Caitlyn Brown

Caitlyn Brown made motorsports history as the first female over-the-wall pit crew member to win the Indianapolis 500 with Team Penske, breaking barriers in one of racing’s most prestigious events while establishing herself as a technical powerhouse in the male-dominated world of professional racing.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up in Wilmington, Illinois, Caitlyn was immersed in racing culture from childhood, with her family’s deep roots in the sport serving as the foundation for her future career. Her early exposure to four-cylinder dirt track racing—a cherished family tradition—sparked not just a passion for driving but a fascination with what makes race cars tick. While other children her age were still figuring out their interests, she was already developing a sophisticated understanding of racing mechanics, discovering that the technical aspects of a car’s performance captivated her even more than being behind the wheel.

Her parents, who operate BTI Tire in Wilmington, nurtured this mechanical curiosity while providing hands-on experience that would prove invaluable later in her career. The family business created a natural environment where she could develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, giving her a comprehensive education in motorsports from the ground up. This combination of family tradition, practical experience, and technical interest created the perfect launching pad for her eventual breakthrough in professional racing.

EARLY SUCCESS

In 2019, Brown’s persistence paid off when she secured an entry-level position with Team Penske, one of racing’s most prestigious organizations. Starting as a shop mechanic handling teardown duties for NASCAR vehicles, she quickly distinguished herself through exceptional technical aptitude and unwavering commitment. Despite standing just 5-foot-5, she refused to let her smaller stature become a limitation, proving herself capable of handling physically demanding tasks that required both strength and precision. Her remarkable work ethic led to rapid advancement as she transitioned into specialized roles working with fuel cells and becoming an engine specialist.

Her first significant breakthrough came during the 2021 Indianapolis 500, where she joined Beth Paretta’s Autosport team as part of a groundbreaking all-women’s pit crew. Though victory eluded the team that day, the experience provided invaluable exposure at racing’s highest level while demonstrating that women could perform every aspect of pit crew duties with the same skill and intensity as their male counterparts. This formative experience opened her eyes to the possibilities within the racing world and fueled her determination to return to the iconic event—next time, to stand in Victory Lane.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Secured position with Team Penske as a shop mechanic, beginning her professional motorsports career[1].
• 2021: Participated in her rookie Indianapolis 500 as part of Beth Paretta’s groundbreaking all-women pit crew[3].
• 2021: Transitioned from backup tire changer to frontline crew member on Josef Newgarden’s Team Penske IndyCar team[1].
• 2023: Made history as the first female over-the-wall pit crew member to win the Indianapolis 500 with Team Penske[2].
• 2023: Established herself as a full-time mechanic and tire changer for Josef Newgarden’s #2 Chevrolet in the IndyCar Series[1].

REPUTATION

In the high-octane world of motorsports, Caitlyn has earned a reputation as relentless, uncompromising, and surprisingly charismatic—a combination that has made her respected throughout pit lane. Team members and competitors alike recognize her extraordinary work ethic, with her crew chief noting she “sometimes puts in a little more effort than some of the guys.” This isn’t empty praise; Brown’s commitment is legendary, from 5 a.m. gym sessions to requesting additional responsibilities when others might seek reprieve. Her approach to physical conditioning borders on Olympic-level dedication, recognizing that pit crew work demands both technical precision and athletic performance.

Beyond her technical prowess, what truly distinguishes Brown is how she’s rewritten expectations without seeking special treatment. She hasn’t just adapted to motorsport’s demanding environment—she’s thrived in it, bringing a Midwestern authenticity that makes her success all the more compelling. Team Penske President Tim Cindric has publicly recognized her contributions as vital to the team’s success, a significant endorsement in a sport where results speak louder than words. Perhaps most importantly, Brown has become a powerful symbol for the next generation of women in motorsports, proving that garage doors previously closed can be opened through talent, determination, and unwavering self-belief.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Looking toward 2025 and beyond, Caitlyn plans to continue her groundbreaking work with Team Penske in the IndyCar series, focusing particularly on her role as a crucial mechanic for Josef Newgarden’s #2 car. While maintaining her historic position as the team’s first female full-time over-the-wall pit crew member, she aims to further refine her technical expertise and physical performance to contribute to additional Indianapolis 500 victories and series championships. Though specific career advancement goals aren’t publicly detailed, her trajectory suggests continued growth within one of motorsport’s most prestigious organizations, potentially opening paths toward senior mechanical or technical leadership roles in the coming years.

References:

Team Penske Official Profile: Caitlyn Brown
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “Brown Makes History as First Female Pit Crew Member to Win Indy 500”
Motorsport Magazine: “Breaking Barriers: Caitlyn Brown’s Journey from Shop Mechanic to Indy 500 Winner”
Racing Roots: “From Wilmington to Victory Lane: The Caitlyn Brown Story”
Women in Motorsport: “Pioneers of the Pit: How Caitlyn Brown is Changing Racing’s Gender Dynamic”

(bio created: 2025-05-21)

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