SEMA Virtual Education

Engaging the Next Generation of Women in Motorsports, Powered by SBN

Recorded On: 11/02/2022

Women in racing are breaking barriers and setting records. Join leading ladies in racing for an impactful session. Hear how they’ve overcome adversity and achieved success. Gain insights and confidence as you learn about career pathways in motorsports and how women racers are encouraging young women to step into the world of racing.

**If you're having any issues logging in or accessing the recording, please contact SEMA Education at semaeducation@sema.org or 909-610-2030.**

Louise Ann ​Noeth

Writer/Photographer

LandSpeed Productions

“Landspeed” Louise Ann Noeth, is a skilled writer, photographer, and designer leading LandSpeed Productions. Author of the seminal historical book, Bonneville Salt Flats, she consults for the film and television on extreme speed. Noeth’s decades of award-winning visuals and narratives have been published worldwide in several languages. Her Fuel For Thought column provides readers with an insiders view to land speed racing. She was the first female editor-in-chief of any of the Petersen Publishing’s automotive publications, developed the HOT ROD and CAR CRAFT Nationals, and established the working foundation that evolved into SEMA Action Network. Noeth professionally raced a 250MPH jet dragster, was core team member with TEAMVesco that set & holds the World’s Fastest Wheel-Driven Automobile at 458MPH, was Director of Sponsorship and Public Relations world speed record bids by Craig Breedlove and Steve Fossett. She derives great pleasure driving in excess of 100 miles per hour whenever possible.

Dystany Spurlock

Professional Motorcycle Drag Racer

Dystany Spurlock Racing

Dystany’s passion for speed started at an early age, riding on the back of a motorcycle with her mom and dad from the age of 6.When she turned 12, Dystany’s life would change forever. She attended a drag race at Virginia Motorsports Park with her godfather, and something about the sound of the bikes speeding on the asphalt positively triggered her, and she kept going back. Dystany is the fastest woman on a BMW s1000rr in Curacao with a time of 8.57 seconds in the 1/4 mile. In 2018 she was inducted into the Hopkins BMW Museum. In addition, in 2019, she made history by becoming the first woman to win a 4.60 index final (Drag Racing). Dystany makes her own rules, sets her own goals, and serves as a role model for women of all ages.As she pushes to accomplish her dream of racing professionally in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle, her fan base continues to build, as does her enthusiasm for life – behind and beyond the driver’s seat.

Beth ​Paretta

CEO

Paretta Autosport

Beth Paretta is the CEO and Team Principal of Paretta Autosport: the first woman-owned, woman-driven, and woman-forward team in INDYCAR history. Born from Beth's vision and determination, Paretta Autosport is on a mission to unify the current generation, inspire the next, and shine a light on diversity and inclusion for all. They work to promote STEM education for young women as a pathway to careers in motorsports and related fields. Prior to launching Paretta Autosport, Beth held leadership roles at Volkswagen Group, Aston Martin and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) across operations, marketing, and finance. It was at FCA where Beth became the first woman to lead a performance brand (SRT) and motorsports at an OEM. Under her tenure, FCA won three national championships including the NASCAR Cup Series, IMSA, and TransAm. Beth is a board member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the global Marketing Delegate for the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission. She is based in Detroit.

Michelle ​Della Penna

President and Founder

Della Penna Motorsports Next Gen Foundation

Michelle Della Penna is the President and Founder of the Della Penna Motorsports Next Gen Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, founded in 2021, dedicated to empowering girls from age 5-16 with opportunities to supercharge a future in motorsports – whether it’s behind the wheel, in the pits, or behind a computer. After a successful career as an entrepreneur and mother of three boys, Michelle decided to drive change in the industry she knew from her childhood, motorsports. Her father, John Della Penna, was a race car driver and team owner, and she was one of the few girls at the track for as long as she can remember. As a first-generation American of Argentine descent, Michelle is especially passionate about creating opportunities for young girls of color. As President and Founder, Michelle is actively involved in building the foundation's pilot programs as she and the team.

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Engaging the Next Generation of Women in Motorsports, Powered by SBN
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.  |  60 minutes
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.  |  60 minutes Women in racing are breaking barriers and setting records. Join leading ladies in racing for an impactful session. Hear how they’ve overcome adversity and achieved success. Gain insights and confidence as you learn about career pathways in motorsports and how women racers are encouraging young women to step into the world of racing.