Emma Gilmour


Emma Bridget Gilmour is a rally driver from New Zealand.

Early and personal life

Gilmour was born in Dunedin in 1979. Her father and maternal grandfather were both mechanics. Before taking up motor racing in her early 20s, she was an equestrian representing Otago–Southland in eventing and participating in the New Zealand development squads. Gilmour completed a design studies degree at the University of Otago.
Gilmour runs a Suzuki car dealership in Dunedin outside of racing.

Racing career

New Zealand Rally Championship

Gilmour is a three-time New Zealand Rally Championship runner-up.

Global Rallycross Championship

Gilmour became the first woman to enter the Global Rallycross Championship, competing under Rhys Millen Racing in a Hyundai Veloster Turbo for the 2014 season.

Extreme E

Veloce Racing (2021)

Gilmour was signed by Veloce Racing as reserve driver for the inaugural season of the new electric off-road racing series in 2021, Extreme E in 2021. She replaced regular driver Jamie Chadwick in two events.

McLaren (2022–2023)

Gilmour moved to McLaren XE for the 2022 season, becoming the first female factory driver to race for McLaren. Partnering Tanner Foust, she achieved one podium finish at the season-ending Energy X-Prix and became the first female podium winner for McLaren. Gilmour and Foust were retained for the 2023 season. McLaren won its second podium by finishing second in Round 4 at the Hydro X-Prix. In Round 7 at the Island X-Prix II, Gilmour suffered a fractured rib and a concussion following a crash during the first free practice session and was ruled out for the rest of the weekend. She was replaced by championship reserve driver Tamara Molinaro for Rounds 7 and 8. For the final two rounds of the season, McLaren announced that Gilmour was still recovering from her injuries and was replaced by JBXE's Hedda Hosås. At the end of the season, McLaren announced that Gilmour and Foust would leave the team after two seasons.

Racing record

Complete Global Rallycross Championship results

Complete Extreme E results

YearTeamCar12345678910Points
2021Veloce RacingSpark ODYSSEY 21DES
Q
DES
R
OCE
Q
OCE
R
ARC
Q
5
ARC
R
6
ISL
Q
8
ISL
R
8
JUR
Q
JUR
R
11th29
2022NEOM McLaren Extreme E TeamSpark ODYSSEY 21DES
5
ISL1
10
ISL2
6
COP
5
ENE
2
7th
2023NEOM McLaren Extreme E TeamSpark ODYSSEY 21DES
1
6
DES
2
7
HYD
1
8
HYD
2
2
ISL1
1
7
ISL1
2
9
ISL2
1
WD
ISL2
2
COP
1
COP
2
13th44