This weekend marks a major milestone for women in motorsport.
On Saturday we host our sixth annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit, while on Sunday over 30 women compete in Ireland’s Galway Summer Rally.
The WiM Summit is all about providing a platform for women to grow into, and succeed in, motorsport, and the Galway entry only adds further weight to the importance of such initiatives.
DirtFish Women in Motorsport driver Aoife Raftery connects both events. She’s currently in Snoqualmie, ready to attend the Summit as one of the many WiM Pros. But Galway, Ireland, is where she calls home.
Seeing such a strong entry of women competitors for her home rally is a source of great pride for Aoife.
Over 30 women will take part in this weekend's Galway Summer Rally
“It’s incredible,” she smiled. “I think we’re seeing an upward trajectory every year in the amount of women competing in rallies in Ireland, but across the world as well. I think it’s heading in the right direction.
“We’re definitely seeing more and more get into the sport at higher levels and that’s what it’s about. Once we have that momentum, hopefully we can continue to see those numbers raise.”
Aoife will have a particular eye on Gemma Hallinan and Ciara Duggan; an all-female crew that she has done plenty of work with in the past.
“It’s quite special to see them partnering up this year and how well they’re getting on together,” Aoife said.
“Gemma is from the same area as I am and we both grew up in motorsport families. She’s only 17 and we’ve done a lot of work together on pacenotes, practicing recce. Lately because I’ve been away a lot I haven’t been at so many of her events, but I’ve been trying to give her support where I can and give any help where I can, sharing anything I’ve learned.
“Ciara as well has been great. She used to be a driver and I think seeing them together, they get on very well, Ciara is very enthusiastic and really, really keen about rallying. To see that blossoming in Ireland is really nice and there’s a strong future there.”
While Gemma, Ciara and their fellow competitors are focused on results this weekend, Aoife joins her co-driver Hannah McKillop, DirtFish’s own Michelle Miller and rising superstar Lia Block in sharing their rallying tips.
“It’s a shame to miss your home rally but I’m missing it for an absolutely fantastic reason and that’s to be here at the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit,” Aoife explained.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to meet so many fantastic women that are in the sport in so many different areas, and that are wanting to get in the sport. It’s going to be a great weekend on both sides of the water.
“Best of luck to everyone at the rally and I can’t wait for the Summit this weekend.”
