Out, proud and tearing up the motorsports scene

Accepting, diverse, exciting. That’s how members describe Out Motorsports, a group dedicated to creating a place to enjoy motorsports of all kinds.

“There are other gay and queer car clubs out there,” says Jake Thiewes, founder of Out Motorsports. “Out Motorsports’ focus is on the LGBTQ driving enthusiast who wants to grow both their skills and their community.”

Jake Thiewes, Out Motorsports founder

While many operations stalled in 2020 and ’21, Out Motorsports picked up the pace by holding weekly Zoom meetings to grow its online community.

Ah, the age of technology.

These Zoom calls were a way to check in, hang out and get feedback regarding future events. Out Motorsports also used it as a time to build its online community via Discord.

“So many of us car folks joke about buying a big plot of land in the country,” says Lexie Murray, a member of Out Motorsports. “Building a huge shop on it and having a bunch of little cottages for all our friends, and I think our Discord really embodies that.”

Since then, all the ideas they gathered have been brought to reality: backroad drives, track days, off-roading and basically everything in between.

“I first stumbled onto Out Motorsports in the summer of 2021,” says Nelson Young, another member of Out Motorsports. “I was scrolling through Facebook and an event suggestion popped into my feed about a rally/trackcross event at the Summit Point Raceway for August of 2021 focusing on the LGBTQ+ population.

“Something that day pushed me to click on the link and read about the event,” he continues. “I had never driven on a race track or participated in any motorsports events, including autocross. I signed up for the event and made one of the best decisions of my life.”

For Lexie, they find joy in not just the events but the environment the outings provide.

“I'm an avid autocrosser, and I've crewed at just about any track event you can imagine,” Lexie says. “I have so much love for those communities as well, but there's something so refreshing about being able to show up to a motorsports event as your authentic self without having to mask any parts of my identity to fit in or feel safe.”

This past year, Out Motorsports spent time at both Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia and California’s Willow Springs Raceway for autocross, track time and even a car show. The Summit Point event welcomed more than a hundred participants.

“Everyone at our events is so radically welcoming, no matter your identity, your skill level, your experience, or even your knowledge of cars,” shares Lexie. “As long as you're kind and looking to have a good time, you'll fit right in.”

But that’s not all. Out Motorsports had its Pumpkin Spice Road Rally this past October, which ended up being its biggest event yet. More than 125 drivers and passengers and 80 cars gathered at Camp Out in the Poconos of Pennsylvania.

“We had BMW, Mini, Maserati, Audi, Toyota and Volvo all support by sending us a literal rainbow of cars to use to lead each of our drive groups,” Jake says.

These events are also ways for participants to better their skills in an open environment. “From the friends I have made through Out Motorsports, an endurance racing team formed, and I participated in my first wheel-to-wheel racing event at the Rockingham Speedway this summer. We even brought home a trophy,” Nelson recalls.

“I feel as though the events have helped me to become a better driver. I have learned improved car control and how to drive quicker in a safe, controlled environment.”

While Out Motorsports hosted these events, sadly some of its members couldn’t attend for a common reason: a lack of funds.

With that, the Out Motorsports scholarship program was born.

This program lets the winners attend an Out Motorsports event free of charge, even covering hotel costs. Chosen for a scholarship but still not able to attend? The amount is then distributed back into the event to lower the overall cost of entry for everyone.

“So far, we have had Toyota, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Chevrolet, OG Racing and Bridgestone Tires all support the motorsport events,” shares Jakes. “Both with funding for our scholarship program–and otherwise helping keep entry fees as low as possible–and in products to either use for event support–cars and loaner helmets–or prizes.”

As 2024 draws to a close, Out Motorsports already has plans for its 2025 season. Want to learn more? Visit the Out Motorsports crew by clicking here.

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