Eleven female motorsport drivers receive funding from the Foundation’s Women in the Winner’s Circle Project Podium Grant
New York, NY (February 22, 2018) – The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) today announced the recipients of the 2018 Women in the Winner’s Circle Project Podium Grant. Launched in 2013 with 1992 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of The Year Lyn St. James, this industry-wide fund helps female race car drivers from all forms of motor racing—including go kart, quarter midget, drag racing, motorcycle racing, sports car racing and oval track racing—to advance in their professional careers.
“The talented women supported by our Women in the Winner’s Circle Project Podium Grant compete on the national stage and inspire young girls around the country to reach their full potential on the track and later as successful leaders in society,” shared Grete Eliassen, six-time X Games medalist in freeskiing and Women’s Sports Foundation President. “Through Lyn St. James’ pioneering efforts, the Women’s Sports Foundation is thrilled to promote the success of women in racing and diversity in the motorsport industry.”
The Women’s Sports Foundation awarded a total of $11,000 from the fund, with each female racer receiving a $1,000 grant to support her 2018 racing season. The recipients will also have mentorship opportunities with a group of motorsports professionals, led by St. James, and receive industry expertise throughout their seasons.
St. James, a former WSF president, is a seven-time Indianapolis 500 racer who has held 21 international and national closed-circuit speed records over a 30+ year racing career. “We are proud to expand the legacy of female drivers in the racing industry through the Women in the Winner’s Circle Project Podium Grant,” said Lyn St. James. “With initial support from Paul Newman’s Newman’s Own and other leaders in the motorsports industry, along with individuals who want to make a difference for women in racing, we have been able to grow the fund and distribute over $60,000 in grants to date. Our next objectives are to increase annual support so that we can continue to help the best and the brightest, and bring more talented women into the sport.”
The following list details the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Women in the Winners Circle Project Podium Class of 2018. Additional information can be found here on the Foundation’s website.
- Abigail McLaughlin, go-kart racer (Mooresville, Ind.)
- Brittany Zamora, Super Lake Model Stock Car Series (Kennewick, Wash.)
- Courtney Crone, USAC Midgets/Sprint Cars/Formula Mazda (Corona, Calif.)
- Hannah Grisham, go-kart, mini sprints, and sports car racer (Glendora, Calif.)
- Jenna Grillo, sports car racer, open wheel racing (Madison, Wis.)
- Kendall Hedge, go-kart racer (Indianapolis, Ind.)
- Lauren Edgerton, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (Milford, Va.)
- Madison Campeau, go-kart racer (Mooresville, N.C.)
- Makala Marks, go-kart racer, open wheel racer (Avon, Ind.)
- Melissa Paris, motorcycle racer (Oceanside, Calif.)
- Sarah Montgomery, sports car racer (Lafayette, La.)
Athletes interested in applying for the 2018-19 grant cycle may review the application, criteria and guidelines for the Women in the Winners Circle Project Podium Grant at www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
About The Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation — the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports — is dedicated to creating leaders by ensuring girls access to sports. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, ensures equitable opportunities for girls and women through Title IX, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles. The Women’s Sports Foundation has relationships with more than 1,000 of the world’s elite female athletes and is recognized globally for its leadership, vision, expertise and influence. For more information, visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
###
PR Contacts:
Lyn St. James
(317) 319-0760
lyn@lynstjames.com
Aleia Naylor
(646) 783-3891
ANaylor@WomensSportsFoundation.org