In this inspiring episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell chats with 18-year-old Charlotte Traynor from Phoenix, Arizona. A former go-kart racer turned Mazda MX-5 Cup driver, Charlotte shares how her aviation-rooted family supported her unusual path into motorsports. With no racing lineage but plenty of grit, Charlotte jumped into karting at 13 and has now advanced to running a part-time MX-5 Cup schedule—strategically staying eligible for Rookie of the Year honors next season.
Charlotte talks about learning from legends like Sally McNulty and Heather Hadley, traveling cross-country with her dad (a pilot!), and working closely with Parker DeLong Racing to develop her racecraft. She opens up about building confidence, battling gender bias in karting, creating a standout social media presence, and her long-term dream to create opportunities for talented but underfunded young racers.