The Della Penna Foundation invited a group of 34 High School girls from Indianapolis to learn more about careers in the motorsports industry. The three-day program during the Indy 500 qualifying weekend allowed them to visit and experience the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, motorsport engineering giant Dallara, FastTimes Karting and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) headquarters.
The girls were exposed to a wide range of careers as they imagine and plan their futures. Special thanks to PRI and Bell Helmet for hosting a brunch that featured Nicole Clark, Kai Robertson, Lyn St. James, Marilyn Mangin, Whitney Fung, AJ Carney, Cindy Sisson, Terri Talbert-Hatch, Lindsey Hennig, Nina Rey, Lauren Gaudion, TaiJaune Robinson, Meghan Ryder and many more.
Founded by Michelle Della Penna, daughter of renowned race car driver and Indycar team owner John Della Penna, the Della Penna Foundation provides girls aged 5 to 18 with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to fuel a bright future in motorsports. At an age when girls drop out of STEM and sports, the foundation opens doors for them in the $7B motorsports industry.
"We are delighted by Bell Helmet and PRI’s support of the Della Penna INSPIRE 25 program, allowing us to make an impact on the lives of these young women," Founder Michelle Della Penna said. "The funds raised from the silent auction of Bell racer-signed mini helmets at the PRI open house will be used for other hands-on events, and the brunch was an inspiring educational and networking experience. We are also grateful to Lisa Boggs and Firestone for their generous contribution to offset the costs of the INSPIRE program.”
“We are thrilled to support the Della Penna Foundation alongside PRI, to show young women the many and varied opportunities in our industry. Della Penna Foundation is the only one that gives high school girls hands-on experience in the world of motorsports,” said Lindsey Hennig, Sales and Marketing manager for Racing Force Group.
“We’re proud to partner with Bell Racing Helmets in hosting the Della Penna Foundation Inspire Program," said Michael Good, President, Performance Racing Industry (PRI). "Supporting opportunities that empower young women in motorsports aligns perfectly with PRI’s mission to support an inclusive industry.”
In 2025, The Foundation also offers karting scholarships and summer fellowships. To learn more, donate or sponsor, visit: www.dellapennafoundation.org
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Contacts
Susan Lucas-Conwell, susanlc@dellapennafoundation.org
