McLaren had been preparing a surprise for its Extreme E team for weeks, November 3 was reserved as it special date. During that day Emma Gilmour was announced as the female driver heading into the electrified division second season, completing their lineup of talents alongside Tanner Foust.
Gilmour will become the first female driver of the British brand’s on the 100% electric off-road series. The announcement was made during the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, with the His Royal Highness Prince of Wales as a guest of honor.
In this way, the Woking’s team take an important step towards their debut in the series that was born out of awareness about carbon emissions, climate change and sustainable actions that allow a better Earth life development, but above all it ensures the continuity of the various forms of life.
Although, it will be her first time as a starter driver, but the New Zealand native already knows what it is like to drive the Extreme E ODYSSEY 21, because this season she replaced Jamie Chadwick at Veloce Racing in the Artic X Prix, who decided to dedicate herself fully to the W Series Championship.
“We’re proud to join His Royal Highness to announce Emma Gilmour as the first-ever female driver for our team. Emma completes our exciting and competitive driver line-up alongside Tanner Foust for our first season of Extreme E. She’s a race winner and has proven herself this year in Extreme E alongside a vast background in competitive off-roading in multiple racing series across the globe. It’s fitting that our first female driver originates from New Zealand where our founder Bruce McLaren was from”, said Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing.
Related content: Extreme E: Former Top Gear Host and Driver, Tanner Foust, to Drive for McLaren
Who is Emma Gilmour
McLaren made a high-caliber choice after opting for Emma Gilmour’s talent for Extreme E. She has extensive experience in Rally World, RallyCross, Cross-country Rallying. In 2016 she became the first and only woman, so far, to emerge victorious from a Rally New Zealand event. In addition, she won the FIA Women in Motorsport.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be McLaren Racing’s first female driver. Growing up in New Zealand, Bruce McLaren and McLaren Racing are seen as the pinnacles of motorsport. To be competing in Extreme E next year with McLaren is a special opportunity. The series is a fantastic platform that represents equality and addresses the key issues affecting our planet and society. I’m looking to draw on my previous experience in Extreme E alongside all my skills across rally, rallycross and cross-country rallying, that make me well-suited to the sport, to make a positive impact and inspire the next generation of female drivers and engineers. I can’t wait to get started with the team”, said Gilmour.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
