Claire Redfern has been selected to take on formal duties at all Shannons SpeedSeries events for 2026 as she steps up to Level 2 of the SRO Empower Program in a Peer Mentor capacity.
As part of a new initiative of FIA Girls on Track, Redfern will take on the role of Peer Mentor for the current group of Level 1 participants during SpeedSeries this year. The category will also provide Redfern with more in-depth, hands-on work experience.
The Level 2 Peer Mentor acts as a leader, point of contact, and support person for new Level 1 program participants.
Redfern, who attended the GT Festival Phillip Island event in March, said it’s an incredibly exciting and rewarding opportunity.
“Coming off the experience last year – which I absolutely loved – it was wonderful to be selected to join the SRO event team as part of the program,” Redfern said.
“Not only does it further solidify my hunger to work within motorsport, but it also helps build on my experience, making this year feel both motivating and validating.
“I believe it to be a wonderfully unique opportunity within the Shannons SpeedSeries to not only continue developing my skills, but also to gain further insight into such a fast-paced industry.“
In addition to being a peer mentor, Redfern will assist with creating and managing the participant roster across each event and attending one online pre‑event briefing per event.
Redfern will also work as a part of the SRO Event & Category management team on event operational areas such as accreditation, VIP hospitality, team hospitality, category management, media centre, and race control as per event roster.
“At Phillip Island, the Level 1 participants and I were involved in a variety of roles that provided a well-rounded experience in event operations,” Redfern added.
“This included assisting with media coordination, such as creating Instagram posts and writing race reports, assisting within hospitality, and helping ensure the smooth running of the event – including the exciting podiums.
“The opportunity to work closely with different departments gave me a broader understanding of how each area contributes to the overall success of the event, and the efforts every person contributes to create a successful race weekend.”
Motorsport Australia Development Manager Charlie Barlow emphasised the importance of continuing to expand opportunities through the FIA Girls on Track program.
“We’re extremely pleased to see the Empower Program continue to grow, providing clear pathways for young women in motorsport to gain meaningful, hands-on experience,” Barlow said.
“Claire’s progression into the mentorship role is a fantastic example of how the program is building confidence in our future industry leaders.”
SRO Motorsports Australia Series Manager Matleena Pukkila highlighted the importance of bringing emerging talent into the industry.
“Last year’s pilot showed the program’s potential, with participants gaining valuable work experience, building industry connections, and stepping into roles,” Pukkila said.
“We’re excited to work with Claire again after her outstanding contribution at Level 1 in 2025, as she progresses into a Level 2 mentor role in 2026. In partnership with Motorsport Australia, SRO continues to leverage the Shannons SpeedSeries platform to create opportunities for new talent to enter the industry”
For more on the FIA Girls on Track Empower Program, head to the Motorsport Australia website.
