mission
Founded by Michelle Della Penna, daughter of renowned race car driver and Indycar team owner John Della Penna, the foundation aims to provide girls aged 5 to 18 with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to fuel their future in motorsports. With a mission to increase female representation in the industry, the foundation recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for girls to pursue their passion.
WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW:
WIMNA Summit and PRI
Susan was in Indianapolis for the WIMNA (Women in Motorsports North America)
Susan was in Indianapolis for WIMNA (Women in Motorsports North America) Summit and PRI the week of December 9th. Thanks to Lyn St. James and Cindy Sisson for inviting us! We had five girls join us to hear talks on careers at WIMNA and then meet with the Foundation's drivers to learn more about their journey. Thanks so much to Sabre Cook, Heather Hadley and Kelsey Rowlings for joining us and to Marcia Zgirta from NXG Youth Motorsports for volunteering! Then we went to PRI and the girls networking lunch to hear more and also share what the Foundation is doing to inspire girls looking to get into motorsports. Thanks to PRI and the SEMA for inviting us!
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How do you feel/think about motorsports?
I think motorsports is exciting, and challenging. It’s exciting because whether you’re in the car or watching a race there’s always suspense when you’re thinking of whats going to happen next.
How has DPF inspired you?
Through DPF I’ve learned that motorsports is not just about driving; driving’s one small part that’s built up by lots of other parts. For example these three things are big parts of motorsports: engineering, business, media, and more. Shadowing Zandara Kennedy let me see the day-to-day life of a professional driver, and meeting professionals, professors and students in Indy showed me academic and career opportunities that are in motorsports.
How does driving make you feel?
While I’m driving, I feel focused, but also driving feels thrilling because you’re going so fast and you’re always pushing the limits of the car. It's a constant learning experience especially learning about the science of driving, growing my skills like braking techniques and controlled driving.
What is your goal for the next year?
After several months of testing with the Jensen Global Advisors F4 team, I have recently found out I have been accepted to be a development driver for the 2025 Season. For 2025 I hope to improve my driving and achieve strong results in the CA F4 Series. My F4 journey is a step towards competing in F1 Academy, I can see myself driving in IndyCar or F1. Outside of driving I hope to get more exposure to other parts of motorsports, including applying to fellowships with the foundation.
Ana Palestro spends a weekend with Zee Kennedy, Della Penna Driver Advisory Council
Della Penna Karting Scholars end the NXG Racing Season
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Scenes from this weekend's final races from our scholarship athletes: Jordyn Cummings, Aubre Walker, and Shyanne Doran. Michelle Della Penna was able to be in Indy in order to these incredibly talented young ladies and their promising future. While some may not be continuing behind the wheel they will take the skills they have learned over the past few years and apply it beyond our wildest imaginations. Congrats Ladies!!!​​
Della Penna Driver Council Members spoke at Velocity Invitational
Great to see Michele Abbate and Sabre Cook at Velocity Invitational in Sonoma where they joined Pippa Mann and others to talk about women in the motorsports industry.
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FERRARI CHALLENGE at the Sonoma Raceway August 28, 2024
The goal of the Della Penna Foundation is to provide opportunities in motorsports to young women. This historically has been a tough space for women to find equality and opportunities. in August 2024, the Ferrari Challenge opened up 10 spots for young women in the Sonoma area to meet incredible women who are carving the path for future generations. From the pits to drivers seats - they were given inside looks at what possibilities awaited them. This is what it's all about...inspiration.
Check out photos of the event here.
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2024 Fellowships
Della Penna Foundation with The Michael Andretti Foundation & The George4 Foundation
Congratulations to Marrisa Beltran for completing our fellowship program with The Michael Andretti Foundation and the George4 Foundation. Marissa completed five days of shadowing motorsports industry professionals, touring on-site facilities, and learning the ins and outs of motorsports thanks to Marissa Andretti and Julia Steinbrenner.
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Della Penna Foundation with The Sonoma Raceway
Congratulations to Helen for completing the Della Penna Fellowship with Sonoma Raceway. We wish her continuous success in motorsports! A special "Thank You!" To Brandy Falconer, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma Valley High School, and Brian Flynn for their support in making this possible!
Della Penna Foundation with Indianapolis Speedway
Aubre Walker was able to shadow over 7 departments and meet with several women of various leadership levels within our organization. She even had the opportunity to mee Bubba Wallace during the race!
"Aubre has incredible ambition and we look forward to seeing where life takes her. I have no doubt she will continue to be wildly successful no matter where that ends up being."
-Lauren Guidotti, Senior Manager, Communications
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Della Penna Foundation with General Motors (Charlotte, NC)
Congratulations to Mandi Lee for completing our fellowship in Charlotte, NC where she got to spend a week with motorsports industry professionals. Special thanks to Tai Jaune Robinson, Global Motorsports Competition Engineering Business Manager at General Motors, for providing Mandi with such a unique experience.
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Here's what the girls are saying...