Many women have helped shape Ford Racing into what it is today, and women continue to shape its future.
That particularly holds true for the brand’s global Mustang one-make series, where women are involved in roles from race director to team owner to social media manager.
Women hold race director roles for all three Mustang one-make series. They are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for all competitors — which is no small task in the high-intensity competition of single-make racing.
Kaye Callander, Race Director, Mustang Cup Australia
For Kaye Callander, being appointed race director for Mustang Cup Australia is the latest accomplishment in her over 30 years in motorsport.
“I’m grateful for Motorsport Australia and Mustang Cup Australia's support, encouragement, commitment, and confidence in my abilities,” she said. “The opportunity came from a lot of commitment, a lot of hard work, and to be entrusted is very humbling.”
Don’t be afraid to try something different, and take as many opportunities as you possibly can.” Kaye Callander, Race Director, Mustang Cup Australia
Callander got her start as a trackside volunteer in 1993, and since then, she’s worked in a variety of roles and has made history in the Australian racing scene.
“In 2022, I was appointed the First Clerk of Course for a Repco SuperCars event, and I was the first female to hold that role, which was incredible,” she said. “Then, last year, I was appointed Deputy Race Director for the SuperCars event in Darwin. That was a significant moment for women in motorsport in Australia.”
Being a race director for a series that’s just starting out is a new challenge for Callander, but it’s one she’s ready to take on.
“I’m genuinely looking forward to the challenge, and we’ve got a really strong crew,” she said. “The first year is going to be all about setting that groundwork, making sure everything is right behind the scenes, and making sure everyone is racing safely and fairly.”
Morgan Healey, Race Director, Mustang Cup USA
Morgan Healey joined the Ford Racing one-make fold when she became the race director for the inaugural season of Mustang Cup USA in 2025.
After starting out at go kart races and then working in race control for IMSA, she decided to take the next step and become a race director. This transition was a difficult yet important part of Healey’s career.
“Working with everyone to figure out how we could continue to build and grow the series for the future was incredible.” Morgan Healey, Race Director, Mustang Cup USA
“My first year as a race director in 2023 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she said. “Thankfully, I had a good support system around me that reminded me I have what it takes. Getting through that season is something I’m proud of, and it continues to give me confidence today.”
Heading into Mustang Cup USA’s second year, she's looking forward to the series’ continued development.
“Working with everyone to figure out how we could continue to build and grow the series for the future was incredible, and I’m very excited to see how our efforts continue to pay off in the future."
Chelsey Vickery, Race Director, Mustang Challenge
Mustang Challenge race director Chelsey Vickery grew up around cars, spending time with her father in his automotive shops.
She learned the race control ropes in a grassroots series, where she became the executive director. Then, by chance, she got the opportunity to work with IMSA.
“It’s important to put yourself out there and to have the tenacity to just go for things.” Chelsey Vickery, Race Director, Mustang Challenge
For Vickery, one of the best parts of being Mustang Challenge race director is getting to work with the drivers, particularly the young talents.
“It’s really rewarding getting to know the drivers and working with them,” she said. “Not every race is perfect for them, but you can see them progress throughout the season, start to get better and more competitive, and start to be front runners.”
Katie Noaker, Team Owner, Robert Noaker Racing
Women also make an impact on the competitor side of Mustang one-make racing. Katie Noaker is the team owner of Robert Noaker Racing, a program that has found major success in Mustang Challenge and has a large presence in the series.
Noaker has been a racing fan for most of her life, and she got her first experience working in racing when she met her husband.
“I’m excited to have that many cars under our tent and representing us.” Katie Noaker, Team Owner, Robert Noaker Racing
After selling their body shop, which they had run for 25 years, the Noakers decided to try their hand at running a race team.
“Selling the body shop is what gave us the time and the means to start our Mustang Challenge team,” she said. “We originally started the team to help our son Robert in his career. He wasn’t interested in running the body shop, and we all enjoy racing, so we decided to give it a go.”
With Katie Noaker leading the charge, what started out as a small operation has grown into a powerhouse team in the Mustang Challenge series.
“We started out with just Robert, then it was Robert and two teammates, and now, heading into our third year, we have a lot of cars,” Noaker said. “I’m excited to have that many cars under our tent and representing us.”
Maddie Campeau, Social Media Manager, Robert Noaker Racing
Even women just starting their careers are involved in the world of Mustang one-make. Maddie Campeau, who currently attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is the social media manager for Robert Noaker Racing.
Campeau has always been interested and involved in racing, and she raced herself when she was younger, which is how she got to know the Noakers.
“I said, 'You're starting a new business, and you need a social media presence. I’d like to do it for you.'” Maddie Campeau, Social Media Manager, Robert Noaker Racing
When they started their Mustang Challenge team, Campeau had the idea to combine her love for racing with her social media skills.
“When the Noakers decided they were going to start a team, I was originally going to help with tires and fuel,” Campeau explained. “Then I said, ‘You are starting a new business, and you need a social media presence. I’d like to do it for you.’ They were on board with it, and it just grew from there.”
All of these women have their own unique stories and reasons as to why they love this sport, but they all offer similar advice to women looking to work in racing: go for what you want and learn from every opportunity.
“If you want to be involved, join a club, come to a race, get trackside and do some learning,” Callander said. “Don’t be afraid to try something different, and take as many opportunities as you possibly can.”
“To have a career in racing, it’s important to put yourself out there and to have the tenacity to just go for things,” Vickery said. “And when you get opportunities, just be a sponge, learn as much as you can.”
Madison Kinner writes about Motorsports for Ford Communications.
