The slogan “Porsche X Iron Dames – because every dream matters” marks a transformative collaboration between Porsche Motorsport and the renowned Iron Dames initiative, which is committed to promoting women in motorsport. This partnership begins its journey with the Asian Le Mans Series next weekend in Sepang, Malaysia. Featuring an all-female driver line-up, the team will compete across top-tier racing series in a Porsche 911 GT3 R, showcasing both skill and ambition on the global stage.
The Iron Dames squad includes accomplished drivers Michelle Gatting (Denmark), Rahel Frey (Switzerland), Sarah Bovy (Belgium), and Célia Martin (France). Their extensive schedule spans Asia, Europe, and the United States, with standout events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The collaboration not only aims to achieve racing success but also strives to inspire the next generation of women in motorsport.
Competing Across Premier Racing Series
The Iron Dames’ Porsche 911 GT3 R, powered by a robust 416 kW (565 PS) flat-six engine, will compete in the LMGT3 class of the FIA WEC under the management of the renowned Manthey team. Manthey’s experience includes winning every title in the GT3 category’s inaugural WEC season, making them a natural choice to lead this groundbreaking collaboration.
In other series, Proton Competition will manage operations for the Asian Le Mans Series, the European Le Mans Series, and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America. As part of this partnership, Michelle Gatting will be promoted to Porsche’s contracted driver squad, underscoring the manufacturer’s confidence in her abilities.
A Long-Term Vision
The partnership between Porsche Motorsport and Iron Dames is designed to endure for several years, with ambitious plans to integrate it into Porsche’s established junior development programs. These initiatives aim to create a clear pathway for young female talents, from karting to top-level professional motorsport.
By linking the Iron Dames’ newly introduced Young Talents initiative with Porsche’s national support programs and the central Junior Program, the collaboration seeks to remove barriers for women in motorsport and build a sustainable pipeline of talent.
Promoting Diversity and Equal Opportunities
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, emphasized the importance of diversity in the partnership:
“Porsche stands for a culture of equal opportunities and diversity. Encouraging women to get involved in motorsport and supporting them in open competition is something we value highly. The Iron Dames project has demonstrated its structure and success over recent years. By taking this partnership to the next level, we’re confident we can achieve remarkable results, showcasing victories and podium finishes while promoting female talent in racing.”
Deborah Mayer, Founder of the Iron Dames Project, echoed these sentiments:
“It’s an honor to join forces with Porsche Motorsport, a brand that shares our vision of leaving a lasting legacy in motorsport. Our mission goes beyond competing—it’s about breaking barriers and proving that racing is open to anyone with passion and determination. Through this partnership, we aim to set new benchmarks, empower women in endurance racing, and inspire the next generation.”
Mayer also highlighted the importance of the collaboration’s symbolic message:
“‘Porsche X Iron Dames’ represents more than a fresh start for women in motorsport; it’s a powerful statement that every dream is worth pursuing, no matter how ambitious.”
Proven Success and a Promising Future
The Iron Dames and Porsche have already demonstrated their compatibility on the track. In 2023, Gatting, Frey, and Bovy made history by becoming the first all-female trio to clinch a class win in the World Endurance Championship during the season finale in Bahrain. Their success extended to the European Le Mans Series, where they won the LMGT3 class at the Imola 4-hour race.
Recently, Iron Dames’ sponsorship program supported Marta García, a Spanish driver, in testing the Porsche 99X Electric with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. This initiative reflects the broader goals of the partnership to nurture talent and explore new opportunities for women in motorsport.
A Legacy of Empowerment
As the collaboration takes off, the world of motorsport is poised to witness a shift in the narrative around diversity and inclusion. With an elite lineup of drivers and the support of Porsche Motorsport’s resources and expertise, the Iron Dames are ready to challenge conventions and redefine success in endurance racing.
The partnership between Porsche and Iron Dames is not just a racing collaboration—it’s a movement to inspire and empower future generations, proving that in motorsport, as in life, every dream truly matters.
