EMMA GILMOUR: A TRAILBLAZER ON THE TRACK

Emma Gilmour has carved out an impressive career in motorsport, earning her place among New Zealand’s top rally drivers. As the first female driver for McLaren Racing in the Extreme E series, Emma has redefined what’s possible for women in motorsport, and become a role model for aspiring racers across the globe. We sat down with this trailblazing wāhine to explore her challenges, triumphs, and what lies ahead - both on and off the track.

Emma Gilmour is one of the most notable figures in the motorsport industry. Over the past two decades, she has competed on the global rallying stage, amassing a remarkable array of achievements, each one a testament to her passion, resilience, and determination.

We catch up with Emma in the middle of a busy day at the dealership she runs in central Dunedin, where she oversees everything from daily operations to customer relations. It’s familiar territory for Emma, who grew up in a family with a love for cars that traces back to her grandfather.

“I didn’t know any different,” Emma reflects. “I grew up in a motoring family - my grandfather and dad were mechanics. It’s only as I look back as an adult that I realise that I’ve always been around cars - and that was completely normal for our family. I’m really fortunate to have had that exposure.”

This early exposure set the stage for Emma’s lifelong passion for the sport - although she didn’t know it right away. Growing up, Emma loved horse riding, and she dreamt of becoming an Olympic rider.

It wasn’t until a cousin introduced her to rallying that her true passion clicked into place.

“I didn’t even know what a rally driver was,” she laughs. “When I tried it, it was the best fun ever!” Emma’s competitive nature and thrill for speed made motorsport the perfect fit - and it wasn’t long until she was fully immersed in the fast-paced world of racing.

“I remember my first rally cross event - it felt like I was in a video game, racing mid-air with other cars around me.”

Motorsport has since taken Emma all over the globe - where everything from the world’s largest glaciers in Greenland, to the desert expanses of Las Vegas have set the backdrop for a thrilling series of races.

She’s picked up plenty of unforgettable memories along the way. “I remember a race in Qatar. We ended up with the car stuck belly-deep in sand, nowhere near where we were meant to be, and totally lost in navigation It was 30+ degrees, our suits were dripping in sweat, and we were picking up the desert sand like breadcrumbs. I remember thinking ‘are we really doing this for fun?’”

When asked about her most memorable moment, Emma’s answer comes easy - becoming the first female driver for McLaren Racing. “It was a pinch-me moment. It still is."

Her journey with McLaren began when the team announced their participation in the Extreme E series - a new electric racing series designed to promote sustainability and show that racing can be done in an environmentally-friendly way.

The series’ unique format required each team to have both a male and female driver.

When the opportunity arose for Emma to join the team, she didn’t hesitate at all. “It happened quickly It was a couple of years of the most amazing experiences. I drove amazing cars - including one valued at £30 million, and met people like Prince Charles at COP26 in Glasgow. That was a surreal moment.”

However, Emma’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. Motorsport remains a male-dominated arena, and like other female drivers, Emma’s faced her share of obstacles “Some people don’t like being beaten by another man, let alone by a woman,” she says.

She has also observed that while there’s often an expectation for female drivers to stand out and champion equality, they aren’t always given equal resources.

Still, Emma is quick to acknowledge the unique opportunities she’s had as a woman in motorsport, especially in the Extreme E series.

“This has been amazing for women in motorsport. Women had never been given a platform to stand beside men before But when you’re a teammate, the team has to help you be fast.”

Teamwork is a recurring theme throughout Emma's career. She credits much of her success to the team she's had around her, emphasising that motorsport is as much about collaboration as it is about individual skill. “Once you get to the top, everyone is good So the difference is in the team behind you I have good engineers and people around me - they understand how things are working. When they share their knowledge, we all upskill.”

Much of Emma’s technical expertise, and the STEM-related concepts she relies on in races, comes from learning alongside her team. “You learn as you go. Data, how suspension is working, mechanical sympathy, sound vibrations, and what adjustments need to be made - I’ve learnt all that from my team.”

While this technical knowledge has been invaluable, Emma considers resilience to be her greatest asset. This - she believes - is essential in any field, not just motorsport.

"Rallying teaches you resilience, determination, and how to keep moving forward. When you’re on a 28km track, if you stuff up one corner, you can’t go back and reset - it’s gone. All you can do is just go forward, and focus on the next. Lamenting and getting upset isn’t helpful. Things happen, and it’s all about what you do next.”

Reflecting on the broader landscape of motorsport, Emma is excited about the push towards sustainability and inclusion. "We're at a pivot point where racing is becoming more sustainable. The inclusion of women in motorsport is also growing - it’s becoming more normal to see women in the field Social media is showcasing how cool the industry is, the careers that exist here, and the role that women are playing.”

As for her personal legacy, Emma hopes to inspire the next generation by sharing her experiences and knowledge, and showcasing what’s possible in motorsport. "I never set out to create a legacy, but to inspire others while I’m doing it is awesome I want to share my knowledge and make it easier for the next generation of women.”

EMMA’S ADVICE FOR YOUNG WOMEN INTERESTED IN STEM:

“Just do it, and you’ll love it. Find supportive mentors. Your passion will attract support, and there will always be people there for you. While STEM fields often require long hours, the excitement of teamwork and pursuing what you love makes it all worthwhile."