Chadwick: More roles for women in racing now

Jamie Chadwick returns to Silverstone as ELMS stages its penultimate round, leading grassroots STEM and karting initiatives that have already engaged 450+ girls. For punters, her heightened profile could shorten odds on class podiums and boost market interest in specials featuring female drivers — expect more betting volume on Chadwick and female-driven entries at Silverstone.

Jamie Chadwick back at Silverstone as ELMS weekend spotlights women’s pathway

Jamie Chadwick, the three-time W-Series champion, returns to UK action this weekend as the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) makes its first Silverstone appearance in six years. The visit pairs on-track competition with a community push, underscoring the growing route for women into motorsport both behind the wheel and off it.

Community outreach: STEM workshops and karting for local girls

On Friday, local primary school girls will take part in a STEM workshop at the Silverstone Museum and try out the karting facilities at Kart Silverstone. The activities are designed to showcase careers in engineering, race operations and driving, and to give youngsters hands-on exposure to the sport.

Growing the Jamie Chadwick Series and junior karting

Chadwick has recently expanded her all-female karting series to include a junior category, aiming to widen access at grassroots level. “When I was the only girl out of hundreds of boys at my local kart track, it is not the most inviting environment initially, but now that is changing,” Chadwick said. More than 450 girls have already taken part in Jamie Chadwick Series events, a sign of growing interest at entry level.

Participation spike and changing culture

The momentum extends beyond the series: in 2024, Daytona reported a 400% increase in casual session participation from female racers at its outdoor go-kart venues. Chadwick noted the industry shift, saying the sport is diversifying across roles and the fan base is evolving. “Girls and boys aside, it is just showing what opportunities there are in our sport — there is so much more to it than just driving on track,” she said.

What this weekend means on track — and for bettors

Chadwick will be visible during the first practice session as ELMS reaches its penultimate round, offering teams and fans a live glimpse of her pace and racecraft. The increased spotlight can influence betting markets: higher visibility and fan engagement often translate to more market activity and potentially shorter odds on a driver’s class finishes or event-specific specials. Punters may find more value in watching form and practice times early in the weekend as markets respond to the heightened interest.

Long-term impact

The Silverstone weekend combines elite endurance racing with grassroots development, reinforcing a pipeline that could deliver more female talent into higher categories. Initiatives that link STEM education and accessible karting aim to change perceptions and build a broader talent pool for the future of motorsport.

Jamie Chadwick is confident the evolution of a pathway for women into motorsport will continue to help provide access to more opportunities, both on and off the track.

Espn United Kingdom