Bia Figueiredo
IndyCar racing // São Paulo, Brazil
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Brazil’s Bia Figueiredo shattered barriers as the first woman to win in Formula Renault, Indy Lights, and Copa Truck, cementing her legacy across multiple racing disciplines.
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I encourage all of you to find the Red Shoe, like I did, and find in your heart where it goes, wherever it will take you, because if I can drive at 380km per hour you can do anything.
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FULL BIO: Bia Figueiredo
Bia Figueiredo stands as Brazil’s most prominent female racing driver, breaking barriers across multiple motorsport disciplines from Formula Renault to IndyCar and Copa Truck, becoming the first woman to achieve victories in several prestigious racing series.
EARLY YEARS
Born Ana Beatriz Caselato Gomes de Figueiredo on March 18, 1985, in São Paulo, Brazil, Bia developed an early passion for motorsports. At just eight years old, she began karting with her family’s support, though she had been fascinated by go-karts since the age of five. By age 12, she was being mentored by renowned racing coach Nailor Campos, who had previously guided Brazilian racing legends Tony Kanaan and Rubens Barrichello. Her childhood hero was fellow Brazilian Ayrton Senna, who fueled her determination to become a professional race car driver. While pursuing her racing dreams, Bia maintained her academic focus, eventually earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from FMU in São Paulo by 2007.
EARLY SUCCESS
Figueiredo’s progression from karting champion to professional racer came in 2003 when she entered Formula Renault Brazil, immediately claiming Rookie of the Year honors. Her breakthrough moment arrived in 2005 when she placed third in the Formula Renault championship and became the first woman globally to win a race in that series. In 2008, she made her Indy Lights debut with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor. Her historic victory at the Nashville Grand Prix that year made her the first woman ever to win an Indy Lights race, earning her the Rising Star Award. She also recorded an impressive fifth-place finish at the prestigious Firestone Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway—the highest placement by a female driver in that event at the time. Throughout her early career, Bia remained determined to forge her own identity in motorsports, famously stating, “I’m always going to be Bia. I’m never going to be Danica… I hope there is a place for a Bia now,” distinguishing herself from comparisons to Danica Patrick.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2005: Became the first woman worldwide to win a race in Formula Renault[2].
- 2008: First woman to win an Indy Lights race (Nashville Grand Prix)[2][5].
- 2008: Received the Indy Lights Rising Star Award[2].
- 2008: Achieved fifth place at the Firestone Freedom 100, the highest placement by a female driver in that event[5].
- 2011: Competed full-time in the IndyCar Series with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing[1][3].
- 2011-2013: Participated in multiple Indianapolis 500 events[1][3].
- 2023: Became the first woman to win in the Copa Truck series[4][5].
REPUTATION
Figueiredo has cemented her reputation as one of the world’s top female racers through her consistent ability to break barriers in multiple racing disciplines. Her successful transitions between karting, Formula Renault, IndyCar, Stock Car Brasil, and Copa Truck demonstrate her versatility and adaptability as a driver. What particularly distinguishes Bia is her resilience—overcoming setbacks including a 2011 wrist injury and returning stronger after maternity leave to claim historic victories in new racing categories. Beyond her racing accomplishments, she is widely respected as a trailblazer who has repeatedly challenged gender stereotypes in motorsports. Her fighting spirit in male-dominated racing series has earned her admiration from fans and fellow competitors alike. Bia’s success across diverse racing platforms has established her as an essential role model for female drivers worldwide, particularly in Latin America, where she has helped pave the way for the next generation of women in racing.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
In 2025, Bia will compete with an all-female team in the prestigious IMSA Series, marking an exciting new chapter in her racing career. As the newly appointed President of the Brazilian Women’s Motorsport Commission, launched by the Brazilian Automobile Confederation, she aims to use her leadership position to create structural change within the motorsports industry. Her long-term vision includes developing comprehensive mentorship programs for young female drivers and advocating for equal opportunities in racing. Figueiredo is committed to using her platform to dismantle barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in motorsports, with the ultimate goal of seeing more women competing at the highest levels across all racing disciplines.
References:
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