Imogen Radburn may not have a heap of motorsport experience behind her, but she has certainly made quite the impression since making the decision to pursue a career in the sport.
 
Boasting many sporting talents, the 18-year-old grew up dancing and swimming at a high level, with the Olympics her overall goal.
 
However, it was the love of her motorbike that trumped her passion for swimming and dancing, and after constant conversations with her parents and shoulder complications, Radburn eventually dropped her two hobbies when her father bought her a kart – opening a new world to her.
 
Right from the get-go, Radburn proved she was born to race after she picked up two state titles in her first year of racing, and almost added a third in 2021 but was taken out during the final.
 
Her skills caught the eye of multiple high-profile motorsport individuals, but it was Repco Supercars Championship driver Cameron Hill who took her under his wing.
 
Since linking up with Hill, Radburn graduated from the kart to Formula Ford, and has been enjoying a solid run of results at both state and national level.
 
Currently sitting seventh in the Victorian Formula Ford Championship, the 18-years-old has enjoyed her journey into the sport so far.

“I would have started karting well before I was 14-years-old, maybe when I was 10, but mum kept saying no. After four years of pestering my parents, I managed to succeed and dad bought me a kart,” Radburn said.
 
“I haven’t looked back since I started in karting just four years ago, picking up state titles in NSW and the ACT in my first year, so it’s been quite the ride so far.
 
“I could have had a third state title in 2021, but I had issues on one weekend and lost out. It was unfortunate, but Cam was there, and he called my dad after the race meeting, offering to be my coach.
 
“It has been amazing working with him. Cam is my full-time driving coach, helps me with sponsorship and other areas. He’s basically my mentor and I owe a lot to him. I am lucky to have him by my side.
 
“I have a lot going this year with a busy schedule on and off the track. People don’t realise how much goes into this, and how much time and effort I put into it.
 
“It’s not just a hobby. If I want to make a career out of this, then I have to put in the hours training, on the sim and working on sponsorship, which is what I am doing now, so I am hopeful it pays off.”
 
Now a regular fixture of the National Formula Ford Series after ramping up her calendar, Radburn is determined to become a successful driver.
 
Although two racing career pathways remain open to the talented driver, the teenager’s feelings towards women in motorsport was the main goal.
 
“Right now, I have a couple of options open to me. I have always loved Supercars and would love to be the first woman champion, while I am also fond of going down the Porsche avenue,” Radburn explained.
 
“Tom Sargent is an inspiration for me, and I would love to follow in his footsteps in the US, so doing the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series next year is a big option.
 
“With that said, I don’t just have aspirations on track, even if there are amazing perks; I want to be a role model for other girls. I am trying to prove a point that women can drive.
 
“I remember when I was in Aussie Racing Cars at the Adelaide 500 and these young girls were shocked that a girl was driving and I realised that there isn’t a lot of awareness about women in the sport, which made me determined to inspire other young people into the sport.  
 
“I am hopeful that I can prove a point that women can drive, and to get involved and see where it takes you.
 
“I didn’t know what Formula Ford was two years ago, and now I am racing full time in a national series, so if I can do it – anyone can and I want to help encourage more young girls.”

This feature is part of a series highlighting the success and contributions to motorsport from women around the world in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024