Zoe Woods

Zoe Woods is an Australian GT racing driver who went from a family more familiar with horse racing than motorsport to becoming the first woman to win a race in GT4 Australia’s Pro-Am class—all while running her own beauty business on the side.

EARLY YEARS

Born October 22, 2007, in Sydney, Woods didn’t grow up around racing. Her family wasn’t steeped in motorsport tradition—they were horse racing people. Her introduction to the track came late and unconventionally, but once she found it, there was no looking back. Growing up without the typical karting-from-age-five pipeline that most racers follow, she charted her own path into a world that wasn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for latecomers, let alone young women.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not clocking lap times at 280 km/h, Woods runs Lulu Lashes and Beauty, a small business she launched to help fund her racing career. It’s not just a side hustle—it’s a strategic move. The business gives her financial flexibility and keeps her grounded outside the high-pressure world of motorsport. She’s open about the balancing act: managing clients, inventory, and appointments while also prepping for race weekends. It’s entrepreneurial grit meets racing ambition, and she makes it work because she has to. The beauty industry and the racing paddock don’t have much overlap, but Woods bridges both with the kind of hustle that’s become her trademark.

EARLY SUCCESS

Woods made her national racing debut in 2022 in the Australian Production Cars series, and she didn’t waste time making an impression. She scored a podium finish in her very first weekend at national level, turning heads and silencing doubts. By 2023, she’d moved into the Toyota GR 86 Series, continuing to build her racecraft and confidence. Then came 2024, her breakout year. Woods stepped up to GT4 Australia, piloting a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport for TekworkX Motorsport. She became the first woman to win a race in the GT4 Australia Pro-Am class, a milestone that carried weight in a series—and a sport—still dominated by men. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2022: Podium finish in her national racing debut in Australian Production Cars[1].
• 2023: Competed in the Toyota GR 86 Series[2].
• 2024: First woman to win a race in GT4 Australia Pro-Am class[3].
• 2024: Multiple podium finishes in GT4 Australia, including strong performances at Sandown[4].
• 2025: Competing in Monochrome GT4 Australia Series Silver Cup with TekworkX Motorsport[5].

INSPIRATIONS

Woods has spoken about the importance of seizing opportunities and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. She’s candid about starting late and the pressure that comes with racing at the highest national level while being one of the few women on the grid. Her motivation isn’t rooted in proving doubters wrong—it’s about proving to herself that she belongs. Training under Paul Morris at Norwell Racing School also shaped her development, giving her access to one of only two drivers to win Bathurst 1000 three times. The mentorship and track time were invaluable for someone building a career outside the traditional junior formulas.

REPUTATION

Woods has earned respect for her consistent performances and her willingness to speak up when things aren’t right. In 2025, she publicly criticized Motorsport Australia over how it handled what she described as “verbal abuse and intimidation” from another competitor during a race weekend. It was a gutsy move that highlighted ongoing issues around driver conduct and governance in the sport. She didn’t back down, and it reinforced her reputation as someone who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. On track, she’s known for her racecraft and competitive edge. Off track, she’s building a profile as a driver who balances business savvy with athletic ambition, all while navigating the financial and logistical challenges that come with trying to make it in motorsport without a massive sponsor portfolio.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

For 2025, Woods is competing in the Monochrome GT4 Australia Series Silver Cup with TekworkX Motorsport, teaming up with rising star Nash Morris for the full season. It’s a partnership aimed at securing strong results and building momentum. She’s talked openly about her ambition to race overseas, chasing bigger dreams beyond Australia’s borders. The goal is clear: keep winning, keep improving, and eventually land opportunities in international GT racing. She’s not content staying local, and with her track record and drive, it’s not hard to imagine her making that leap.

REFERENCES

[1] Zoe Woods Impresses with Podium in National Level Debut – High Performance Media
[2] Racing Driver Zoe Woods – Profile, Podiums, Career & Race Results – 51GT3
[3] Zoe Woods and Summer Rintoule add more podiums to their GT4 Australia campaigns in Sandown – Racers Behind The Helmet
[4] Hayman and Flack win epic Silver Cup battle in first Sydney showdown – GT4 Australia
[5] Zoe Woods – Driver Database
Zoe Woods to team up with Nash Morris Team for GT4 season – GT4 Australia
Woods to make big step into GT4 – Shannons SpeedSeries
Diverse Experience Makes For Great Drivers – Motorsport Prospects
Manoeuvring Motorsport and Business – MotiV8 Training
Determining Your Motorsport Budget – Motorsport Prospects
Zoe Woods set for GT4 debut in 2024 – Monochrome GT4 Australia
Racing at 280km/h: Zoe Woods on Pressure, Fear & Winning – Apple Podcasts
Nash Morris to race Porsche with Zoe Woods in GT4 Australia – SpeedCafe
GT racer threatens to quit over handling of ‘abuse and intimidation’ – SpeedCafe
Norwell Racing School – Norwell Motorplex
Zoe Woods Racing