Forces of Philanthropy interviewed TrackFun Teaching Foundation founder Margaret Louv to learn more about her emerging nonprofit with a mission of elevating women in motorsports.
Question: What is TrackFun Teaching Foundation’s mission?
Louv: To foster the growth and welcoming nature of women in motorsports.
Question: Why women in motorsports as a cause?
Louv: I believe as women grow more confident in one area of their lives, they will also be more confident and have more success in other areas. Motorsports may be viewed as a fun weekend hobby, but it is really a mental discipline. Positive experiences at the track can catapult women into leadership in business, civic or charity arenas elsewhere in their lives.
Question: How did you get involved in motorsports?
Louv: It started with a few laps for charity at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was somewhat terrifying at first, but addictive at the same time. It blossomed into five years of High Performance Driving Education events at six regional road courses.
Question: Why start a nonprofit?
Louv: Track day events begin with a drivers’ meeting. Each time I would look around at the other participants and notice only a few other females in attendance: very few women drivers, and even fewer women instructors.
Last year I joined the Upstate Women’s Car Club. As I got to know the ladies, I realized how many are interested in the road course events I participate in, but are held back by the intimidation factor, the financial hurdle or the lack of a suitable car. I was inspired by the club’s founder, Rebekah Thomason, watching her build a 300-plus-member club for female car enthusiasts. There must be a way I can inspire and engage women, too.
Question: What was the first step?
Louv: I knew I wanted to mentor other women. That would address the intimidation factor. So, I completed two levels of training accredited by the Motorsports Safety Foundation and I am now actively instructing new track drivers. (Only one woman so far, though.)
Question: So, how are you going to boost the number of women in attendance?
Louv: Featured “Ladies’ Day” events at tracks have grown in popularity recently, so obviously I am not the only person who recognizes the need to foster women’s attendance. By starting this foundation and working to solicit support from my community, I would like to sponsor some of those events, helping to reduce the entry fee barrier.
Question: Can women use their daily driver on the track?
Louv: To get started, many daily drivers are suitable for track use. To facilitate this, I have negotiated a discounted “inspect and prep for track” package with a local automotive-service provider. For those who don’t have a suitable car, I am also looking at building a few entry-level track-prepped cars that can be rented for instructed track days.
Question: Wow, that sounds like a big lift. What giving opportunities exist?
Louv: This nonprofit is in its infancy. I hope this interview and publicity through Community Journals Media Group will serve as a springboard in my search for partners to support my vision. All financial gifts are welcome. Select services and products would also be beneficial. Let’s talk! trackfunteaching@gmail.com
