Two Iron Dames, Rahel Frey and Doriane Pin, took part in a positive event this weekend in the PREMA Racing headquarters, meeting children to make them aware of the possibility of career in motorsport, in particular with studies of STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
The highly-successful initiative, built in collaboration with PREMA Racing and British firm Enovation Consulting Ltd. as a part of the Positive Impact School Programme, saw the children, aged 9 to 12, visit the team’s factory and interact with experienced motorsport professionals. They met with engineering and management figures and had the opportunity to discuss at length with Doriane and Rahel about their passion and experience and received advice on how to pursue a career in motorsport.
“We are absolutely proud of the resounding success achieved by this event. Having so many kids in our workshop was outstanding and we were actually surprised and amazed by their genuine interest towards engineering disciplines. We feel we really inspired a young generation today, and that our efforts will produce a positive impact. We are also grateful to Doriane Pin and Rahel Frey for having been part of this with their excitement and professionalism. We cannot wait to continue this project and welcome more children again in the future,” said Rene Rosin, Managing Director, PREMA.
The goal was to highlight and support the interest of children towards STEM subjects and promote problem-solving, creativity, and the application of new skills. In a field like motorsport, where innovation and forward-thinking are key, generating true inspiration towards science and engineering at a young age can and will make a difference for the future of motorsport and for sustainable community development.
This initiative in line with the Iron Dames project’s mission to not only get women racing and winning at the highest level but also to inspire younger ones to break barriers and embark on a career in motorsport.
“I think it is crucial to inspire and connect young women, motivating them to chase and achieve their dreams not only in motorsport but in all aspects of life, starting from the professional environment. The main purpose of the Iron Dames project is to increase the inclusion of women in sports at all levels in all professions. By promoting STEM sciences among young girls, we can raise awareness on the possibilities open to them, which is crucial for their future. Our message is also more global for all girls that there are no insurmountable barriers in any area,” said Deborah Mayer, Iron Dames Project Founder.
Rahel Frey and Doriane Pin, along with fellow Iron Dames Sarah Bovy and Michelle Gatting, recently competed in the FIA WEC 6 hours of Spa with a hard-fought and encouraging race as they faced the rainy Ardennes weather and tough competitors with whom they struggled relentlessly. In the Porsche 911 RSR-19 car #85, the all-female Iron Dames line-up of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting had a solid race, staying clear of the trouble and always remaining in the battle for victory. Rahel commented about her time at last weekend’s PREMA event,
“It was a very beautiful and interesting event. We had fun welcoming all the school kids and sharing Lego, sustainability, simulator sessions and a factory tour. I was happy to answer their clever questions to help them learn more about motorsport. I am convinced we inspired a few kids to think about pursuing a career within motorsport.”
In LMP2 at Spa, Iron Dame Doriane Pin, competing in the #63 Oreca 07-Gibson PREMA Racing took the start in P3, completing a masterful double stint, getting the best of reference drivers such Tom Blomqvist to take the lead and fight for almost 3 hours for the top positions, confirming her strong ability to fight at the front and to race in the rain.
Of this recent event at PREMA Doriane Pin, Driver, said: “I am very happy to have participated in this event and to have met these kids to talk about our common passion. Sharing my experience is always a pleasure and an honour if it can inspire younger people and create vocations in motor sport. It is a team sport and each of its members, whatever their role, participates in the race and in the success.”
Photographs by Iron Lynx.