Della Penna Foundation Welcomes New Member to Advisory Council
Courtney Crone has recently joined the Della Penna Driver Advisory Council as the fifth member, coinciding with the foundation's vision for the upcoming racing season. This council was established to support young female drivers by connecting them with experienced female professionals in the motorsports industry.
Courtney Crone: A Rising Star in Racing
At just 23 years old, Crone has made significant strides in her racing journey, transitioning from various racing forms including motorcycles, USAC Midget, and Sprint Cars, to competing with LMPS prototypes and junior Formula cars. In 2025, she is set to represent the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in the F1 Academy alongside ART Grand Prix, which promises to be a pivotal moment in her career.
Acknowledged Achievements
Crone's racing career is already decorated with several prestigious scholarships, such as the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship and the Women’s Sports Foundation/Project Podium award with Lyn St. James. These accolades highlight her dedication and success in what can often be a challenging field.
Impressive Company in the Council
Joining Crone on the advisory council is an esteemed group, including Michele Abbate, a champion in road racing and the first female full-time Trans Am TA2 National Championship driver. Other notable members include Hannah Grisham from the GT World Challenge, Sabre Cook of Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Kelsey Rowlings, a Formula Drift Pro 2 License holder, and Heather Hadley, who competes in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup. Together, these women represent the vibrant potential of female drivers in an industry where they are steadily gaining recognition.
Foundation's Unique Mission
The Della Penna Foundation was established in 2021 by Michelle Della Penna to honor her father, who was both a driver and an owner in the IndyCar series. Michelle aimed to address the underrepresentation of women in motorsports, particularly highlighting the limited opportunities for school-age girls in STEM fields. Through the foundation, she aspires to showcase the vast array of career pathways available within motorsports.
Empowering the Next Generation
“Courtney embodies everything that our foundation stands for. We are so thrilled to welcome her to the council,” remarks Michelle Della Penna. “She will serve as a beacon of talent, drive, and success that our young aspiring drivers can look up to.” This sentiment captures the foundational mission of empowering the next generation of female racers.
A Councils That Drive Change
The Driver Advisory Council is instrumental in augmenting the activities of the Foundation's Industry Advisory Council, which features strong advocates such as Lyn St. James and Beth Paretta. Their goal is to generate opportunities for young women in the motorsports field and foster an accessible environment for all aspiring drivers.
Plans for the Future
The Foundation has exciting plans for the upcoming year, including initiatives like 'inspire' programs aimed at engaging girls at prominent venues like Sonoma Raceway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Additionally, they are set to offer karting scholarships and summer fellowships, allowing participants to shadow women already thriving in the industry. This multifaceted approach not only elevates the profile of female athletes but also provides tangible experiences and opportunities for young girls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Della Penna Foundation?
The Della Penna Foundation aims to empower young female drivers and combat the lack of representation for women in motorsports.
Who is Courtney Crone?
Courtney Crone is a 23-year-old racing driver making her mark in motorsports, recently joining the Della Penna Driver Advisory Council.
What initiatives does the foundation have planned for 2025?
The foundation will run 'inspire' programs at key racetracks, providing scholarships and fellowships for young women in the motorsports industry.
How many members are in the Driver Advisory Council?
Currently, the Driver Advisory Council includes five members, with Courtney Crone being the latest addition.
What is the mission of the Driver Advisory Council?
The council's mission is to support and guide young female drivers, giving them access to resources and mentorship from experienced women in the field.
