Forget the boys’ club. Imogen Radburn is making her own space in motorsport, and inviting the next gen of girls to follow.
Name: Imogen Radburn
Day job: Race Car Driver
Location: Nowra, NSW
How did you get into motorsport? Were you always a speed queen?
Motorsport wasn’t something I was born into - it was something I fought to be part of. I didn’t come from a racing family, and I didn’t have the resources many others did. But I had the drive and earned every opportunity through hard work, resilience, and results. I wasn’t always a ‘speed queen,’ but I’ve always pursued my goals relentlessly.
Was there a moment you knew this was what you were born to do?
Absolutely. You get a feeling when everything clicks - the car, the track, your focus. I remember a race early on when I competed against drivers with far more experience and still came out on top. That was when I knew I wasn’t just chasing a dream - I was living my purpose.
How do you hold your own in such a male-dominated sport?
I hold my own by showing up with skill, professionalism, and performance. I don’t try to fit into the boys’ club - I challenge the norms and make space for others to follow. I’m committed to inspiring the next generation of girls in motorsport and proving that talent knows no gender.
Ever been underestimated… then left them in your dust?
More times than I can count. People often see a young woman and assume she can’t compete at the same level. Then I get on track, and the results speak for themselves. I’ve learned to let my performance do the talking, which usually leaves a lasting impression.
How do you handle racing on your period?
It’s rough. There’s no sugar-coating it, you’re in a fireproof suit, strapped into a car that’s hitting up to 4G forces, and you’re expected to perform at peak focus and precision. Cramps don’t exactly care that it’s race day. I’ve learned to manage it through preparation, listening to my body, and pushing through with mental resilience. But yes, clutch control with cramps is one of motorsport’s underrated challenges.
You had a 10cm cyst removed and were racing a month later. What was recovery like?
It was one of the toughest things I’ve had to do. I was told to rest for eight weeks, but I had to be back in the UK and in the car within just over four. Behind the scenes, it meant racing while still healing internally, navigating pain, and working with specialists to manage my health hour by hour. It wasn’t glamorous - it was gritty. But I was determined not to lose the momentum I’d worked so hard for.
How do you get through period pain when the stakes are high?
Honestly, it comes down to mindset. You train yourself to focus beyond the pain. There’s no room for distraction in the car - you’re constantly assessing grip, speed, strategy, and safety. I rely on that tunnel vision and racing adrenaline to push through. But behind the scenes, I take recovery seriously. People don’t see the heating pads, electrolytes, and strategic rest between sessions.
Has being open about periods changed how the sport sees you?
Yes, and in a powerful way. I used to worry that talking about it would make people see me as ‘weaker’ or ‘less capable.’ But the opposite has happened. It’s opened up important conversations, and I’ve had people, men and women, thank me for being honest about the challenges. As for how I see myself, it’s made me realise that strength isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about showing up anyway.
Heat packs are your MVP - what else is in your self-care kit?
Heat pack are the go-to, but I also rely on my TENS machine - it’s incredible for discreetly managing pain when I need to stay mobile or on the move. Naprogesics are another staple. I also keep magnesium spray, hydration tablets, and compression gear close by. When I can, I make time for quiet moments to reset mentally. That balance between physical relief and mental space is key for me.
Do you sync training or prep with your cycle? Got any go-to hacks?
I do my best to track my cycle and adjust when I can. If I’m in a low-energy phase, I’ll focus on mobility, recovery, or mental prep rather than pushing max physical output. It’s not always possible in the middle of a race weekend, but even being aware helps me manage expectations. My must-haves are staying hydrated, prioritising sleep, and fuelling with iron-rich foods. And again, the TENS machine and Naprogesic are lifesavers.
What’s your post-race recovery ritual when your body’s wrecked?
Active recovery always comes first: walking, stretching, and then refuelling with a solid meal. After that, it’s all about heat therapy, Epsom salt baths if I can, and rest. Sometimes it’s physio, sometimes it’s just lying flat with a heat pack and zoning out. Whatever the form, I give my body permission to slow down after pushing it to the edge.
What’s one thing every coach should know about training women?
We’re not working with the same hormonal baseline 24/7 - and that’s not a bad thing; it just means our needs are different. Understanding how the menstrual cycle impacts energy, pain tolerance, and recovery could be a game-changer in how female athletes train and perform. We don’t need special treatment - we need smart, informed support. That difference can unlock another level of performance.
Motorsport is full throttle - how do you slow down?
It’s easy to get caught in the fast pace, so I prioritise finding stillness where I can. I love colouring - it sounds simple, but it helps me switch off completely. It’s one of the few times my mind isn’t racing. I also make time to be offline, go for a walk, or sit with music and breathe. Those little quiet moments help me stay sharp when things get loud.
What do you tell yourself in challenging moments, on or off track?
You’ve done harder things. That’s the line I come back to. Whether pushing through pain, being away from home, or proving myself in a challenging field, I remind myself of everything I’ve overcome. I focus on the moment, block out the noise, and do the next right thing - corner by corner, decision by decision.
Dream car, dream track, dream playlist - go.
Dream car? A green and blacked-out Porsche 911 GT3 RS - sleek, aggressive, and everything I love in a car. Dream track would have to be Bathurst in a Supercar. I’ve raced there before in Formula Ford, and that alone was unforgettable, but racing it in a Supercar has always been the dream. The playlist is a mix of house music to get the adrenaline pumping, then country to calm the nerves. It’s the perfect balance of fire and focus.
How do you mentally prep for high-pressure race days?
I’ve got a few. I always start with a physical warm-up and mobility work, even if it’s quick - it gets me into my body and out of my head. Music is a massive part of my routine; it helps drown out distractions and builds my energy. I visualise the track, key overtakes, and pressure moments, so it already feels familiar when I get there. And before I get in the car, I remind myself: I’ve earned this seat and am here to win - nothing less.
What would you tell a 16-year-old about periods and racing?
I’d tell her: Your body isn’t the problem - it’s your power. There’ll be tough days, no doubt. But your period doesn’t define your ability. You’ll learn how to manage it, race through it, and even win with it. You’re stronger than you think; one day, this thing you’re worried about will become part of your story, not your setback.
What does strength look like to you now, post-surgery?
Strength used to mean pushing through no matter what. Now, it’s more layered. Strength is listening to my body, asking for support when needed, and still showing up even when things aren’t perfect. Post-surgery, I’ve realised that real resilience isn’t about pretending you’re fine - it’s about adapting, recovering, and coming back smarter and stronger.
How do you stay grounded at 200km/h - literally or not?
I keep my focus on the ‘why.’ It’s easy to get caught in the chaos - travel, pressure, performance, but I always circle back to why I started. I also lean on my support crew, stay connected to home, and give myself space to breathe. And honestly, things like colouring, country music, and staying present keep me anchored no matter how fast life’s moving.
Finish the sentence: When I’m racing, I feel…
Untouchable. Like everything else fades away, and it’s just me, the car, and the track. It’s the one place where pain, pressure, and expectations fall silent. It’s freedom, fire, and focus - all at once.
MY CYCLE
- My period in 3 words: Relentless. Distracting. Manageable.
- Period self-care means: Listening to my body without guilt and giving it what it needs to perform.
- Period self-care toolkit: TENS machine, heat pack, Naprogesic, magnesium spray, electrolytes, compression tights, and colouring to calm the mind.
- Best period hacks: Track your cycle, fuel with iron-rich foods, hydrate early, and use music to shift your energy (house to lift you, country to ground you).
- On day 1, you’ll find me: Managing pain behind the scenes with my heat pack, colouring book in hand, headphones on, visualising my next lap.
- Scarlet pick: Heat pack and magnesium spray are my ultimate duo for muscle relief and recovery.
