Racing Pride exhibit at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

06 March 2025 News

We’re hugely excited that a new exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, will explore hidden histories and signpost a more inclusive way forward for the motorsport community.

In the words of our CEO & Co-Founder, Richard Morris, “This exhibition seeks to inspire all LGBTQ+ people who visit it that they are valid, they are valued, and they belong in our sport”.

LGBTQ+ people have always been part of motorsport, but their stories have all too often been hidden rather than celebrated. This exhibition shines a light on the unique personal journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals across motorsport disciplines from early trailblazers such as Roberta Cowell to heroes and role-models who are racing today.

Visitors will be able to see images and objects that tell the story of the LGBTQ+ experience in motorsport from the 1930s to the present day. Archive newsreels dating back to the late 1930s show the historic perspective, with subsequent film footage – including that from Racing Pride and the our ambassadors – bringing the narrative up to date. The role models featured come from a wide spectrum of motorsport including karting, motorcycling, Formula One and stunt driving.

The exhibition recognises the crucial role of vocal, visible allies in creating a sport for everyone, from Formula One World Champions who have spoken up in support of the LGBTQ+ community such as Sir Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, to motorsport’s global fan community.

A room with white walls, a series of display cases with glass covers and a rainbow line running along the wall. This highlights pictures of notable LGBTQ+ figures in motorsport history, with artefacts on display including photographs, race suits, helmets and a steering wheel. — Celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions to motorsport history.

A glass display case including race boots with rainbow laces and various rainbow lanyards. — Charlie Martin’s race boots on display in the exhibit.

Racing Pride: Celebrating the LGBTQ community in motorsport is in the In Focus Gallery at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire from Sunday 9 February – Sunday 7 September 2025.

We are particularly grateful to Kade Matthews for his work in creating a concept and researching details for the exhibition, alongside the Museum’s curatorial team. Kade has been part of Racing Pride’s team for the last couple of years and is also a Community Development Officer at Australian charity Proud 2 Play. He has been a driving force in bringing the Pride Hub to the Australian Grand Prix in 2024 and 2025 – more on that coming soon!