Karen Gaillard
WEC racing // Riaz, Switzerland
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Karen Gaillard, 23, made history as the first woman to win the Porsche Junior shootout, securing a spot in the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup France after an impressive 2024 season with Iron Dames in Le Mans Cup.
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Racing is more than just a passion for me. It’s my whole life. It’s in my blood. I want to do this and nothing else.
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FULL BIO: Karen Gaillard
Karen Gaillard is a Swiss motorsport driver who made history as the first woman to win a national Porsche Junior shootout, securing a spot in the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup France.
EARLY YEARS
Born on June 29, 2001, Karen’s racing journey began at age 10 when her father resumed karting, sparking her interest in motorsport. After five years of convincing her parents, she started racing at a rental karting facility at age 15, previously having been involved in hip-hop dancing. Her first race came when she signed up for an event without informing her father until the day before, and her success led her family to encourage her to compete in more serious competitions.
EARLY SUCCESS
In 2019, Karen won the AutoScout24 & Cupra Young Driver Challenge, beating out 1500 competitors. This victory marked a turning point in her career, helping her transition from karting to cars. She went on to participate in various series including the French MitJet 2L Championship and the Ultimate Cup while funding her racing career independently through work and partnerships.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2024: Completed the Michelin Le Mans Cup season with a seventh-place finish at Portimao alongside co-driver Celia Martin.
- 2024: Finished sixth in the championship with two top-five finishes and a podium in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with Iron Dames.
- 2024: Won the Porsche Junior shootout, becoming the first woman to do so, securing a spot in the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup France.
- 2024: Raced a double program, competing in both the Ultimate Cup and the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
- 2024: Shared the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 with Celia Martin in the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
REPUTATION
As part of the Iron Dames team, Karen has demonstrated impressive speed and adaptability in her racing career. Her GT3 racing debut in the Michelin Le Mans Cup showcased her talent and potential, while her historic win in the Porsche Junior shootout highlights her growing reputation in the motorsport world. The Porsche Junior Programme is renowned for promoting young talent to the highest levels of sportscar racing, making her achievement particularly notable.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Karen’s long-term goal is to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Her participation in the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup France as part of the Porsche Junior program sets her up for further success in her endurance racing career. With her proven adaptability across different racing series, from prototypes to GT3 cars, she is positioned to continue climbing the ladder in professional motorsport.
References:
Racing Is In My Blood: Interview With Karen Gaillard
Iron Dame Karen Gaillard Secures Porsche Carrera Cup Drive
Iron Dame Karen Gaillard Wins Carrera Cup France Entry
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