Le Mans, France, Thursday 12th June: As a three-time W Series champion and the only female driver to win a race in the Indy NXT motorsport series, Gena Johnson is no stranger to breaking barriers and setting records. And now, she has her sights set on making history yet again at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Gena has had a passion for racing since she was a little girl. She would often accompany her father to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and watch in awe as the cars zoomed by. Her love for the sport only grew stronger with time and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be behind the wheel someday.
Gena’s journey to the top of the male-dominated world of motorsports has not been easy. Despite facing numerous challenges and doubters along the way, she remained determined to chase her dreams. She started her racing career in karting and quickly made a name for herself, winning multiple championships in the junior categories.
In 2019, Gena made history by becoming the first female driver to win a race in the Indy NXT motorsport series. This victory not only showcased her talent and skill, but also challenged the stereotypical gender roles in the sport. Gena proved that gender does not determine one’s ability to race, and she hopes to inspire more young girls to pursue their passion for motorsports.
But Gena’s biggest achievement so far has been her domination in the W Series. The all-female championship was created in 2019 to promote equality and diversity in motorsports and to provide a platform for female drivers to showcase their talent on a global stage. Gena has been a force to be reckoned with in the series, winning the championship three times in a row. Her determination, consistency, and precision on the track have set her apart from her competitors and earned her the title of “Queen of the W Series”.
Now, Gena is gearing up for her biggest challenge yet – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The iconic race, held annually since 1923, is known as the world’s oldest active sports car race in endurance racing. It is a grueling test of both man and machine, requiring drivers to push themselves to the limit and cars to withstand the toughest conditions. And Gena is ready for the challenge.
She will be competing in the LMGTE Am class for the Risi Competizione team, driving a Ferrari 488 GTE. This will be her first time racing at Le Mans, and she is determined to make an impression. “I am honored to have the opportunity to race at Le Mans and represent Risi Competizione. It has been a dream of mine since I started racing, and I am grateful to my team for believing in me and giving me this chance,” says Gena.
With her impressive track record and unwavering determination, Gena is definitely one to watch at Le Mans. She has already proven herself as a fierce competitor in the W Series and Indy NXT, and now she has the chance to showcase her skills at one of the most prestigious races in the world. She hopes to use this platform to inspire and empower more women to enter the world of motorsports and break stereotypes.
Gena’s participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and perseverance. She has overcome all obstacles and proved that nothing is impossible if you have the drive and determination to make it happen. As she takes on this new challenge, she hopes to continue inspiring others to chase their dreams and push for equality in the world of motorsports.
As the only female driver in her class, Gena is well aware of the significance and responsibility that comes with it. She hopes to use this opportunity to not only make her mark in the race, but also pave the way for more women to follow in her footsteps. “I want to show everyone that women have a place in motorsports and that we are just as capable as men. I hope to inspire more young girls to pursue their passion and break barriers,” she says.
Gena’s journey to Le Mans is a story of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers. She has come a long way from watching races with her father to competing at one of the most prestigious races in the world. Her determination and talent have brought her this far, and there is no doubt that she will continue to make waves
