Lindsay Brewer: A path between social networks and competition

Lindsay Brewer discovered running at the age of 11 through the karting. " That's where I learned about track aggression, wheel-to-wheel battles. " she explains to us in the paddock of 24 Hours of Le Mans 2025 where she was present as a spectator.

She continued her early career until she was 17 before taking a break for her university studies. During these four years, she became involved in a different field: social media. Today, The young woman has no less than 2,8 million followers on Instagram. " I didn't think it would get this big, but it has created opportunities for me. » Brewer does not deny that his image helps finance his career. Without this, I wouldn't have the means to race today, but I'm a driver first and foremost.. » While she assumes this position between influencer, model and pilot, there is however a downside to the coin. That of the judgment of social networks, in an environment where legitimacy is first earned on the track. People will always have an opinion. They will say I'm not serious, but I know my worth. »

Her return to competition in 2021 was in touring cars, before quickly joining the car American, driving for Juncos in Indy NXT in 2024. In hindsight, she believes that this choice was premature. I climbed the ranks too quickly. After a year and a half of Indy Pro 2000, I moved up to Indy NXT with too little experience. I felt real pressure from those around me to move up. "While the car seduces her with its agility and power, the lack of power steering and the physical demands of the discipline highlight its limitations." I was training hard, five days a week, watching my diet, but I'm small, not strong enough to handle it. It was frustrating to feel like I could do better but my body wasn't keeping up. "She admits to often riding with fatigue in the background, unable to give 100%." I knew that I was not at the level I should be. » Stuck at the back of the grid, the young woman leaves the antechamber of theIndyCar after only half a season. His best results are two fifteenth places: in St. Petersburg for the season opener and at Laguna Seca for his final appearance.

Confidence undermined after the end of the Indy NXT

This passage in single-seater left its mark. At the end of Indy NXT, my confidence was at an all-time low, She confesses. I always knew I had talent, but it's hard to show it in these conditions. Many pilots burn their wings by climbing too fast, even in F1. look Logan sargeant : it's not a lack of talent, but bad timing sometimes. »

Her return to GT this season marked a turning point. At Rafa Racing, she discovered a different environment: that of the Super Trofeo Lamborghini North America, and above all, a climate in which she felt more at ease. The team is like a family. They want to help me progress. If I mess up, they're there to pick me up, not pull me down. "This context helps him to rebuild himself." I'm so much happier now. I enjoy flying. »

On the track, the first results are coming in. Two podiums already this season, at Sebring (2nd in race 2) and Laguna Seca (3rd in race 1), in the Am category of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo championship. I'm starting to feel more confident and happy again. These results show that I'm capable. » Her collaboration with British driver Jem Hepworth, her teammate in car number 2, also plays a role. We're close in terms of rhythm, we push each other. She's amazing, and we support each other a lot. "Together, they hope to play for the title by the end of the season." We are third at the moment, but with what we have learned about the car, we can aim for victories. »

Lindsay Brewer and Jem Hepworth on the catwalk at Laguna Seca – Photo: JAMEY PRICE

Brewer remains clear about his areas for improvement. I feel more comfortable on tracks with technical corners and long straights, like Sebring. I still need to improve on the high-commitment tracks with very fast corners where you need real confidence. » She does not hide behind her lack of experience: " I just need to spend more time in the car. Driving is how you improve. » She says she still needs to work on her approach to the so-called " high commitment " like Barber or Watkins Glen. " The first turns of Watkins, with walls on both sides and almost 300 km/h, are thrilling. »

Lindsay Brewer still dreams of the Indy 500

Lindsay Brewer thinks about Europe without idealizing it. The circuits are incredible. I'd love to race here one day, perhaps in GT3. "Le Mans, which she discovered this year as a spectator invited by Cadillac, impresses her." The atmosphere is unique. It's a dream to race there one day. The crowd, the racing culture here... I've never experienced anything like it, except for the Indy 500. "The link with Cadillac could be an opportunity to build." They invited me this weekend. I'd like to build something long-term with them. " Like her friend Samantha Tan does with BMW, while the Canadian competed in Road to Le Mans with the German brand and will be driving this weekend at the Nürburgring with Mini. The Iron Dames, as well as Jamie Chadwick, whom she worked alongside in Indy NXT, are also examples to follow for her.

If the Indy 500 remains " in a corner of [his] head " Brewer says his time at GT has changed his outlook. Before, I only thought about IndyCar. Today, I'm thinking more about GT racing, endurance racing, with the desire to reach the top level. » She now dreams of a prototype: " I would love to try an LMP2. I like light cars, with downforce, an agile front end. I think it would suit me well. »

Lindsay Brewer at Laguna Seca – Photo: BRENNAN_ASPLEN_PHOTO

His relationship with social media remains a fragile point of balance. I love sharing my passion and showing what goes on behind the scenes at races, but this generates judgment. Some people think you can't be a driver and be the driving force behind your own image. » She emphasizes, however, that this dual role has become the norm: " Now, all the teams are making TikToks, videos. It's become part of motorsport culture. "A look that weighed on me for a long time." Today, I'm focusing on what I do on the track. The podiums speak for themselves. »

On the place of women in motorsport, Lindsay Brewer wants to be pragmatic. There's no reason why a woman can't win against men. The problem is numbers: out of every thousand male drivers, there are ten women. Obviously, statistically, there are fewer female champions. "The key, according to her: " Start earlier, open doors from karting onwards. The more women there are at the start, the more likely we are to see talent emerge. »

The next meeting for Lindsay Brewer and Jem Hepworth is scheduled for this weekend at Waktkins Glen, in a support race for theIMSA.

🎥 Samantha Tan, on her way to the 24 Hours of Le Mans?