Episode 10 - Charlie Martin
From Hill Climbs to the Home Straight: Charlie Martin’s Inspiring Journey
“When people believe in you, it helps you to believe in yourself.”
In this episode of The Spark Inside, hosts Christian Hewgill and Becca Knight speak with Charlie Martin, an endurance racing driver, LGBTQ+ rights advocate, and trailblazer in motorsport. Charlie shares her inspiring journey from grassroots hill climbing to competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series and chasing her ultimate dream: becoming the first transgender driver to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Charlie opens up about overcoming personal and professional challenges, the mental and physical demands of endurance racing and how she’s working to make motorsport more inclusive through initiatives like Racing Pride. Her story is one of resilience, breaking barriers and proving that the path to success is one you can create for yourself.
Whether you’re a motorsport fan, an aspiring driver or someone looking for motivation to pursue your passions, Charlie’s journey offers valuable insights into courage, community and determination.
Key Moments:
[00:00:00] Introduction: Christian’s Formula One trivia and Becca’s garage lessons
[00:06:19] Guest Intro: Welcoming Charlie Martin
[00:07:20] Early Inspirations: Hill climbs, grassroots racing and finding her passion
[00:14:18] Racing at Le Mans: Competing in the Super Trofeo and her vision
[00:16:52] Building Resilience: How boxing and meditation prepare her for the track
[00:20:53] Overcoming Challenges: Transitioning and staying true to her identity
[00:31:21] Representation Matters: Charlie’s work with Racing Pride to make motorsport inclusive
[00:33:46] Advice for Aspiring Drivers: “Find your tribe and follow your passion.”
Featuring: Charlie Martin
Presented by: Becca Knight and Christian Hewgill
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Podcast Website: www.thesparkinside.co.uk
The Spark Inside is an 18Sixty production brought to you by Niterra UK Ltd.
Charlie Martin
Charlie Martin is a racing driver and LGBTQ+ activist, currently competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe. Since starting competing in hillclimb with a Peugeot 205, she has progressed through single seaters, prototypes and GT cars. In June 2024 she finished 2nd in class at the support race for the 24hrs of Le Mans, her ambition is now to drive in the full race in GT3LM. Away from racing, Charlie works as a keynote speaker, sharing her story with organisations to help them improve their commitment to awareness, inclusion and allyship.
What first ignited my spark was...
... playing Gran Turismo on my Playstation, going to race tracks as a teenager and reading Max Power Magazine!