
Maddie Aust
Touring racing // American
Everything’s like ‘females in motorsport,’ or ‘women in motorsport.’ But the car doesn’t know the difference.
Maddie Aust is a pioneering female motorsport racer who made history as the first woman to win an SRO America race since the organization’s founding in 1995, demonstrating exceptional skill in transitioning from competitive cheerleading to professional racing.
EARLY YEARS
Born into an active family, Maddie was introduced to motorsports through her father Nathan, while her mother Jena recognized her courage from an early age. Initially pursuing gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, winning four national championships with Spirit of Texas, she discovered her passion for racing at 16 when she first drove a Porsche 911. Despite her late start in motorsports, Aust’s background in cheerleading provided an excellent foundation for the physical demands of racing, with her mother describing her as a “fighter, go-getter, no fear, her whole life.” Currently, she balances her racing career while pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at TCU’s College of Science & Engineering.
EARLY SUCCESS
Maddie’s racing journey began in 2022 when she competed part-time in the F4 US Championship and USF Juniors. Though facing initial challenges, her breakthrough came in the TC America series driving a BMW M2 CS, where she quickly claimed two podium finishes, a fastest lap, and a pole position at Circuit of the Americas by just her second weekend. Her talent truly shone at Virginia International Raceway with a dominant double victory, and she showed remarkable resilience by recovering from a significant accident at Elkhart Lake to secure another podium at Sebring. Coach Nic Jonsson highlighted her exceptional ability to absorb feedback and implement it effectively, attributes that have accelerated her development in the sport.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2022: Completed rookie season in UF Formula 4 Championship at Circuit of the Americas, showing significant improvement despite early mechanical issues[5].
- 2023: Earned her first career win in the TCX class at Virginia International Raceway, securing two wins in the TC America series[1][3].
- 2023: Achieved a pair of podium finishes at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas in the TC America series[1].
- 2023: Became the first woman to win an SRO America race since the organization’s founding in 1995[1].
- 2024: Joined BSI Racing’s Toyota GR Cup team, piloting the No. 09 Endava car[3].
REPUTATION
In her short but impressive career, the 19-year-old Fort Worth native has established herself as a trailblazer for women in motorsport. Her historic win in the SRO America series showcased both her exceptional driving abilities and pioneering spirit. Maddie’s rigorous training regimen, including five weekly workouts and strict nutrition management, has earned praise from coach Nic Jonsson for her uncommon work ethic and resilience. Her rising popularity has made her a role model for young girls interested in racing, proving that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated motorsports. Her ability to rapidly progress from competitive cheerleading to professional racing demonstrates her natural talent and determination.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
In 2025, Maddie will make her IMSA debut with Bryan Herta Autosport in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series, driving a Hyundai Elantra N TCR[4]. Her long-term aspirations extend beyond American circuits to more competitive environments in Europe, where she seeks to experience a more intense racing style[5]. Through her continued partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport and sponsors like Endava, she aims to develop further as a driver on the international stage. Aust is also committed to inspiring more girls to enter motorsport, emphasizing that “the car doesn’t know the difference” between male and female drivers[5].
References:
TCU Magazine: Passing on the Outside
Speedsport Magazine: Madison Aust – Career and Success
Racers Behind the Helmet: Maddie Aust joins BSI Racing
Racers Behind the Helmet: Maddie Aust joins IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with Bryan Herta Autosport
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