Issue: 013 || December 10, 2025

YOUR
WEEKLY
GRRL!
POPQUIZ

Yes, we know you follow women’s sports. EVERYBODY WATCHES WOMEN’S SPORTS. But do you follow what is perhaps the most important women’s sport? You know, the one where women go head-to-head with men? Let’s find out…

Answers:

What does BMW have against women?

BMW’s second M Racing Academy selected three male drivers—Thomas Rackl, Josh Green, and Ryder Quinn—producing an all-male roster despite GT4’s growing female talent pool globally. With proven women competitors across ADAC GT4 Germany, GT4 America, and other series, the absence raises questions about BMW’s commitment when their inaugural 2024 class at least included Spain’s Nerea Marti. Read more…
Who’s mom is about to go >300mph next year?

Dominic Pruett’s mom, LEAH PRUETT returns to NHRA Top Fuel in 2026 after a two-year break to Dom with Tony Stewart. The 18-time NHRA winner is literally evicting her husband from her dragster, so he heading to Elite Motorsports. “I had to kick my husband out to go race so I could get back in my race car,” she said, making it clear her main motivation is “kicking his a-s.” Read more…
Which manufacturer is giving Maya Weug a fully funded test?

MAYA WEUG landed a fully funded Ferrari 296 GT3 test with AF Corse after finishing second in F1 Academy. The 21-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy member—the first woman to join their program—earned this December 8 Barcelona test as a stepping stone toward a 2026 seat. F1 Academy is proving its worth by actually funding progression opportunities for top performers. Read more…
How did the Iron Dames just break our hearts?

The Iron Dames era officially ends as their pink Porsche won’t return for 2026, leaving MICHELLE GATTING, RAHEL FREY, CÉLIA MARTIN and SARAH BOVY searching for new opportunities. The 2026 WEC grid features just 35 entries with no confirmed female drivers—after featuring the ultimate Dames in 2025. The bright spot: LILOU WADOUX is expected at Le Mans while pursuing dual programs in ELMS and IMSA. We miss them already!!! Read more…
Which petite racer will return to defend her IMSA GTD 24hr championship?

LILOU WADOUX returns to AF Corse’s #21 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo as the defending Michelin Endurance Cup champion for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The French driver gets the privilege of debuting Ferrari’s new-for-2026 GT3 Evo—because when you’ve already proven you can win championships, you get the shiny new toys to play with. Read more…
Juju Noda just secured a Super Formula test at which international track?

JUJU NODA secured a spot in the Super Formula test at Suzuka for Triple Tree Racing. The three-day December test showcases 36 drivers in one of motorsport’s most competitive testing environments. Her inclusion demonstrates continued momentum in Japanese motorsport, where she’s building her reputation in one of the world’s most technically demanding racing environments. Read more…
What F1 Academy champion said, “women’s racing careers live or die on exposure”?

DORIANE PIN is fresh off her F1 Academy championship and in Abu Dhabi for career-defining meetings with Mercedes. PIN isn’t playing coy: “For me, it’s F1—that’s the goal.” But she’s smart about the visibility game, knowing that “wherever I go, it needs to be publicized” because women’s racing careers live or die on exposure. Pin’s decision coming before Christmas. Read more…
Which two young women are transforming F1 all on their own?

CADENCE WILLE and TIGGY VALEN are leading a content creator revolution that’s transformed F1 into a phenomenon where women make up 41% of fans and three out of every four new supporters. WILLE built 100,000+ followers since 2024 while VALEN created educational content for newcomers shut out by male-dominated coverage. When women get access to tell F1’s story, they don’t just consume the sport differently—they reshape it entirely. Read more…
Coinpayments has agreed to sponsor which racer for 2026?

TINA HAUSMANN continues in F1 Academy under Aston Martin Aramco’s banner, now backed by cryptocurrency partnership with COINPAYMENTS debuting at Abu Dhabi. HAUSMANN benefits from mentorship by JESSICA HAWKINS, F1 Academy Head of Racing. The deal represents serious financial backing that elevates the entire program—when major sponsors invest in women’s series, it signals real commitment beyond checking diversity boxes. Read more…
Unlike BMW, which German manufacturer increased their female racer roster?

Porsche’s Female Driver Program exploded from one driver in 2023 to seven in 2025. The 2026 program offers 50% entry fee coverage plus performance-based tire rewards. SABRÉ COOK, MADELINE STEWART, and ASHLEY FREIBERG ran full Carrera Cup campaigns while LONI UNSER, ERIKA HOFFMANN, and ANNA CECCHI won Sprint Challenge races. Porsche is building actual careers through comprehensive driver development with racing legends Richard Westbrook and Patrick Long. Read more…