Aurora Straus

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March 3, 2025

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  Aurora Straus is a trailblazing American race car driver who became the first woman to win a race in Radical Cup North America, balancing her racing career with academic pursuits at Harvard and Emory University. Beyond the track, she’s a passionate advocate for women in motorsports through her “Girls With Drive” initiative.

  EARLY YEARS

  Born October 9, 1997, in Cold Spring, New York, Aurora grew up in a household where horsepower was practically a second language. Her father, Ari Straus, CEO of Monticello Motor Club and self-described “petrolhead,” handed her the keys to a manual-transmission Mazda Miata at age 13—not exactly your typical teenage rite of passage. Under the guidance of family friend and professional driver Stevan McAleer, a 2015 Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge Champion, she discovered that “something about racing made me fall in love with it.” By 14, she was already catching media attention as emerging female talent, and at 16, she’d jumped straight into semi-professional racing with the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup—skipping the traditional karting route entirely.

  OTHER INTERESTS

  When she’s not burning rubber, Aurora channels her creativity through folk music, proving that her talents extend well beyond the racetrack. Her academic pursuits are equally impressive—she completed her undergraduate degree at Harvard College and is currently pursuing an MBA at Emory University. Originally harboring dreams of becoming a teacher, her passion for education never truly left; it simply evolved into mentoring the next generation of female racers through her advocacy work.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  Aurora’s racing trajectory was anything but conventional. After two seasons in the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup (2015-2016), she made her Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge debut at Watkins Glen in July 2016, pulling off an impressive drive from 24th to 9th place. The following year, she ran a full season with Rennsport-One Team alongside co-driver Connor Bloum, finishing as the top rookie in her class. Her father’s early advice—”You have to raise sponsorship money to do this”—forced her to master the art of self-marketing, a skill that would prove invaluable as she climbed the racing ladder.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2015-2016: Competed in Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup for two seasons
  • 2016: Made Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge debut at Watkins Glen, finishing 9th after starting 24th
  • 2017: Ran full-time Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge season, finishing as top rookie in class
  • 2018: Founded “Girls With Drive” initiative to introduce young girls to automotive industry careers
  • Undated: Became first woman globally to win a race in Radical Cup North America driving a yellow Radical SR3XX
  • Undated: Achieved runner-up champion status in Pirelli World Challenge driving BMW M4 GT4
  • Undated: Co-founded the world’s first sleep-away teenage motorsports camp

  INSPIRATIONS

  Aurora’s primary inspiration came from within her own family circle. Her father Ari’s infectious enthusiasm for motorsports created the foundation, while mentor Stevan McAleer provided the technical guidance that transformed raw passion into polished skill. “I could immediately picture myself racing other people,” she reflected on those early days behind the wheel. “The part that fuels me is the competition.”

  REPUTATION

  In an industry where breaking barriers often comes with a spotlight, Aurora has earned respect for both her racecraft and her advocacy. Known for her competitive drive and quick progression from rookie to race winner, she’s become a role model for aspiring female racers. Her founding of “Girls With Drive” and co-creation of a teenage motorsports camp demonstrate her commitment to opening doors for others. The racing community recognizes her not just as a talented driver, but as someone actively working to diversify the sport’s future.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  Aurora continues competing in both Radical Cup North America and Pirelli World Challenge series while pursuing her MBA at Emory University. Her dual focus on advancing her own racing career and expanding opportunities for women in motorsports through her advocacy initiatives suggests a future where she’ll influence the sport both on and off the track.

  References:

  Wikipedia – Aurora Straus
  Harvard Gazette – Aurora Straus moves into the fast lane
  Sportscar365 – Aurora Straus reflects on her racing journey
  A Girl’s Guide to Cars – Aurora Straus Racing Driver
  P1 Motor Club – Aurora Straus Team Bio