Chloie Jones is no stranger to a world where men often have the upper hand. A twenty-one-year-old surgical technician working at Allegheny General Hospital is accustomed to defying societal barriers in her off time. Growing up in Bakersfield, California, Chloie began driving dirt cars when she was just five years old. Now, she faces the challenges of being a female in a largely male-dominated sport.
“Being a female in a male-dominated sport is challenging in its own way. You’re looked at differently on many aspects,” said Jones, “You’re almost entitled, yet looked down upon all at the same time. The biggest thing I have to face is proving I can keep up, and proving that being a female doesn’t change how well I am in the sport.”
Despite the struggles, Jones mentions how she perseveres in the sport she loves. “Even though you have your obstacles, your point-proving methods, it is quite rewarding at the same time. Yes, as I said before you have points to prove and are held to a higher standard in some ways,” said Jones, “it is also rewarding to be in the position, but most importantly, be able to let others, young children, people of all ages, know that they too can do whatever they put their mind to regardless of age, gender, or other so-called social limitations.”
Tyler Harris, Operations Manager at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Motor Speedway (PPMS), comments on the overall growth of female presence in the racing industry. “PPMS has always had strong and visible female participation throughout its history, whether that’s behind the wheel, on race teams as crew members, or serving as officials. One thing that really stands out is that during the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons, we had at least one female driver competing in every one of our regular weekly divisions,” said Harris, “That’s not something many tracks can say, and we believe PPMS is among only a small handful nationwide that can make that claim. Our focus is on continuing to build an environment where women feel welcomed, supported, and respected as competitors and contributors at every level of the sport.”
Over the decades, Jones and many others have worked to destroy the barriers built in the sport, with help from the support of those who came before them. “The women who came before at the local, national, and even international levels helped lay the groundwork for each new generation that comes through the sport. Seeing others succeed makes the path feel real and attainable, and each generation continues to build on that foundation. Every driver who steps up adds to that path, making it wider and more visible for those who follow,” said Harris, “You’re seeing this same growth across other sports as well, especially in wrestling. Increased visibility and opportunity at higher levels have helped create clearer pathways for young women to get involved, compete, and thrive.¨
Jones has noticed the growth of female presence in the industry and recognizes the impact this has on not only her as a driver, but on the motorsport world as a whole. “I have noticed female participation either on my social media accounts, women of all ages coming up to me in person, and simply saying how what I do has changed their outlook on life in general,” said Jones, “I notice a lot more females getting behind the wheel. My very own sister has followed in my footsteps and has pursued her career in racing right alongside me. It is truly special and something I am beyond proud to see.”
Jones has no issue breaking the pressures that she and other drivers are put under when it comes to being in a male-dominated sport. Instead, she sees it as fuel. “We are looked at as the ‘underdogs’ if you will. Having to go above and beyond expectations to be noticed. Having to make ourselves known in more ways than just our driving ability, and putting ourselves out there in any way that we can,” said Jones, “But as I stated before, it just makes the reward that much better.”
Overall, it is important to recognize that often, the underdogs are your biggest competition.
