Michael Satterfield
At just 15 years old, Sally Mott’s life took a sharp turn that would lead her to the world of professional racing. Growing up in Victoria, Texas, her father was her inspiration—a man who had raced since his youth. He introduced her to the sport at eight years old, setting up makeshift courses in a parking lot to teach her the fundamentals. Mott was immediately hooked. Her early days in karting laid the foundation for what would become a fierce and determined racing career.
Mott wasn’t just any karting prodigy. She had a natural affinity for the track, and by the time she was 15, that spark ignited into a full-fledged fire. It wasn’t just about fun anymore but about competition, strategy, and skill. That’s when Mott approached her father with a new determination to race seriously. Thrilled, he guided her through every step, from those parking lot sessions to local kart tracks and, eventually, to the world of car racing.
Her father wasn’t just her biggest supporter; he was also her coach. The lessons he imparted during her karting days—fast reaction times, racecraft, line precision, and maintaining momentum—would be invaluable as she transitioned into cars. The jump from karting to a Miata wasn’t without its challenges, though. Mott struggled with keeping the car steady and managing the weight transfer. Even though she had a manual Miata as her daily driver, shifting in a racing environment proved tricky. But with her father by her side, swapping seats and providing hands-on coaching, Mott gradually mastered these skills.
The decision to move from karting to car racing was a calculated one. Mott and her father researched different racing paths, and Mazda’s grassroots support program caught their attention. The brand’s commitment to nurturing young talent aligned perfectly with Mott’s aspirations. They sold the karts and invested in a club-spec Miata, setting the stage for Mott’s entry into competitive car racing.
While talent and passion fueled Mott’s drive, securing sponsorships was another hurdle. Early in her career, she relied on small sponsorships from family, friends, and local businesses. At the time, all she had to offer was limited space on her go-kart for logos—a challenge since many people didn’t even know what a professional go-kart looked like. But as she transitioned to car racing, opportunities for sponsorship grew. The exposure and reach of car racing opened doors that had previously been closed.
One pivotal moment in Mott’s career came when she met Ben Keating, a renowned figure in motorsports. It was a serendipitous encounter. Both lived in Victoria, Texas, and when their paths crossed during a Zoom call for a local racing club, Keating’s interest was piqued. The two connected, and in a generous gesture, Keating invited Mott and her father to join him in a 24-hour ChampCar race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). For Mott, it was an opportunity of a lifetime—flying in Keating’s private jet from Victoria to Danville, Virginia, and driving for him in an endurance race.
Keating’s advice to Mott during that time was a game-changer. He encouraged her not to waste time in lower-profile races with limited exposure. Instead, he urged her to aim for the big leagues, where she could learn faster, gain more publicity, and accelerate her career. His words resonated deeply with Mott, broadening her horizons and motivating her to take her career to the next level.
The 24-hour endurance race at VIR was a turning point for Mott. The experience not only boosted her confidence but also gave her the courage to pursue her dream of racing in the Mazda MX-5 Cup. Her persistence paid off when she received the coveted Mazda MX-5 Cup scholarship. The excitement of winning the scholarship was accompanied by the pressure of transitioning quickly from her Spec Miata to an MX-5 Cup car. With only three months to prepare for Daytona, the clock was ticking.
Mott’s relationship with Keating has continued to evolve since that fateful meeting. Though they occasionally cross paths at the track—he racing in LMP2, she in MX-5 Cup—the bond they share remains strong. Keating’s mentorship was instrumental in Mott’s journey, and she remains eternally grateful for the opportunities he provided.
One of Mott’s most memorable races took place at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), where she secured her best career finish to date—a sixth-place result in Race 2. But it wasn’t just the race itself that left a lasting impression. After the race, her crew celebrated with a cake, singing “Happy P6 to You” in her honor. The evening culminated in a playful moment when Mott spray-painted her crew chief’s hair pink, fulfilling a promise made if she achieved a Top 10 finish. That day, Mott’s team felt more like family than ever before.
Reflecting on her career so far, Mott sees her greatest achievement as the progress she’s made throughout the season. The upward momentum she’s experienced from Daytona to now is what feels most rewarding. Yet, with that success comes the pressure of high-stakes competitions like the MX-5 Cup. To manage it, Mott focuses on mental training, including meditation, visualization, and simulator driving. She simulates the pressure of race day to prepare herself for the real thing, ensuring that when she’s on the grid, she’s ready to perform at her best.
Looking ahead, Mott has her sights set on even greater challenges. While she’s dedicated to racing in the MX-5 Cup for the next few years, her ultimate goal is to compete with the Iron Dames at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Her heart lies in sports car racing, but she remains open to opportunities in NASCAR or open-wheel racing if they arise. Beyond Le Mans, Mott dreams of racing at iconic tracks like Spa and Sonoma, where she can test her skills against the world’s best.
Balancing her racing career with other aspects of life is a delicate act. Mott prioritizes racing above all else, dedicating 60% of her day to training, whether at the gym, on the simulator, or engaging in heat training. Her commitment to racing is unwavering, but she also finds time for passions outside the track, such as going to concerts, traveling, writing blogs, and engaging in outdoor activities like mountain biking and rollerblading.
In today’s racing world, social media plays a crucial role in Mott’s career. While on-track results are essential, what she does off-track is just as important. Social media allows her to promote herself, connect with fans, and attract sponsors. For Mott, it’s not about chasing hype or followers; it’s about building her brand and ensuring that the world knows who she is and what she’s capable of achieving.
Mott is also deeply involved in promoting women in motorsports. As a member of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) and other organizations, she sees it as her duty to inspire the next generation of female racers. Her message to young girls interested in motorsports is simple: you can do anything you set your mind to. She encourages them to embrace the challenge and work ten times harder to make their dreams a reality.
As Mott continues to climb the ranks in racing, she’s keenly aware of the challenges facing young racers today. Proving oneself is a constant battle, especially for women in a male-dominated sport. Mott knows that some people believe female racers have it easier because they stand out, but her experience tells a different story. She feels she has to prove herself repeatedly to be taken seriously, a standard she hopes will change over time.
Mott’s preparation for races is as intense as her determination to succeed. She starts a month in advance, focusing on hydration, meal prep, cardio, strength training, and simulator sessions. Mental preparation, including visualization and meditation, is just as important. By the time race day arrives, Mott is physically and mentally ready to compete at the highest level.
Looking to the future, Mott hopes to see more women in motorsports, making female racers a norm rather than an exception. In the next five years, she envisions herself racing in the upper levels of IMSA, possibly even with the Iron Dames at Le Mans. Her legacy, she hopes, will be one of breaking barriers and inspiring young women to pursue their dreams in racing. Mott’s ultimate goal is to create a racing school that teaches young women how to dominate in a male-dominated sport, ensuring that the next generation of female racers has the tools they need to succeed.
Sally Mott’s journey is far from over, but her story is already one of determination, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As she continues to make her mark in the racing world, there’s no doubt she’ll be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Follow Sally on Instagram @sallymottracing
