AOIFE RAFTERY Lands Coveted DirtFish Women’s Program Spot Among Global Elite

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March 10, 2025

GRRL! SUMMARY:

Craughwell’s AOIFE RAFTERY secured one of only two spots worldwide in DirtFish Rally School’s inaugural Women in Motorsport Driver programme, beating out global competition. The Seattle-based rally school selected her alongside American circuit racer MICHELE ABBATE through a rigorous selection process, timing the announcement perfectly with International Women’s Day to maximize impact.
At just 24, RAFTERY has already built an impressive resume since her 2021 debut, competing across Irish, British, and Junior European Rally Championship events. Her standout 2024 season delivered a class win at Ulster Rally and a podium finish in the Junior British Rally Championship final round, proving she’s not just participating but winning when it counts.
Both drivers will serve as panellists at the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit in Tacoma this May, positioning RAFTERY as a voice for the next generation. DirtFish founder Josie Rimmer praised her as “a leading female force in rallying” with “global ambitions,” recognizing someone who’s already making waves across Europe and beyond rather than just showing potential.