Samantha Tan wins inaugural WIMNA SRO Inspire Award

Highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in motorsports, Samantha Tan was honored with the inaugural WIMNA SRO Inspire Award, launched to honor women who demonstrate visionary leadership, promote the inclusion and advancement of women in the sport.

Photo credits: WIMNA

Samantha Tan, 2024 GT World Challenge America ProAm vice-champion and driver/owner of ST Racing, has been honored with the first-ever WIMNA SRO Inspire Award. This award recognizes her remarkable achievements both on and off the racetrack, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in motorsports.

"Her unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions have lifted standards and paved the way for future generations of women in motorsports" stated Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of Women In Motorsport North America. "The WIMNA SRO Inspire Award is a tribute to trailblazers who inspire and set the standard. Our recipient truly embodies the ethos of this honor" – she added.

Thanks to the collaboration between WIMNA and the SRO Motorsports Group, the WIMNA SRO Inspire Award was launched in 2024 to honor women who demonstrate visionary leadership, promote the inclusion and advancement of women in motorsports, and serve as role models. The award recognizes those who have made a significant impact on the sport by challenging stereotypes and mentoring emerging female talents.

Nominees for the award were selected based on their career achievements, ethical integrity, and dedication to advancing the role of women in the SRO America paddock. The selection process involved nominations and votes from team members and colleagues.

The award was presented to Samantha Tan at the SRO Gala in Indianapolis, where her achievements were celebrated among the end of season prize giving. As the winner, Tan will be invited to the fourth annual Women with Drive IV—Driven by Mobil 1 Summit in December.

“I can’t take all the credit", Tan said, "I’m made of little parts of all the women I’ve ever loved & been loved by. I’ve stood on the shoulders of those who came before me, and I have the girls and women in the paddock to thank for keeping my head high and heart strong. I’d like to dedicate this award to my incredible team. Although we didn’t win the championship, we’ve inspired many along the way, and to me, that is a victory in itself.”

Tan's 2024 season was one of her most successful to date; competing in the GT World Challenge America, she secured ten podium finishes in the ProAm class, including three victories, leading her team to a vice-champion title.

Her journey to this level has been one of steady progression through the SRO categories, having moved up the ranks from TC America to GT4 America, and eventually to GT3 racing. In 2023, she also made a significant step in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, where she finished third in the ProAm standings.

Since moving to GT3 competitions in 2022, Tan has consistently demonstrated her talent and determination, becoming one of the fastest Am drivers in the field. Beyond her on-track success, she has been a vocal advocate for women in the sport, using her platform to inspire younger generations and promote diversity.

Founded in 2022 by Beth Paretta and Lyn St. James, Women in Motorsports North America is a community of professionals dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment within the sport. Through various initiatives and partnerships, WIMNA continues to advocate for the advancement of women in motorsports across all disciplines.

Photo credits: Fabian Lagunas / SRO