Founded by Michelle Della Penna, daughter of renowned race car driver and Indycar team owner John Della Penna, the foundation aims to provide girls aged 15 to18 with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to fuel their future in motorsports. With a mission to increase female representation in the industry, the foundation recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for girls to pursue their passion.
mission
NXG Youth Motorsports hosts their Grand Prix Finale in Indy - two Della Penna karting scholars race!
The Della Penna Foundation partnership with NXG Youth Motorsports provides karting scholarships for girls with a passion for motorsports but lacking the resources to attend. Looking forward to 2026!
Sabre Cook Weekend
August 27, 2026
Beyond the Grandstand with Sabré Cook
Della Penna Foundation girls Aubre Walker and Emma Haggie got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at professional motorsport during the "Beyond the Grandstand" test day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Guided by Drivers Council member Sabré Cook, Aubre and Emma had the opportunity to experience the track and the industry like never before. Take a look through the gallery to see their unforgettable day!
-
Over 500 girls reached through social media, press releases and programs
-
Over 200 girls have attended Della Penna programs in Indianapolis and Sonoma.
-
Two girls have been accepted into and are attending the prestigious Purdue School of Motorsports Engineering.
-
Two girls hope to pursue their dream as racecar drivers. One has successfully attended the F3 Academy and is competing in the Formula Pro USA Championship in the F4 class. The other completed the Grand Prix NXG program and is fundraising to attend the Skip Barber Academy.
-
Ana Palestro is pursuing her dream as a race car driver, while still in high school. Ana Palestro
-
Four girls have gotten social media or other part time internships
-
We have offered five karting scholarships in partnership with NXG Youth Motorsports
-
We have worked with motorsports organizations in California, North Carolina and Indiana to offer ten fellowships for girls to shadow women in motorsports for a week during the summer.
What successes have happened so far?
OLYMPIC CLUB FOUNDATION IS ON BOARD!
On behalf of everyone at the Della Penna Foundation and the hundreds of girls we’ve served in Sonoma County, we are beyond grateful for the generosity of the Olympic Club Foundation. The grant they provided gives girls here the wings to drive, race and learn about opportunities for them in the $7B motorsports industry! This includes opportunities in social media, mechanics, engineering, hospitality, driving and more.
Join us at Race Sonoma and meet the future with us!
