Josie Rimmer

Josie Rimmer is a rallycross racer, motorsports writer, and the Head of Strategy & Women in Motorsport Coordinator at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington, where she has masterminded one of the most impactful equality initiatives in modern motorsport.

EARLY YEARS

Born Josephine Isabelle Rimmer in Sammamish, Washington, Josie grew up in a motorsports family as the daughter of Steve Rimmer and Leslie Decker, owners of DirtFish Rally School. But before she ever got behind the wheel of a race car, her first love was horses. She competed in the Appaloosa Youth World Show circuit, where her dedication and talent earned her an extraordinary 13 World Championships. At the 68th Appaloosa Nationals and Youth World Show, she was named Overall High-Point Youth and High-Point Youth 13-15, establishing herself as one of the top young equestrians in the country.

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond racing and writing, Rimmer has demonstrated a commitment to community service and leadership. Her work extends to advocacy and education initiatives aimed at creating more inclusive pathways for women entering motorsport. She’s also been involved in automotive storytelling projects, including working on “Daughter’s Defender,” a short film with a life-saving message.

EARLY SUCCESS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rimmer experienced a devastating loss when her beloved horse died. Grief-stricken but seeking solace, she turned to her family’s business and discovered a new passion: rally racing. By 2020, she had begun competing in rallycross events, driving her 1986 Ford Merkur XR4Ti—affectionately named “Lady Avocado”—leaving tracks in mud and dirt that were quite different from horse hoofs. The transition from world-champion equestrian to motorsports competitor wasn’t just about finding a new outlet; it was about channeling the same drive, precision, and competitive fire that had made her a champion in the arena into the dirt and gravel of rally stages.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2020: Began competing in rallycross events
• 2022: Founded the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit, attracting 100 participants in its inaugural year
• 2023: Expanded the Women in Motorsport Summit to include rally legend Michèle Mouton, the only female driver to win a World Rally Car victory, drawing approximately 400 attendees
• 2024: Competed at Olympus Rally Regional in a 2014 Subaru BRZ with co-driver Michelle Miller, finishing in the NA4WD class. Also competed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Roger Clark’s 1972 British Championship-winning Mk1 Ford Escort RS 1600
• 2024: Earned third place at Tour de Forest in regional competition
• 2025: Launched the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver Program, supporting drivers Michele Abbate and Aoife Raftery
• 2025: Nominated as a SHEro by Women in Motorsports North America

INSPIRATIONS

While specific personal inspirations aren’t detailed in available sources, Rimmer’s work clearly demonstrates admiration for trailblazers like Michèle Mouton, whom she brought to the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit. Her commitment to equality and representation suggests she draws motivation from the challenges women face in breaking into male-dominated spaces—and the determination it takes to change that landscape.

REPUTATION

Rimmer has established herself as “one of DirtFish’s brightest young talents” in the writing department, with a keen focus on promoting equality across every realm of motorsport. As Women in Motorsport Coordinator, she’s been described as the mastermind behind the program’s success, and colleagues have expressed being “overwhelmed” and “grateful” for her work. She’s recognized as an emerging leader in motorsports who doesn’t just talk about change—she drives it forward, literally and figuratively. Her ability to balance roles as racer, writer, strategist, and advocate has made her a respected voice in the rally community and beyond.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Rimmer has made her ambitions clear: take the Women in Motorsport initiative “all the way to the top,” with plans for a DirtFish driver competing at the highest levels of rally. The 2025 DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at the LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, where she’ll continue building momentum for the program. Through the newly launched DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver Program, she’s actively supporting racers with the resources and platform they need to compete at elite levels, proving that her vision isn’t just aspirational—it’s actionable.

REFERENCES

[1] 2025 SHEro Voting – Women in Motorsports North America
[2] Josie Rimmer – eWRC Results
[3] 2045: Josie Rimmer – Cars Yeah
[4] Delivering the Women in Motorsport message to the world – DirtFish
[5] Meet the DirtFish Team: Josie Rimmer – DirtFish
[6] ‘A Different Kind of Horsepower’ – Seattle Magazine
[7] Glorious Goodwood – Avants
[8] 68th Appaloosa Nationals and Youth World Show Wrap-up – Equine Chronicle
[9] The Family That Drives Together Thrives Together – ProFormance Racing School
[10] Olympus Rally 2024 Results – Rally Racing News
[11] Seehorn Wins on Tour de Forest Return – American Rally Association
[12] Mission complete with Michele’s first rally – DirtFish
[13] DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver Program launched – DirtFish
[14] The Goodwood experience from the driver’s seat – DirtFish
[15] The automotive short aiming to save lives – DirtFish
[16] DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit – ShowCase Magazine
[17] Tickets to DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit – LeMay America’s Car Museum