Charlie Martin
Charlie Martin is a racing driver aiming to make history as the first ever transgender competitor in the 24hrs of Le Mans. She started racing at the age of 23 and seven years later transitioned and subsequently gave up motorsports, unable to see a future for herself in a male dominated industry lacking in diversity.
Charlie Martin is a British racing driver and LGBTQ+ activist on a mission to make history as the first transgender competitor at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans - the world’s most iconic endurance race. With 18 years of experience racing single seaters, GT cars and prototypes across Europe and North America, Charlie has carved out an extraordinary path in one of the world’s most male-dominated sports, all without a background in karting or family ties to motorsport.
Transitioning mid-way through her career, Charlie has overcome extraordinary adversity to compete at the top levels of racing. Her story of bravery, ambition and self-belief resonates far beyond motorsport. Through keynote talks, storytelling, and practical frameworks, she helps organisations build more inclusive cultures by deepening understanding, improving allyship, and driving authentic LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Her clients include multiple Fortune 500 companies, and her compelling message, rooted in lived experience and proven resilience, leaves a lasting impact, blending inspiration with actionable takeaways.
In 2020, Charlie made history as the first transgender driver to race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours. In 2024, she took a huge step toward her ultimate goal by finishing 2nd in class at the Lamborghini Super Trofeo support race for Le Mans. She is also a BMW Friend of the Brand, and serves as an ambassador for Stonewall, Mermaids, Racing Pride and Athlete Ally. Charlie sits on Motorsport UK’s LGBTQ+ Inclusion Committee and is an ambassador for the FIA Girls on Track UK programme.
Named in British Vogue’s prestigious Vogue 25 list celebrating women shaping the future, Charlie is not only a pioneering athlete, but also a trailblazer for inclusion in sport and society.
Away from the track, Charlie is a passionate trail runner, snowboarder, surfer and lover of the outdoors - driven by the same determination that fuels her career in motorsport.
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