When the news of the first ever Womens Circuit Racing World Championship came out, I’ll be the first one to hold my hands up and say I didn’t really know how I felt about it. Immediately, it sparked big debates in the motorcycle community. Some people believed it was the best thing for womens sports, and others believed women should be racing with men as they always have, and this championship just separated them further.
The most important thing to remember about the championship though, is what it offers for the next generation. Something to aim for and aspire to.
It's Been A Long Time Coming
Motorcycle racing has long been a male-dominated arena, and while women like Ana Carrasco have made history by breaking barriers, it still feels like we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. The new Women's World Championship is a testament to how far we've come, but it also highlights how much further we need to go.
The addition of this new series is a significant step forward in the quest for gender equality in motorsports. In many ways, the championship is more than just about racing—it’s about showing the world that women can compete at the highest levels, in physically demanding sports, and with the same intensity and skill as men. By giving female riders a dedicated platform, we’re seeing the growth of a new generation of athletes who are ready to compete not only with each other but also on the global stage.
The championship has already sparked some exciting debates about gender equality in motorsports, and while we're not yet at a point where women and men race on equal footing in every category, this series lays down a marker. It shows that there is an audience, a market, and a future for women in motorsports, and that’s incredibly exciting.
Not just a one pony show
Before the season began, I think many of us expected Ana Carrasco to dominate the new championship. Carrasco made history as the first woman to win a world championship title in a solo motorcycle racing series when she clinched the World Supersport 300 crown back in 2019. Given her track record, she seemed set to be a force to be reckoned with in this new series. After all, Carrasco has consistently proven that she has the talent, determination, and technical prowess to compete at the highest levels.
However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that while Carrasco was a serious contender, the competition in the Women's World Championship was fierce. The level of talent on display this year was much higher than I initially expected, and it made for some thrilling racing, with the battle for the championship coming down to the very last race of the year.
The progression of riders throughout the year in the Women’s World Championship has been remarkable. Throughout the season the riders sharpened their skills, improved their consistency, and adapted to the pressures of tight competition. By the end of the year, the field had become much more competitive, highlighting how much talent has emerged and developed in this exciting championship.
Sponsorship and the Future of Women in Motorsport
One of the best parts of the WCR is the potential for increased sponsorship opportunities for women in motorsport. It’s no secret that motorsport, like many other sports, has traditionally been underfunded for women. But as the visibility of women’s racing increases, so too do the opportunities for financial support.
Having more competition at the top of the table will undoubtedly attract the attention of sponsors looking to align their brands with strong, competitive athletes. We’ve already seen some key sponsors take notice of the championship, and I expect that as the series gains more popularity, more brands will look to invest in women’s racing.
With increased sponsorship comes the ability for riders to access better equipment, training, and support, all of which will help them compete at an even higher level. This creates a virtuous cycle where better funding leads to better racing, which in turn attracts more fans and more sponsors. It’s a scenario that benefits everyone involved and helps grow the sport.
Next generation incoming
The inaugural season of the Women’s World Championship has been a huge success, offering fans a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and fierce competition. From the incredible battles at the front of the pack to the surprising upsets along the way, it’s been a season full of excitement and unexpected moments.
It’s clear that this new series has the potential to grow into something truly special, both for the riders and the fans. The tight battles, the increased sponsorship opportunities, and brilliant races make this championship a true highlight of the motorsport calendar. I can’t wait to see how the series evolves in the future, and I’m looking forward to watching the next generation of riders rise to the challenge.