In a world still largely dominated by men, Zoé Knebler and Ellie Dax are proving that karting is also a woman’s game. One is 24, the other 17, and both share the same passion for speed, competition, and pushing themselves to the limit. We meet two drivers who are carving their own path on European circuits.
For both Zoé and Ellie, it all started with their families. Zoé, now a driver for CG Motorsport, grew up in the world of motor racing thanks to her father. “He bought me a kart when I was four, but I didn’t get my first license until I was six. “ Ellie, meanwhile, was also inspired by her father: ”He bought one for himself, and I said, ‘Me too, me too!’”
While Zoé started competing in 2012, Ellie, who races for Victory Lane, started more recently, but with just as much determination. After a first year of trials, she started competing two years ago.
Between technique and physical preparation
Both drivers compete in the X30 category, with karts equipped with 32cc IAME engines capable of reaching speeds of up to 127 km/h. Both have already raced on the Mondercange karting track, posting competitive lap times of around 35–40 seconds in competition karts. This performance demonstrates their technical mastery and speed on a demanding track where the record is 34.6 seconds in a Super X30.
Zoé is actively involved in preparing her kart with the help of her father and brother, while Ellie admits she still has a lot to learn about mechanics.
Physically, the training is rigorous. Ellie trains twice a week at the gym to stay in shape. Race weekends are intense: they leave on Wednesday or Thursday and return on Sunday evening. Zoé, who is juggling her university studies, participates at a slightly more moderate pace but remains very committed.
A mixed competition, a competitive spirit
In a field of 90 riders, women are still in the minority. “There are about 82 men and the rest are women. It’s good that we race together and that it’s not separated like in other sports,” explains Zoé. But that doesn’t stop them from earning respect. “It’s nice to overtake a boy and see him get annoyed because he’s been overtaken by a girl,” she smiles, adding, “and if he gets annoyed, that’s good for me because he’ll start making mistakes on the track and lose time.” Ellie adds: “There’s some stupid behavior sometimes, but in general we’re respected.”
They also take part in the Ladies Cup, an all-female race organized in France as part of the Eurocup. “It’s special because it’s only been around for five years. Now it’s gone international, with girls coming from all over the world, even Australia.”
Zoé and Ellie embody a new generation of talented, ambitious, and passionate female drivers. Their presence on the circuits reminds us that karting, like all motor sports, has no gender. And that the finish line is open to all those who dare to take part.
Women in motorsport: a trend that’s picking up speed
The careers of the two Luxembourg drivers are part of a broader trend: the rise of women in motorsport. This phenomenon is increasingly coming to the fore with the emergence of new women’s competitions such as the F1 Academy. As a reminder, this is an all-female motor racing championship (Formula 4) launched in 2023 by Formula Motorsport Limited, the organization that also manages Formula 2 and Formula 3, in which 15 drivers are participating, including 10 supported by official F1 teams. The championship aims to provide a professional platform for young female drivers to progress to the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula 1.
Figures still modest, but on the rise
In Luxembourg, there were 321 licensed motorsport participants in 2024, including 23 women. This represents around 7% of women, a figure that is still low but rising. By way of comparison, between 2020 and 2022, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) recorded barely 5% of women among its licensees worldwide. These figures show that the feminization of motorsport is well underway, even if there is still a long way to go.
