Ireland's Aoife Raftery has been selected as one of the inaugural drivers in the Seattle-based DirtFish Rally School's new Women in Motorsport Driver programme.
The programme is a landmark moment in the 15-year history of one of the world's leading rally schools, which has plans to increase women’s involvement in rallying.
On Friday it was announced that Raftery and American circuit racer Michele Abbate have been named as the DirtFish Rally School's two recruits.
Both will also feature as key panellists at the DirtFish Women in Motorsport summit in May.
"This is an incredible opportunity to further women’s representation in motorsport," said 24-year-old Galway native Raftery.
"With hard work, determination, and the ambition to break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, being part of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport programme inspires women everywhere.
"I want to show that no obstacle is too great when passion and persistence are involved. I'm excited to illustrate that the world of motorsport is waiting for them, and to motivate the next generation of female drivers to pursue their dreams fearlessly."
Raftery has rapidly progressed in rallying, moving from Irish and British stages to the Junior European Rally Championship (Junior ERC) in 2023. Her 2024 season included a class win at the Ulster Rally and a podium finish in the final round of the Junior British Rally Championship.
"My journey in motorsport has been backed by so many great people," she added. "To my family, friends, partners and my previous experience gained working with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, I thank them all. It is now a new and exciting time to continue my progress in rallying."
