Few people in world motorsport have such a varied, extensive and successful resume as Jess Dane. She’s owned a team, reported on rallies, chaired the Australian Women in Motorsport Commission and runs a manufacturer’s global race program.
And now she’s coming to the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit (Tacoma, Saturday May 24).
Motorsport has been present throughout Jess’s career. Her journey began with a job as a subassembly mechanic. She pivoted to team coordination, took ownership of Triple Eight Race Engineering for nine years and then moved on to present TV coverage of the Australian Rally Championship.
Now? She manages one of GM’s highest profile race departments as program manager for Corvette Racing. Travelling throughout the world, Jess attends IMSA, World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge (America, Asia and Europe) as well as European and Asian Le Mans Series events where the Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs are competing.
Present throughout that time is Jess’ drive and desire to see more women working alongside her in motorsport.
“As a rally fan and a passionate advocate for women in motorsport, I am super-excited to be part of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit,” said Jess.
“I’ve operated in a lot of different roles in my time in the sport, I think the only thing I haven’t done is engineer a car. Now, with Corvette Racing, I’m working closely with GM Global Propulsion Systems on the powertrain, Pratt Miller Engineering on the chassis, national governing bodies and customers – both on and off track.
“I’ve followed the tremendous success of the Summit from afar, so having the opportunity to join it in-person is fantastic. I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn from each other and work together for the continuous betterment of our sport.”
DirtFish Women in Motorsport coordinator Josie Rimmer is delighted to welcome Jess to the Summit.
“Jess brings with her such an understanding of the sport in all its forms and at so many levels,” said Josie. “Every now and then you look at a resume and think: ‘And she did that as well, and that…’ Jess is one of those. I’m so looking forward to hearing about her time in the sport and how she’s helped – and is helping – to bring more women into this sport.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have her with us on Saturday May 24.”
