Faster than F1: The extreme motorsport where women keep winning

The extreme motorsport of Top Fuel drag racing has become a pioneer in gender equality within motorsports, bucking the trend of male dominance. With women frequently beating men to major titles, the sport has seen seven out of the past nine European Championships won by female drivers. In the United States, record-setting female driver Brittany Force has claimed victories multiple times, holding the world speed record in the sport.

Top Fuel drivers experience more g-force than an astronaut launching into space, with races lasting just four seconds and cars reaching speeds over 300 miles per hour. The sport's safety precautions have been enhanced following fatal crashes in nitromethane-fuelled cars in 2004 and 2008, and drivers are highly protected. Despite the extreme nature of the sport, it is described as the most gender-equal motorsport in the world.

Women make up about 10% of participants across motorsport, and 4% of elite drivers, according to campaign group More Than Equal. However, in Top Fuel, women account for 20% of the drivers competing. Top Fuel drivers face intense g-forces and need lightning-fast reactions and physical endurance to succeed. The sport's accessibility, family-oriented culture, and visible female role models have contributed to its success in promoting gender equality.