It can take a huge amount of courage to follow your instincts and do what you think is right.
Emma Gilmour’s journey from Dunedin equestrian enthusiast to McLaren Racing’s first-ever female factory driver is as inspiring as it is unique. Originally captivated by equestrianism, she dreamt of Olympic stardom inspired by New Zealand legend Mark Todd. However, an intense standoff with her horse in 2000 marked a turning point; stepping away from riding, she pivoted towards motorsport—a choice that would come to redefine her life.
Motorsport ran in her blood, with her father, a local mechanic, nurturing her early fascination for speed and engineering. These early memories, from riding pillion with her dad to being around his garage, laid the groundwork for her future behind the wheel.
Emma’s competitive drive quickly took her to the international stage. Her first notable success came in a North Island rally event, where, with her father as co-driver, she secured a class win and placed sixth overall among a hundred competitors. This debut proved foundational, sparking a career defined by tenacity and breaking new ground for women in rallying. In 2006, she won a scholarship to compete in Europe, and over the years, her achievements mounted: she was the first woman to make the top three in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and reached the X Games Global Rallycross semi-finals. Her 2015 victory in the FIA Women in Motorsport Cross Country Selection in Qatar further solidified her status on the global stage.
Her rise culminated in a historic milestone when, in 2022, McLaren Racing announced her as their first female factory driver in the Extreme E series—a championship featuring all-electric SUVs racing across challenging terrains worldwide. This announcement was celebrated at the COP26 UN Climate Conference, a nod to her alignment with sustainable motorsport. Emma’s appointment was a proud moment, made even more significant by the strong backing from an industry that traditionally has been male-dominated.
Beyond the track, Emma’s life reflects resilience and business acumen. She manages Gilmour Motors Suzuki in Dunedin, a dealership she assumed full control of after overcoming personal and financial struggles, including navigating a challenging business separation and dealing with debt. Her journey has not been without hardship—moments of near financial collapse, setbacks on the track, the struggles of balancing business with racing commitments, and, most significantly, overcoming the physical and mental repercussions of an horrific motor sport accident and bouncing back from this near career ending incident. Several times, she contemplated leaving motorsport behind, but her unbreakable spirit saw her through.
Today, Emma Gilmour stands not only as a role model for aspiring female racers but as a symbol of perseverance for all. Her story is a testament to pursuing passion in the face of adversity, reminding others that the path to achieving dreams often comes with hidden struggles, resilience, and ultimately, self-belief.
