In this instalment of our Women in Sport series, we hear from Nicole Drought on her sporting inspirations, biggest goals, and the most common misconception about her sport…
Tipperary native Nicole Drought has competed in many aspects of motorsport, including Circuit Racing, Rallycross, and Rallying & Endurance Trials. She was the first woman to win in Irish Touring Cars, the UK Citroen C1 Challenge, and the UK EnduroKA series. Nicole has also gotten to drive two F1 cars, and is the current Open Clubman Irish Rallycross Champion, leading the UK MSVR Championship.
Here, she shares her sporting story so far…
Name: Nicole Drought
Profession: Irish Motor Racing Driver
Earliest sporting memory?
My earliest sporting memory is watching my dad compete in rallying as a kid. I followed him around the country when he was competing and I fell in love with the sport. It’s our shared passion and I’m grateful for that.
How did you become involved in your sport?
It was my dad and his involvement in the sport that led me to develop that interest and hone my skills.
What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?
Believe in yourself, never stop following your dreams, and always remember that you’re capable of much more than you know!
Proudest moment so far…
Getting to drive two F1 cars is something I’m very proud of. It’s something very few people get to experience and I never even dreamed I’d get a chance to drive one, never mind two!
The female athlete I admire most is…
The late Rosemary Smith is the first person who comes to mind. She was a trailblazer for women in motorsport and someone I really looked up to. I met her on numerous occasions, and she was truly inspirational.
Favourite sporting memory…
I have to say, winning my first-ever race was particularly special, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.
Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?
There has been an improvement in this area in the last number of years, and we’re certainly moving in the right direction. This is largely down to incredible women in sport initiatives like 20×20 and similar. However, I think that there is still a ways to go, and that’s why it’s important to open up the conversation on women in sport – the obstacles and opportunities. I was just doing exactly that at Super Car Weekend in Dundrum Town Centre last weekend.
What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?
In my sport, it’s simply numbers. I compete directly against both men and women, but we are very much in the minority. This, though, is also changing, and a lot of young ladies are beginning to race. I have been able to help one or two this year and will continue to do so going forward which is an exciting part of my career.
The biggest misconception that exists in women’s sport is…
I suppose the biggest misconception is that it’s harder for women to progress. I agree that there are some barriers, but there’s also ample opportunity and there are a tonne of people who are willing to support and lead you in the right direction.
If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…
I would probably be a musician. I used to play accordion, piano and drums!
My favourite pre-race meal is…
I’d have to say potatoes and turkey burgers. There’s a good mix of carbohydrates and protein to help with energy in the lead-up to a competition.
My pre-race playlist includes…
“Army of One” by Bon Jovi.
My daily routine is…
Each day I either go to the gym, I bike, or I go for a run. Then I head to work and after work, I always do a walk. After that, I tend to do some simulator training and then sleep, sleep, sleep!
My biggest sporting goal is…
Someday, I would love to race at Daytona 24 or Le Mans.
Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…
Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are my absolute favourites. I can’t train without wearing at least one of those brands.
Biggest splurge to celebrate a win…
I would have to go with the classic champagne spray and then a team meal to celebrate the victory.
How do you mind your mental health?
It’s so important to look after your mental health, particularly when competing at such a high level. I find that listening to music and going for walks with the dog always helps me.
My three desert island beauty products are:
Lip balm, moisturiser and SPF!
I need at least 8 hours of sleep a night because….
Sleep is key for recovery!
Confidence, to me, is…
Standing tall and believing in yourself.
How do you get over a bad performance?
First, I think it’s okay to wallow, but put a timeframe on it and don’t let it consume you for too long. Then all of your focus must go to the next event. Look at how it can be better for the next competition and what you can do differently to get a better result.
Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?
Sport brings people together like nothing else, through the highs and even the lows. It’s a great way to get to know more people and to enjoy the sport you love together. We also can’t forget about the health benefits of sport and at a national level what that can do for overall life expectancy and general wellbeing. On the whole, I think sport is a very valuable tool for life.
Nicole was at Super Car Weekend on Sunday 25 August at Dundrum Town Centre where she was engaging in a panel discussion, talking further about motorsport racing with former racing driver Leo Nulty and current racing drivers Kelsey Kirby, and Laura Hannon.
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