Aoife Raftery Among Two Drivers Selected Globally for Inaugural DirtFish 2025 Women in Motorsport Programme
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Seattle-based DirtFish Rally School has announced the launch of its Women in Motorsport Driver programme, selecting Irish rally driver Aoife Raftery and American circuit racer Michele Abbate as its inaugural drivers.
The newly launched Women in Motorsport Driver programme is a historic moment in the 15-year history of one of the world’s leading rally schools. The school has ambitious plans to increase women’s involvement in rallying and this is the first step.
Both will also feature as key panellists at the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit in May. The DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit, now in its third year, will be held at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma on May 24.
"This is an incredible opportunity to further women’s representation in motorsport," said Raftery. "With hard work, determination, and the ambition to break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, being part of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport programme inspires women everywhere. I want to show that no obstacle is too great when passion and persistence are involved. I'm excited to illustrate that the world of motorsport is waiting for them, and to motivate the next generation of female drivers to pursue their dreams fearlessly.”
Josie Rimmer, DirtFish Women in Motorsport founder said: “This is definitely one of the biggest moments in the history of DirtFish. And one of the proudest in my career. The DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver Programme is the next step. We are so proud to announce Aoife and Michele as our first drivers. Michele has an outstanding and record-breaking pedigree on the circuits of America and Aoife is a leading female force in the rallying world and is a rising star from Ireland with global ambitions, making waves across Europe and beyond. We are delighted to have such an ambitious name join our programme, enhancing our mission to empower women in motorsport.”
Raftery, 24, from Craughwell in County Galway, has rapidly progressed in rallying, moving from Irish and British stages to the Junior European Rally Championship (Junior ERC) in 2023. Her 2024 season included a class win at the Ulster Rally and a podium finish in the final round of the Junior British Rally Championship
Aoife praised the efforts of the many people who helped her get to this exciting stage of her career.
She said: “My journey in motorsport has been backed by so many great people. To my family, friends, partners and my previous experience gained working with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, I thank them all. It is now a new and exciting time to continue my progress in rallying.”
Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper said: “This is really exciting news for Motorsport Ireland. It is a great announcement, Aoife is our Road Safety Ambassador and we are very proud of the direction her career is taking.”
Aoife Raftery is supported by: DirtFish | Motorsport Ireland | Spain’s Coach and Mini Bus Hire | O’Neill O’Malley Architects and Project Managers | Des Lyons Plant | Cannon Concrete, Oranmore | EARS Motorsport |Kenny | (Peugeot) Galway | PW Plant Sales | Thatch Bar, Oranmore | Loughrea Auto Parts | Lateralus B | Kerry Motorsport News