Gainbridge® to present Fireside Chat “Living Your Career Dreams” hosted by Doug Boles and Mel Raines
Indianapolis, IN (November 11, 2024)— For the first time, the Women in Motorsport North America Summit will be held in Indianapolis, bringing its fourth annual gathering to the Racing Capital of the World on December 9-11. Hosted at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, the Women with Drive IV – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit will unite leaders, advocates, and innovators in motorsport for three days of impactful sessions and networking.
The Summit will open with a tour of IMS on Monday (December 9), followed by a special breakfast at the Brickyard on Tuesday (December 10), where attendees can expect discussions and networking opportunities that aim to uplift and empower women across all areas of motorsport.
The agenda promises a lineup of powerful discussions and engaging panels featuring industry experts, including the Fireside Chat “Living Your Career Dreams presented by Gainbridge®,” hosted by IMS President Doug Boles and Indiana Pacers CEO Mel Raines and moderated by racing legend Lyn St. James. Attendees can look forward to valuable insights on leadership, diversity, motorsport’s future, and the unique experiences celebrating
“Our motorsport community in Indianapolis has a powerful tradition, and this summit reinforces our commitment to celebrating the contributions of women who have shaped and continue to shape our sport,” said Boles. “IMS is honored to host an event that amplifies the impact of women in motorsport and provides a platform for future growth.”
Honorary Chair Allison Melangton, Senior Vice President of Events at Penske Entertainment, will lead a roster of esteemed speakers and industry influencers at the PRI Show headquarters. A prominent leader with strong ties to Indianapolis, Melangton brings extensive experience, including roles as former CEO of the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee and President of the Indiana Sports Corporation. Melangton will work closely with Summit co-chairs Lyn St. James and Cindy Sisson, as well as the Host Committee, made up of local industry leaders, like PRI, Andretti Global, Arrow McLaren, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and more, who are working to bring the event to a new level.
“I am honored to serve as the Honorary Chair for this important gathering of worldwide racing industry women and men in Indianapolis this December as a part of the PRI Show,” said Melangton. “Women are continuing the drive for diversity and inclusion in motorsports at all levels, and the Women with Drive IV Annual Summit will bring together influential figures in motorsports for thought leadership and innovation.”
With a spotlight on the past, Lyn St. James will reflect on the progress and ongoing challenges women face in the industry.
St. James made history as a pioneering female driver, competing in the Indianapolis 500 and top sports car endurance races across the U.S. and Europe over a 20-year career. She was the first woman to win the “Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year” in 1992, held 31 speed records, and became the only solo driver International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) GT race winner at Watkins Glen in 1985. Her honors include Sports Illustrated’s “Top 100 Women Athletes of the 20th Century” and inductions into the Automotive, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and Sebring Halls of Fame.
“I am incredibly honored to see the Women with Drive Summit held at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year,” said St. James. “Indianapolis is the perfect stage to celebrate the remarkable strides women have made in motorsports, including nine women who have raced in the Indy 500, and to reflect on the road ahead. This event showcases the power of shared experience and knowledge and drives us to continue breaking barriers and creating new opportunities within the industry. Together, we are building a more inclusive and dynamic future for everyone in motorsport.”
The Women with Drive IV – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit brings together the most influential professionals and businesses in motorsports to discuss current issues and advance opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive environment within the industry. Gainbridge®, as a dedicated partner in multiple motorsports initiatives and a committed advocate for women’s sports, plays a pivotal role in supporting initiatives that open doors for women across all disciplines in motorsport, including this year’s Summit.
“Gainbridge® is excited to have this year’s Women with Drive – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit in the same state as our corporate headquarters,” said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation for Group 1001, the parent company of Gainbridge®. “As a partner in many motorsports initiatives, we are honored to work with Women in Motorsports North America to champion its mission to support opportunities for women across all disciplines of motorsports, especially coming right off Parity Week by Gainbridge this November.”
About Gainbridge®
Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.
About Group 1001
Group 1001 is a collective that empowers companies to create positive growth. Our insurance and annuities are easy to understand and accessible to all. Our online investing platform gives individuals control over their savings. Our technology and innovation help companies succeed. And our strategic partnerships bring people together through education and sports.
As of June 30, 2024, Group 1001 had more than 1,400 employees and combined assets under management of approximately $65.2 billion. It comprises the following brands: Delaware Life, Gainbridge®, Clear Spring Health, Clear Spring Property and Casualty Group, Clear Spring Life and Annuity Company, and RVI Group, among others.