendees at the Daytona circuit will have the chance to witness these inspiring conversations in person, adding a new dimension to the race weekend experience.