British transgender racing driver and LGBTQ+ advocate who became the first openly transgender driver to compete in the W Series and Nürburgring 24 Hours
Charlie Martin became the first openly transgender person to compete in professional international motorsport, and in 2020 added a further landmark by becoming the first out transgender driver to race in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, finishing fourth in class in a BMW M240i. Martin came out publicly as transgender in 2018, having begun her transition in 2012, and became the first openly transgender person to compete in professional international motorsport, racing in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, Britcar, and the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Martin set her sights on becoming the first transgender driver to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in 2020 became the first out transgender person to race in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, finishing fourth in class driving a BMW M240i — a landmark achievement in the sport's history. Martin has continued competing in endurance racing, including the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series, while working as a prominent transgender rights activist and ambassador for organisations including Stonewall, Racing Pride, and Athlete Ally, using her platform to advocate for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion within motorsport.
First openly transgender racing driver in British motorsport
How They Played
Endurance racing specialist with strong technical ability
Lasting Impact
Pioneering LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in motorsport
Career Honours
- Britcar Championship winner
- Nürburgring 24 Hours competitor
- Pioneer of LGBTQ+ visibility in motorsport