On Saturday, 2 December, the Iron Dames were honoured to take part in the prestigious Porsche Night of Champions, in celebration of their remarkable achievements. This invitation is a tribute to the indelible mark left by the team in both the legend of Porsche and endurance racing history in 2023 and beyond.
The FIA World Endurance Championship was a particularly challenging this season in GTE class for the trio of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting, behind the wheel of the pink #85 Porsche 911 RSR-19. Despite a podium finish at Portimão and three pole positions, it could have been a disappointing season with some frustrating results, in particular fourth place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans after leading for most of the race. But, true to their values, the Dames left nothing in their hard work, determination and ambition, and their efforts were rewarded by finishing on top in Bahrain.
The Iron Dames claimed the final pole position before turning it into a historical race victory. It was not only the last ever win in the GTE class, but they were also the first all-female team to emerge victorious in the world championship. With this victory, the Dames went down the history books as the final ever GTE winners in sportscar racing’s pinnacle championship and snatched second place in the championship, a first for an all-woman crew. It was the perfect way for the Dames to send off the Porsche 911 RSR-19.
As they stand on the podium at the Porsche Night of Champions, the Iron Dames not only bask in the glory of their achievements but also pave the way for a new era in motorsports where gender is no longer a barrier to success. The trio's unwavering commitment to excellence has resonated with fans around the globe, making them a source of inspiration for aspiring female racers and a force to be reckoned with in the world of motor racing.
The Iron Dames extend their gratitude to Porsche for the prestigious invitation and all the staff who have worked so hard to make the car a key factor in the results achieved in 2023 and in previous seasons. This honour not only belongs to the team but also to everyone who has been part of their incredible journey
Sarah Bovy
I am extremely proud of everything the team has achieved, how we are growing together, working harder, fighting stronger every time we are on track. Even if the FIA WEC season was not especially easy for us, we showed that we never give up. Bahrain was the perfect way to end the year and to say goodbye to the Porsche 911 RSR-19. It’s been an honour to represent Porsche in 2023.
Rahel Frey
It was a dream come true to race with the Porsche 911 RSR-19 for an emotional year, so far the most successful year of Iron Dames. With the first FIA WEC win in Bahrain and fourth at Le Mans, the Porsche gave us a lot of credibility. We are proud that we added some value to that amazing car. It was a pleasure and for the last time, we say thank you very much and goodbye to the pink GTE.
Michelle Gatting
It is a real honour for the Iron Dames to be here and having our pink Porsche here as well. For our project, we are very proud that we’ve been some of the competitors that the other had to chase on track. It is exactly what we want to achieve, we want to prove that women can compete at the same level as men. Winning the last race of the GTE era in Bahrain and becoming vice World Champion was an important step forward.