JESSICA EDGAR Wins First F1 Academy Race in Austin Finale
October 22, 2023
Megan Gilkes
Formula racing // Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Birthday:
January 23, 2001 (24)
Birthplace:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
racing type:
Formula racing
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height:
165
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inspiration(s):
Megan Gilkes was inspired by her grandfather and her father. Her grandfather was successful in racing Minis in the 1960s and 70s in England, and her father raced in Formula Ford and Opel Lotus in Europe before running an F2000 in North America[3].
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No information available in the provided sources specifically listing any motorsports racers that Megan Gilkes is a fan of or follows online[1][3][4].
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profile updated: June 12, 2025
Canadian racing driver Megan Gilkes has made waves in motorsport as both a competitive racer and engineer, breaking barriers as the youngest-ever winner in the W Series while balancing her pursuit of an Aeronautical Engineering degree and now working with the Aston Martin F1 Team.
EARLY YEARS
Born on November 5, 2000, in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, Megan was immersed in racing culture from an early age. Growing up in the Toronto area, she would accompany her father—who raced competitively—to racetracks as a toddler, even pretending to help with pit stops. Racing talent runs deep in the Gilkes family; her grandfather found success racing Minis in the 1960s and 70s in England, while her father competed in Formula Ford and Opel Lotus in Europe before running an F2000 in North America. The defining moment in her racing journey came at age nine when she first drove a go-kart, an experience she described as the “coolest thing ever,” instantly igniting her passion for motorsport. Her younger brother, Nick Gilkes, also races professionally in the Eurocup-3 series, demonstrating the family’s continued connection to racing.
EARLY SUCCESS
Megan’s competitive racing journey began in Barbados, where she honed her skills in karting before making the transition to car racing in 2017. Her debut in the Canadian Formula 1200 Championship immediately showcased her natural talent as she secured an impressive third-place finish overall in her rookie season. The following year, she demonstrated clear progression by improving to second place in the championship standings. These early results weren’t just promising—they were clear indicators of her adaptability and racing intuition. In 2019, her career took a significant leap forward when she was selected to compete in the inaugural W Series, an all-female championship designed to promote women in motorsport. Despite being one of the youngest competitors in the field, she quickly proved she belonged among more experienced drivers by clinching a victory at the Assen non-championship race, becoming the youngest-ever winner in the series after an exhilarating battle with seasoned racer Alice Powell.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2017: Third overall in Canadian Formula 1200 Championship rookie season[5].
- 2018: Runner-up in the Canadian Formula 1200 Championship[5].
- 2019: Became youngest-ever winner in W Series at the Assen non-championship race[2][5].
- 2022: Secured sixth overall in GB4 Championship with two race wins and an additional podium finish[1][5].
- 2023: Competed in the inaugural F1 Academy season with Rodin Carlin[5].
- 2024: Secured engineering position with Aston Martin F1 Team[3].
REPUTATION
Megan has established herself as a trailblazer in motorsport, known for her technical precision and remarkable ability to deliver under pressure. Her victory at Assen in the W Series—where she edged out more experienced competitors—solidified her reputation as a determined competitor who can rise to challenging occasions. Beyond her driving abilities, she’s respected for her intellectual approach to racing, balancing her competitive career with studies in Aeronautical Engineering at the prestigious Imperial College London. This unique combination of racing talent and technical knowledge has distinguished her within the motorsport community. As one of the few women competing at her level, Megan has become an important voice for female representation in racing, often highlighting the challenges of being the only woman on track during her early career. Her transition into engineering with a Formula 1 team further cements her reputation as a multifaceted motorsport professional who understands the sport from both sides of the pit wall.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Megan is focused on mentoring young female drivers within the F1 Academy framework, leveraging her unique perspective as both a former competitor and current F1 engineer. Her long-term aspirations center on expanding women’s participation in motorsport through engineering and mentorship roles. Working with Aston Martin F1 Team, she aims to use her technical expertise to help develop the next generation of talent, particularly focusing on preparing inexperienced female drivers to overcome the obstacles she herself faced. While she hasn’t announced plans to return to racing, her future seems firmly rooted in advancing women in racing through technical and developmental pathways, contributing to the sport’s evolution toward greater diversity and inclusion at its highest levels.
References:
Megan Gilkes Racing Profile
W Series Championship History
Famous Racing Families: The Gilkes Legacy
Women in Motorsport: Rising Stars
F1 Academy Driver Profiles
(bio created: 2025-05-21)
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