Written by Ramiza Donlic, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Women have played an influential role throughout the history of motor racing. Many have taken to the wheels of motorsport machines, while numerous figures have worked tirelessly on the sidelines in various roles, shaping the racing world to the present day. Woman Spotlight Wednesday aims to take a look at the tales of these superwomen, who have surpassed various hurdles to reach where they are today.
Courtney Crone is a powerhouse of talent, determination, and versatility in motorsports. Growing up in California, she spent her early years travelling to race tracks with her father, who ran his own vintage race car team.
Watching her dad compete sparked a passion for racing, and it’s no surprise Courtney was already trying her hand at go-karting, aged only three. That first experience ignited a lifelong love of speed and competition.
“I first got involved in racing through my father,” Crone shares. “He raced back in the 60s and eventually became a mechanic and started his own race team, which led him to what he does now, which is prepping vintage and historic cars for a living. [...] I always loved the racing environment, that competitive nature that surrounds you in racing, and I just never looked back.”
This deep-rooted passion set the stage for an extraordinary career. Crone has built an impressive career by excelling across various racing disciplines.
Her experience spans speedway motorcycles, USAC Midgets, Sprint Cars, Junior Formula Cars, and LMP3 prototypes. In 2023, she added another feather to her cap by competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Championship.
She will race for F1 Academy in the 2025 season for ART Grand Prix, donning Haas overalls as she represents her home squad. This adaptability has earned her a reputation as a highly skilled and versatile driver.
Each discipline has sharpened her skills, making her a well-rounded and formidable driver. Her dedication to the craft doesn’t stop at driving; Crone is also an adept brand ambassador, serving as a spokesperson and product trainer while balancing a successful racing career.
Crone’s accolades are equally impressive. She is a recipient of the prestigious IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship (2023/2024) and the Gorsline Company Scholarship (2021).
She also received the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Project Podium award across three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, Crone has won the VMB Driver Development scholarship thrice, and was a nominee for the Team USA Scholarship and W Series.
Early career
At the tender age of four, Crone started racing in quarter midgets. She had transitioned to Junior Speedway racing by the time she turned 11, demonstrating her skill in the craft with three track championship wins in the 150cc Motorcycle class. She later moved up to the more competitive 250cc class.
In 2016, Crone demonstrated her potential by winning all three Formula Mazda races she entered, receiving the Women’s Motorsports Foundation Project Podium award from IndyCar legend Lyn St. James.
The following year, she earned the prestigious VMB Driver Development Scholarship, allowing her to compete in the Formula Car Challenge, where she secured third place in the FormulaSPEED class with an impressive 13 podiums in 14 starts.
In 2018, she continued her momentum by winning the championship, and competing in the Mazda Road to Indy Shootout, an entry point to the USF2000 Championship.
Crone’s success only continued as she competed in the 2019 Formula F season with Brad Hayes Racing, earning two wins and podium finishes in all four starts. She also contested the Formula 4 United States Championship, apart from placing fourth in the 2020 Formula Pro USA — F4 Western Championship, scoring three podiums, a fastest lap, and one win.
Courtney Crone transitioned to prototype racing in 2021, competing in the IMSA Prototype Challenge, where she secured eighth place overall with three top-10 finishes.
That same year, she was honoured with the prestigious Gorsline Scholarship, joining an elite group of past recipients, including Buddy Rice and Josef Newgarden. In 2022, Crone moved to Jr III Racing, finishing sixth in the championship with a best race result of fifth.
Notable Performances in 2023
2023 was a standout year for Crone. Competing in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, she secured six top-three finishes and showcased her resilience, overcoming setbacks such as challenging starting positions. At the Road Atlanta finale, she delivered a stellar performance with second and third-place finishes, despite starting from the back of the pack.
Expanding her horizons internationally, she competed in the Prototype Cup Germany alongside Gabriela Jílková, marking the first time women participated in the series. Crone delivered solid
performances, finishing in the top ten twice in seven starts.
Breaking into the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series
Crone’s ambition continues to push her to new heights. She is competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Championship, driving the #22 Lamborghini Huracán for World Speed/Graham Prewett.
Crone’s entry into this high-profile series highlights her growing prominence in sports car racing, and her ability to take on new challenges with confidence and skill.
Global Recognition and F1 Academy Involvement
Crone’s talent is also making waves on the global stage. In May 2024, she returned to single-seaters, joining the F1 Academy as a wildcard entry for Prema Racing during the Miami round.
After gaining initial experience during in-season testing at Zandvoort, she competed in her home weekend, finishing 14th and 11th in her races.
Later in the year, ART Grand Prix announced Crone on their driver roster for 2025, representing Haas for the 2025 season, marking an exciting step forward in her single-seater career.
“Being born into the sport, it can certainly be a natural hobby,” Crone reflects. “Whether you are a fan, competitor, or even a mechanic, there are so many avenues in motorsport that you can go through.”
Beyond the Track
Crone’s impact extends beyond the racetrack. She serves as a company spokesperson, product trainer, and brand ambassador, demonstrating her business acumen and leadership skills.
Courtney Crone’s career is a shining example of perseverance and excellence. From her early days as a go-kart prodigy to competing on international stages, she continues to redefine the possibilities for women in motorsports, continuing to reach newer heights and exceed expectations.
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