Icons of originality: Valvoline unites Jessica Hawkins and Jeff Gordon for historic driver matchup in Charlotte
In the same city where the first woman to compete in NASCAR's premier division debuted 75 years earlier, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Ambassador Jessica Hawkins recently made her own mark in Charlotte, N.C.
Following the famous Roval 400, Jessica took the wheel of a special edition Valvoline two-seater to become the latest British woman to drive a NASCAR Cup Series car.
Making the historic moment possible, Valvoline™ Global Operations brought together two of its biggest motorsports partners – Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and Hendrick Motorsports – for an exclusive crossover event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Joined by Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman, the two celebrated drivers rounded the track together and separately, marking the first time in Jessica's 10 years as a professional driver to drive a NASCAR Cup Series car.
The historic drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway follows Jessica's demo run earlier this year, where she became the first woman to drive the latest generation of F1 car.
Jessica Hawkins drives a NASCAR for the first time with Jeff Gordon
Aston Martin Aramco, Valvoline and Hendricks Motorsport come together for a boundary-pushing motorsport crossover to celebrate women in motorsport.
Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Ambassador and Head of F1 Academy, said:
"Getting the opportunity to drive a NASCAR race car was incredible from start to finish. The car itself was so different from anything I've driven before - it's heavy and has so much power.
"I spent some time in the Hendrick Motorsports simulator and got some passenger laps with Jeff which really helped me prepare beforehand. The experience was a real career-highlight and the memories from the day will stay with me for a long time.
"Thank you to Valvoline Global for continuing to celebrate women in motorsport and creating moments like this to demonstrate to young girls everywhere that racing – in any category – is for them too."
Rob Kenny, Valvoline Global Chief Brand and Digital Officer, said:
"The collaboration we share with our world-class motorsports partners combines decades of racing excellence, more than a century of automotive expertise, and a true passion for the sport. We're leveraging that to drive opportunities across racing and across the globe – to create excitement, promote talented and diverse drivers, attract new fans, win more races, and ultimately, move the world forward.
"But it's also about doing something unexpected and original. Uniting two of world's most talented drivers at one of the most celebrated racetracks is symbolic of what's possible when we push boundaries and take on new challenges."
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and ex NASCAR driver, said:
"There is no question that Valvoline's fluid technology and expertise is helping our cars perform better, run faster, and win more races. But for me, it goes beyond that. Growing up and seeing Valvoline on my heroes' cars, then having a chance to race with Valvoline as a NASCAR driver was a dream come true.
"Teaming up with Valvoline today and collaborating with talented drivers like Jessica Hawkins shows how partnerships like this pave the way forward, on and off the track."
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