“A chance encounter with UWTSD steered me into motorsport leadership”

Despite never having set out to build a career in motorsport, Charlotte White’s chance encounter with University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) as a teenager at the Renault World Series event at Silverstone Circuit steered her toward a future in the global motorsport industry.

Graduating in 2015 in BSc (Hons) Motorsport Management, she has since forged an international career in a sector where women remain underrepresented at senior level. As Coordinator for the South Australian Motor Racing Championship (SAMRC) at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, she plays a key role in Australian racing - the latest chapter in an exciting career sparked by one unexpected decision. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March, 2026), here she reflects on the defining moments, opportunities and lessons that have shaped her journey. 

I never expected my career to go down the route of motorsport – it wasn’t really on my radar. After my first year of A-levels didn’t quite go the way I expected, I found myself rethinking my plans and looking at new possibilities. I was at the Renault World Series event at Silverstone where UWTSD (Swansea Metropolitan at the time) were exhibiting. I picked up a prospectus, landed on the Motorsport Management course page, and decided at that point that’s what I wanted to do with my life.

At the time, it was the only course of its kind that didn’t require a heavy engineering focus, which made it accessible while still being rooted firmly in the industry. That really appealed to me. 

One of the most influential aspects of the course was the opportunity to get involved with the student-led race teams. They taught me lessons that can’t be replicated in a classroom - from teamwork and communication to understanding the realities of race weekends. 

Spending time in the workshops was equally impactful. Being hands-on, asking endless questions, and working alongside engineering students gave me a deeper insight into the cars themselves and helped me build a real understanding of how motorsport operates day to day.

While I initially gravitated towards the management side, I also developed an enjoyment for the engineering elements of the course. And as my career progressed, that technical understanding became increasingly valuable when working closely with engineering and technical teams.

During my studies, I volunteered with the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) - this was another defining experience. Being able to attend events, work directly with industry professionals and gain real-world exposure while still at university was invaluable. Without that experience - and the opportunity it led to after graduation - my career path could have looked very different.

After graduating in 2015, I began building experience across several areas of the motorsport industry, working with organisations including the MIA, Rockingham Motor Speedway and the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC). Along the way I also spent time in the wider engineering supply chain through the composites sector, including work with Composites UK. Each role offered a different perspective on the sport - from events and paddock operations to industry engagement - helping me develop a broader understanding of the people, logistics and partnerships that keep motorsport moving.

By 2025, my journey in UK motorsport had opened the door to an incredible opportunity - the chance to relocate to Australia and join Shell V‑Power Motorsport Park (The Bend) where I am today. It’s an incredible facility hosting world‑class events. As the Coordinator the South Australian Motor Racing Championship (SAMRC) and Motorsport Operations (second-in-command), my role involves overseeing race event delivery and working closely with the Dragway team to support their events. It’s an exciting opportunity to continue growing within the industry while playing a part in the future of Australian motorsport.

Progressing into a senior role as a woman in motorsport has been both challenging and formative. The industry can still be difficult to navigate at times, and outdated assumptions do still exist — whether that’s being underestimated, having your professionalism reduced to your appearance, or being pushed towards support roles rather than leadership positions.

What experience has taught me is that confidence in your own ability is crucial. Sometimes that confidence comes naturally; other times you have to consciously build it and be willing to stand your ground. Ultimately, people respect competence and results.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to internalise the criticism women are often given - that you’re “too much”, too emotional or too assertive. You don’t need to make yourself smaller to fit someone else’s expectations. You’re allowed to be ambitious, direct and passionate, and those qualities don’t diminish your professionalism.

I believe success ultimately comes down to curiosity, commitment and initiative. The degree gave me the platform, and the experiences around it - the volunteering, the race teams, the opportunities -  shaped the career I have now.

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996