Behind the Wheel and Behind the Camera: A New Chapter for Women Racers
As the engines roar to life and tires screech on the tarmac, a different kind of race is unfolding beyond the track. The docuseries “First to the Finish” is poised to take motorsport enthusiasts on a riveting journey, chronicling the lives of Sally Mott and Heather Hadley, two formidable competitors in the Mazda MX-5 Cup. Premiering on Amazon Prime, this series is not just about racing; it’s about breaking barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
The Story Begins: Uncharted Territory
For Sally Mott, the experience of watching herself in the opening episode was surreal. The whole time I was watching, I was kind of cringing at myself, because it’s just not a natural experience to watch yourself in third person. It’s just so odd,
she admits. Yet, this is the very essence of what makes this docuseries compelling. It captures the authentic, often nerve-wracking experiences of two women navigating one of the most competitive one-make series globally.
Both Mott and Hadley are recipients of the Mazda Women in Motorsport Initiative Scholarship, an accolade that underscores their talent and determination. Mott, entering her second season after a commendable 12th-place finish in her rookie year, and Hadley, now in her third season, are more than ready to face the challenges ahead. However, adding a film crew to this mix introduces a new layer of pressure.
It’s my first-ever season with IMSA pro racing, and it’s also going to be filmed; so, that’s a whole other level of added pressure,Mott explains.I showed up at Daytona, and there’s a bunch of cameras in my face, mic’d up all the time. It was really cool. At first, I was a bit nervous, and then I grew to use it as motivation.
Championing Women in Motorsports
For both Mott and Hadley, this series is not just a personal chronicle but a beacon for aspiring female racers. The series aims to demystify the world of motorsport for women, showing their lives both on and off the track. Hopefully, it will get more women involved in motorsports, more young girls who are watching motorsports and might just see women on the TV and say, ‘I can do that,’
shares Hadley.
The docuseries extends beyond the racetrack, offering glimpses into the racers’ personal lives, their triumphs, and their most vulnerable moments. It’s this transparency that Mott believes will resonate with viewers. I feel like it’s helped me be more of a better driver off-track, in front of cameras, and being more well-spoken,
she reflects.
A New Perspective on Racing
For Hadley, the experience was both enlightening and transformative. I’m very familiar with the typical track experience in all forms of racing, but being filmed by an entire film crew was something I’d never experienced,
she admits. The production process opened new doors, offering her insights into a world she had never imagined being part of.
Watching the first episode during the series’ St. Petersburg weekend, both Hadley and Mott were struck by the cinematic portrayal of their journey. It was amazingly done,
says Mott. We were just blown away about how cinematic it looks. And it’s like, ‘Wow, that is my world, and it’s going to be on the big screen.’
Driving Forward
The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup is more than just a race; it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of motorsport, one where women like Mott and Hadley are not just participants but trailblazers. As the series continues, it promises to inspire and challenge perceptions, proving that passion and perseverance know no gender.
Catch the next thrilling rounds of the 2025 MX-5 Cup at Barber Motorsports Park, with races slated for May 3 and 4. Stay tuned as these pioneering women continue to race towards their dreams, both on the track and beyond.
