Michele Mouton, Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James, Danica Patrick, Simona de Silvestro, and the late Sabine Schmitz … these are names many of us recognize in the racing hall of fame. And without women like our guest tonight, a woman who avidly promotes the empowerment of women in motorsport with boundless enthusiasm – encouraging women’s participation in all roles of auto racing … countless new names would be left off this list.
“Motorsports Opportunities” – or MORacing for short – was created to inspire, mentor, and amplify opportunities to drive, crew, or avidly spectate at the race track. Joining us on Break/Fix to tell us all about her Motorsports journey and how she built MORacing, is Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Maureen McVail.
In our discussion with Maureen, we cover topics like:
- There is a lot more to the MORacing story than meets the eye, so we think it’s fair that we start with Maureen “ the Petrol head” – how did you get into motorsports? And how did that lead up to the foundation of MORacing?
- As we know there are so many different forms of Motorsports to choose from, which disciplines does MORacing focus on, and what types of services do you provide to aspiring female driver?
- Let’s talk about some of the work you’ve done with Drivers like Pippa Mann, etc.
- Persuading men to view you as a peer and to take your interests seriously, has to be challenging – what steps did you take to overcome these obstacles?
- Some folks often confuse the need to be in STEM programs or “Hard Sciences” as a requirement to get involved in, have an interest, or learn about racing. Is it really that geeky?
- and much, much more!
AWIS – Association for Women in Science
The AWIS is for individuals seeking equity for women in science, engineering, technology and math, AWIS provides career development, networking, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. In addition, our thought leadership, research, and advocacy benefit all women in science. Maureen was featured in a recent article in the AWIS Magazine. Learn more about AWIS | Download a copy!
Maureen McVail – Auto.biography
Let me start by pointing out I had zero exposure to cars growing up. I started my “Petrol Head” passion at 16 when I learned how to drive stick on our 220 Mercedes Diesel.
My parents were both educators. My father a classical music professor and my mother an extraordinary teacher. Neither of whom were automotive enthusiasts.
- 1999 – 1st HPDE at Pocono in ‘84 911- hooked immediately!
- 2005 – Sold ‘84 Carrera for Cup Car with full cage
- 2007 – Sold Cup Car and purchased RS America. Co-owned with driver and MMM managed logistics and data acquisition.
- 2010 – 2016 – Purchased and sold GT-3. Campaigned RS America as co-owner and crew chief.
- 2016 – 2019 – CaymanS campaigned in PCA Club racing. BMW M3 owned and rented for DE.
- 2019 – present – Sold CaymanS and have been racecarless during the pandemic.
I knew Porsches are stock racecars, so I started my driving in HPDE and loved it. I “retired” from driving in 2017. As co-owner and crew chief for 2 racecars, I have lived my fantasy of having a race team. (Which I still plan to do.)
Shift-up was started in 2016 and I was co-founder. I left that pursuit up to my co-founder. Shift Up Now was later developed and now expertly run by Pippa Mann. I hired Pippa to coach several female drivers at PCA HPDE at WGI.
My passion is to focus the spotlight on SO MANY DYNAMOS in order to illuminate the varied women drivers. “If you can see it – you can be it” is a driving force or motto of MORacing.
In 2020 I developed and implemented a Road Rally from Philadelphia to Seneca Falls and back to celebrate women’s right to vote. 25 cars with 50 people with a stop at WGI.
I have guided and/or sponsored over 15 women (one mother and son duo) to get on track with various clubs. That means there are numerous new HPDE drivers because of MORacing. I have conducted numerous workshops and have spoken to Girls Schools and youth groups. I have donated to a mini-scholarship at Lincoln Tech for female techs. I have recruited for and attended numerous Porsche and BMW Experiences.
Currently I am an apprentice at an automotive shop where I have learned and successfully performed oil changes through tire balancing and much more.
