Beth Paretta: Innovation, Bravery and Empowerment

Pioneering a New Era in Motorsports

Beth Paretta’s Extraordinary Journey of Breaking Barriers, Driving Innovation, Empowering Women in Racing, and Uplifting a New Generation of Female Racers. Please meet Beth Paretta, Founder and CEO of Paretta Autosport.

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In the heart of the roaring engines and adrenaline-fueled world of motorsports stands a woman who defies convention, breaks barriers, and leads with unparalleled passion and innovation. Beth Paretta, the CEO and Team Principal of Paretta Autosport, is not just a trailblazer; she’s a driving force in an industry traditionally favoring men. With over two decades of experience in the automotive and racing domains, she has risen as a prominent figure, challenging the status quo and opening doors for women in this male-dominated arena.

A Passion Ignited: Beth’s love affair with automobiles began in her father’s garage, where the spark of her lifelong passion was ignited. Her journey in the automotive industry started in the early 2000s when she cut her teeth selling cars, learning the ropes of the business firsthand. Armed with an MBA from the University of Vermont, she ventured into the world of finance at Volkswagen Credit before transitioning into operations for Aston Martin in 2007.

A Trailblazing Career: In 2011, Chrysler made a historic move by appointing Beth Paretta as the first female Director of Marketing and Operations for their prestigious performance division, SRT (Street and Racing Technology). She orchestrated global marketing and advertising strategies in this role while managing multiple championship-winning racing teams. Her innovative ideas and leadership prowess set her apart as a trailblazer in the racing industry.

Turning Setbacks into Triumphs: 2015 brought an unexpected twist when Chrysler closed its racing arm, leaving Paretta disheartened but undeterred. Instead of succumbing to the disappointment, she used it as fuel to establish her groundbreaking racing team, Grace Autosport. This all-women team aimed to compete in the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Beth partnered with manufacturers, secured sponsors, championed educational programs, and gathered funding for driver and crew members. Despite not finding a viable race car in time for the event, her tireless efforts spotlighted the glaring lack of female representation in motorsports, inspiring countless young women to pursue STEM education and careers.

A New Dawn with Paretta Autosport: In 2020, Beth Paretta created Paretta Autosport to amplify diversity and representation in the racing world. Four months later, the team became the first primarily female-led team to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Although brake troubles cut their race short, the “female-forward” team received widespread acclaim as a monumental leap forward for women in motorsports. While Paretta believed her team needed more time to prepare for the Indianapolis 500 in 2022 and 2023, they’re gearing up for a triumphant return in 2024. In 2022, she partnered with Ed Carpenter Racing, continuing to develop corporate alliances, promote STEM initiatives, and champion diversity in the racing world.

A Legacy of Empowerment: Beth Paretta’s accomplishments in the racing industry have laid the foundation for women and underrepresented groups to thrive in this exhilarating sport. She has proven that not only can women compete in motorsports, but they can also lead successful racing teams. Her unwavering dedication and fiery passion for the industry inspire a new generation of women, encouraging them to chase their dreams and leave an indelible mark on the racing world.

From her days at Boston University to her current status as an Industry Influencer recognized by the Automotive Hall of Fame, Beth’s journey epitomizes the power of determination, innovation, and a fearless spirit in pursuing excellence.

She is steering the course for a more inclusive and diverse future in motorsports. Beth Paretta: a visionary, a trailblazer, and an icon of empowerment. I am so happy to introduce a marvelous woman. Please meet one and only Beth Paretta.

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Beth, let’s start with your early career. Can you tell me about your early days in the automotive industry, working in automotive dealerships and later transitioning to Volkswagen? How did these experiences shape your career? 

Those years taught me that I could be confident in what I knew and what I was learning. I did my homework, was over-prepared, and was open to exploring the available jobs working directly for the OEM (in this case, Volkswagen). I had been reading car magazines and paying attention to cars my whole life, so by the time I was on the sales floor selling them, I was in a comfortable environment. Then, when I started working for VW and was visiting dealerships and meeting with their owners, I synthesized those years of experience and was able to hit the ground running. I think being a life-long learner is invaluable. People appreciate that you’re interested and willing to learn new tasks and skill sets. Managers may be keen to throw challenges at you if they know you’re up for it. 

As Chrysler’s SRT division’s first female Director of Marketing and Operations, you managed multiple championship-winning racing teams. What were some challenges and highlights of leading in a traditionally male-dominated field?

Because I was hired by someone at the very top of the company, Ralph Gilles – then CEO of SRT and Motorsport, as well as with the approval of the company Chairman, Sergio Marchionne, it helped that even though I was from outside the company and an unknown, they thought I was capable. The biggest challenge initially was that there were a few people within the company who wanted my job. That can be tough. I was sitting in the chair they had wanted, and I needed them to buy into my strategies, and all pull in the same direction. Luckily, since my first jobs in high school and college, I was often the only or one of a few women working among men. That wasn’t new. But working among some veterans – within the company and within our NASCAR team – it took some time for them to trust my abilities. They had preconceived notions, and I didn’t look like everyone else before me. Eventually, profits, success on track, and happy customers proved that I and my team were on to something. 

Your journey includes founding Grace Autosport, the first all-women team to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Can you share the inspiration behind this initiative and how it impacted the motorsports community?

This is an example of being an early mover on something and not everyone being ready for a new idea. I proposed the idea of a majority women’s racing team at Indy, and it was met with some pushback. People couldn’t get their heads around it. People maybe didn’t help as much as they could have. The work and countless conversations and negotiations was a great learning experience but ultimately, by May of 2016, there were too many constraints and a shortage of viable equipment, and I withdrew our team from the Indy 500 process. That started awareness, dialogue, and my determination to build something better and more competitive to make it happen and make an impact. 

Despite facing challenges, Grace Autosport raised awareness about the lack of female representation in motorsports and promoted STEM education for girls. How important is it for you to use your platform to inspire and support other women in the industry?

There was a time I was often the only woman in the room. I’ve always been of the mind that if I can do something, then others can do it too. I understood that there was opportunity and room for more women, and it would be good for us as an industry. I decided to dedicate my time to making an impact and pulling people in if they wanted to be here – either in racing or in automotive. These are things that I love and I just want other people to love them as much as I do. If they do, it insures we have a future for the industry and sport!

Nothing makes people happier than sharing the sport they love with the people they love. It is all a win! 

Beth Paretta

Paretta Autosport, your latest venture, focuses on increasing diversity and representation in racing. Can you tell us more about the mission and goals of Paretta Autosport and the progress you’ve made so far?

My goal with Paretta Autosport is to show young women what’s possible for themselves. Non-traditional careers, hard work, being part of something greater. Additionally, I wanted to show the collective paddock what can happen if we broaden our horizons together. We need to grow our fan base – the best way to do that is to show people that racing is for them. All of them. What better way to do that than show you that race teams are made up of a mix of people? 

The letters, emails, and notes I get from young fans are what keeps me going. That, and the notes from dads and grandads who are elated that their daughters and granddaughters now watch races with them! Nothing makes them happier than sharing the sport they love with the people they love. It is all a win! 

Sure it is. How about 2020? Paretta Autosport became the first primarily female-led team to compete in the Indianapolis 500. What did it mean to you and your team to achieve this historic milestone?

Although the goal was to make a point and to make a little history, the moment it happened was the minute we qualified for the race. It wasn’t easy. It should have been a bit easier than it was, but we were dealing with some mechanical issues with the car so it was not a given that we would make the field for the race. There is a lot of stress around qualifying to make the field – only the top 33 cars make it – and there were 35 cars attempting to make the cut, which means two would not. There are plenty of photos and videos to remind me of that moment, and I have a different understanding of our achievement now than I did on the actual day. In real-time, you’re just focused on the task at hand, but now I look back and see it in a historical context, and it makes me so proud of our entire team. They worked hard. They learned a ton from the veteran Penske teammates who guided us. We earned that spot. I’m still proud of what we did and always will be.

Beyond racing, you co-founded Women in Motorsports North America. Could you share some insights into the organization’s mission and how it contributes to diversity and inclusion in motorsports?

Before I launched my team, I knew I wanted to impact the broader industry in a tangible way. With that, I joined with Lyn St. James (former racer) to create WIMNA – a professional organization for women in racing. It’s a broad network for all women across all racing disciplines and roles to foster learning, mentorship, career development, etc., so that we fortify our place in racing for decades to come. It’s been growing like wildfire which confirms that the need for such a group was there! 

You’ve been named an Industry Influencer by the Automotive Hall of Fame. How does it feel to receive such recognition, and what does it signify for your ongoing efforts in the automotive and racing industries?

I’ve been very fortunate to receive a few awards these past few years, and I still can’t get my head around it. I’m just going about my job – a job I created for myself – and to have other people notice is not something I thought about. To be honored by the Automotive Hall of Fame is so humbling. Cars have impacted my life since I was a kid. It’s something I’ve loved consistently, and to be recognized by the industry is something I never could have imagined. Every incredible person who has impacted the automotive industry is honored by that Hall, so to be named an Industry Influencer is something I am grateful for, and it fills me with such pride. 

What advice do you have for young women who aspire to pursue careers in motorsports or male-dominated fields, based on your own experiences and successes?

Stick with what you love. Work hard. Ask questions. Be confident in what you know. Find a mentor. Mentor others. Be grateful. You will get there! 

Throughout your career, you’ve broken down numerous barriers for women in motorsport. What advice do you have for women currently working in the industry who may be facing challenges or striving to advance their careers?

Go easy on yourself. Don’t expect the top job right out of the gate – you wouldn’t be good at it anyway. Climb the rungs of the ladder so that you can be the best when you get closer to the top. Be kind. It is a small industry (racing and automotive) – we all work with each other at some point – so work hard, be diligent, and help others. 

As a mentor and role model for many aspiring female racers and professionals, how do you encourage and support women in motorsport to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential? Are there specific mentorship or empowerment programs you’re involved in?

WIMNA (Women in Motorsport North America) mentor Wednesdays. I also advise some young drivers and young women in the business as a direct mentor. 

I don’t want a team of all women;
I want to see women on all the teams! 

Beth Paretta

What are your plans and aspirations for Paretta Autosport, and how do you envision the continued growth of diversity and representation in racing?

The goal is to be racing full-time long term in INDYCAR and other series. Build the ladder, and compete for top-10s, podiums, wins, and championships. We will get there! I don’t want a team of all women; I want to see women on all the teams! 

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Beth’s Daily Habits

How do you typically start your workday? Do you have a morning routine?

Coffee, read the news, check some emails. Then gym and go for a walk to listen to a podcast. Then the office for the balance of the day. 

Unless it’s a race weekend, it’s straight to the track after the coffee, news, and emails!

Do you have any productivity hacks or tools you can only live with to manage your busy schedule?

I still use a paper calendar and paper notebooks. I need to write things down. It’s better for my brain! I have a great email aggregator called Mailbird that keeps all my business emails in one spot (I have a few businesses!) 

How do you prioritize tasks on a hectic day? Is there a particular time of day when you feel most productive or creative?

I’ve gotten better at not making my daily To-Do list too long. Otherwise, you never get it done, and you can feel like you’ve failed or you’re on a never-ending treadmill. I try to set a realistic list of things I can get done in a day, and then I can feel good about accomplishing things. I think that feeling of success leads to more success. The middle of the day is best for me. I also usually get a bunch of emails done at the end of the day. I’m a night owl! 

How do you wind down your workday and ensure you’re set up for success the following day?

I try to leave the devices behind and watch a little television, and I read a book or do a crossword puzzle every single day. 

Lastly, do you have any particular ritual or habit contributing to your overall success and well-being at work?

I read a ton. Always have. World news, national news, industry news. I do think being engaged and being a life-long learner has contributed to my success. It’s a secret weapon. 

A moment or an experience you believe shaped your person today?

I had a very difficult 2012 and I think back about that year whenever I want to remind myself what I can accomplish. I’ve had highs and very difficult lows since then, but the fact that I’m still standing is nothing short of a miracle. 

One thing you are very proud of?

Opening doors for women. Our future is bright!

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In motorsport, Beth Paretta stands as a shining example of what relentless determination, innovative thinking, and an unyielding commitment to equality can achieve. Her journey, from the garage to the boardroom, from grassroots sales to leading championship-winning teams, and from Grace Autosport to Paretta Autosport, embodies the spirit of transformation.

She has redefined what it means to break barriers and show us that we all have the power to challenge the status quo. She inspires aspiring racers, women in male-dominated fields, and anyone who has ever been told that their dreams were too ambitious. She’s proof that plans don’t have a gender, and passion knows no bounds.

As Beth continues to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in motorsport, let her journey be a constant reminder that the road to success is often filled with twists and turns, but with unwavering determination, there are no limits to what we can achieve.

So, as you embark on your journey, remember Beth Paretta’s story – breaking barriers, driving innovation, empowering others, and steering towards a future where equality and excellence reign supreme. Go forth with courage, chase your dreams relentlessly, and make your mark on the world just as Beth Paretta has done in the racing world. The track is open, the possibilities are endless, and the future is yours to conquer.

Follow Beth Paretta and support her journey because when you do this, you will help many other women in motorsport. Remember that you change the world forever when you empower a woman whose primary goal is supporting other women.

Photo Credits: LAT Images, Mike Levitt, Maria Grady, Richard Prince, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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