Let's be honest, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is often the part of the IB Diploma that makes students groan. It's another thing to plan, another deadline to meet, and another reflection to write. But here's the thing: if you choose a project centred on something you genuinely love, CAS doesn't feel like a requirement. It feels like an opportunity. For me, my CAS project, Shift The Gears, has been just that. It has been a journey of passion and growth, and has equipped me with lifelong skills in communication, digital media and more.
From the start, I knew I wanted to work in sports, specifically motorsports. Working for a MotoGP team is my ultimate goal, with team managers like Davide Tardozzi or Massimo Rivola (who I got to meet at the Motegi Racetrack in Japan at my first MotoGP race last year!) as my inspiration. However, as I began researching pathways into this industry, I noticed a glaring problem… I couldn't name a single woman who had reached the same heights in team management without inheriting their position. This realisation raised bigger questions. Why are women so underrepresented in motorsport, especially in leadership roles or on the racetrack? Is it possible for me, as a young woman, to reach the pinnacle of this industry?
These questions sparked the idea for Shift The Gears. I began exploring the lack of women in prominent motorsport roles, whether on the track or behind the scenes. Why weren't there more women racing in premier classes like MotoGP or Formula 1? What I found was not a lack of talent or ambition holding them back, it was deeply ingrained stereotypes, limited opportunities, and a lack of representation. That's when I knew something had to change. The industry needed a platform that sparks vital conversations, shares untold stories, and builds connections across the industry.
In 2024, I conducted and published 22 interviews with remarkable women from across the motorsport industry. These include racers competing in disciplines such as formula racing, F1 Academy, drag racing, karting, motorcycle racing, and Porsche/GT Cups. Additionally, I have spoken with women working behind the scenes in Formula 1, MotoGP, World Superbikes, Moto2, and Italian Superbikes and more, holding roles ranging from engineers and team managers to PR professionals and social media creators and beyond. Connecting with women from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, each united by their passion for motorsport, has been truly inspiring. I have reached a global audience through the website, various social media accounts, my newfound love, LinkedIn and most recently my YouTube channel where I share bilingual content in English and Italian.
One of my proudest additions to the platform is the Perspectives segment, where I've invited men in the industry to share their insights on creating pathways for women to achieve the same levels of visibility and success. Highlights include interviews with MotoGP commentator Matt Birt, the 2024 Formula 3 champion Leo Fornaroli, and a Lamborghini Cup racer and social media personality, Kai Rillaerts.
Beyond interviews, I've shared thought-provoking opinion pieces and profiles that have sparked discussion in the motorsport world. I've written about the lack of support for F1 Academy drivers to progress in their single-seater careers, raising questions about whether the initiative is a genuine pathway or just “pink-washing." I've also tackled the culture surrounding Formula 1's WAGs (wives and girlfriends), challenging harmful stereotypes that often reduce women to the sidelines.
Looking ahead to 2025, I'm thrilled about what's next. Over 40 interviews are confirmed, in progress, or ready to be released, featuring both women and men from every facet of the industry. The opportunities stemming from this work have gone beyond what I could've imagined. In March, I'll attend the World Superbikes Championship in Australia as a guest of women I've interviewed who work for the championship. I've also been invited to represent Shift The Gears at an International Women's Day event in Melbourne, where I'll have the honour of chatting with Jamie Chadwick, one of motorsport's most successful and inspirational female competitors.
What began as a CAS project has grown into something much greater. Shift The Gears has become a platform for change, a space for conversation, and a step toward a more inclusive motorsport industry. And this is just the beginning. There are countless more stories to tell and pressing topics to explore. I am committed to developing this platform well beyond my graduation, with the belief that it will serve as a springboard for a career in motorsports. Today, not only can I name countless women leading this industry, but I am also proud to call many of them my friends.
I'm so incredibly grateful to QACI and especially my Year Level Coordinator, Ms. Kraak, for creating an environment where we feel supported to dream big and take risks. Knowing that our ideas are valued and encouraged is what allowed me to take this leap in the first place. I cannot wait to see what comes next, and I hope you follow along for the ride!
Written by Alice, Year 12 Student
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