Charlie Martin

Sports Car racing // British

Good things happen when people make them happen, so try and be a force for good

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nickname:

Chuck

Birthday:

August 24, 1981 (44)

Birthplace:

Leicester, England

racing type:

Sports Car racing

team(s):

racing status:

Pro

height (cm):

178

residence:

Brighton, United Kingdom

inspiration(s):

Her dad.

guilty pLEASURES:

FOLLOWING:

GRRL! Number:

GRRL-0288

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profile updated: June 12, 2025

Charlie Martin is a groundbreaking British racing driver who made history as the first openly transgender competitor in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, while actively advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in motorsports.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up with a passion for speed, Charlie initially dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot after watching “Top Gun,” but shifted to racing when her math and physics grades weren’t sufficient for aviation. Her motorsport journey began when her best friend’s father, a racing driver, took her to the track, igniting a lifelong passion. At 19, she visited Le Mans for the first time, solidifying her commitment to racing despite facing personal challenges, including losing both parents to cancer by the time she was 23.

EARLY SUCCESS

Martin’s competitive career started with hill climbs in France before transitioning to circuit racing. She began with a MINI and advanced through the Ginetta GT5 Challenge before competing in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with a Norma M30 LMP3. Her partnership with Jason Keats proved successful in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe series, where they achieved podium positions in the LC Cup class. Her remarkable focus and clarity of thought, especially after transitioning, helped her succeed in the high-pressure environment of motorsports.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

2020: Became the first transgender driver to compete in the ADAC TOTAL 24h Nürburgring race[1].
2020: Signed with Praga to race in the 2021 Britcar Endurance Championship with their R1 Mk5 prototype car[4].
2022: Finished 2nd in the North American Lamborghini Cup[2].
2022: Named as a BMW Friend of the Brand[2].
2024: Finished fourth in class at the 24h Nürburgring, driving a BMW M240i with Adrenalin Motorsport[1].
2024: Achieved second place in the LB Cup class at Le Mans with Brutal Fish Racing’s Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2[3].

REPUTATION

Beyond her racing accomplishments, Charlie has established herself as a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion in motorsports. As the first openly transgender woman to compete in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and Lamborghini Super Trofeo series, she has broken significant barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her advocacy work includes serving as an ambassador for Racing Pride, promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance in the racing community. Despite initially fearing rejection after transitioning, the support from her former teammates encouraged her to continue pursuing her passion, further cementing her reputation as both a skilled driver and an influential advocate.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Charlie’s ultimate aspiration remains competing in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, which she considers the pinnacle of endurance racing. She plans to continue racing in various series while expanding her advocacy work for increased diversity and inclusion in motorsport. With the support of sponsors like NGK and management by Navigate Partners, she aims to inspire the next generation of diverse racing talent while continuing to challenge traditional norms within the sport.