Audrey Gerberding on Racing, Resilience, and Her Future in Motorsports

In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell welcomes Audrey Gerberding, a young and passionate racer with a lifelong dedication to motorsports. Having first met Audrey as a young girl at PRI in 2018, Melinda reflects on how Audrey has grown into an accomplished racer and aspiring industry professional.

Now 19 years old, Audrey is pursuing a degree in automotive and high-performance technology at the University of Northwestern Ohio while balancing school, racing, and career ambitions. She shares her journey into racing, beginning with her early exposure to go-karts through her father’s involvement in motorsports. From quarter midgets to outlaw karts and eventually UMP Modified racing, Audrey has progressed through various divisions, gaining valuable experience along the way.

Throughout the conversation, Audrey highlights key milestones in her career, including making a lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), racing alongside legends like Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader, and her transition to working on her own race car. She reflects on the challenges of racing, dealing with setbacks, and the valuable life lessons she’s learned about perseverance and adaptability.

As she looks to the future, Audrey aspires to a career in motorsports, with dreams of becoming a crew chief or taking on a leadership role in a race team. She is actively seeking opportunities, including applying for a position as a student race director for a regional open-wheel series and pursuing involvement with her school’s race team.

Additionally, Audrey discusses her involvement with the Jessie Combs Foundation, where she received a scholarship supporting women in automotive and fabrication careers. She also emphasizes the importance of volunteering and networking to advance in the industry, sharing her experiences at PRI and the Women with Drive Summit.

The episode concludes with a discussion about social media’s role in motorsports and how Audrey is working on improving her digital presence to connect with fans and sponsors.

Final Thoughts:
Melinda celebrates Audrey’s passion, hard work, and determination, encouraging her to continue pursuing her goals in the motorsports world. Audrey’s journey serves as an inspiration for young women looking to break into the industry, proving that with dedication and persistence, anything is possible.

Tune in for more inspiring stories of women in motorsports in upcoming episodes of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast. 🚗💨