The Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission, in partnership with the Royal Irish Automobile Club (RIAC), is proud to announce Nicole Drought as the 2025 recipient of the Rosemary Smith Trophy, an annual award established to honour the legacy of one of Ireland’s greatest motorsport pioneers.
Rosemary Walsh (MI Women in Motorsport Commission), Nicole Drought (Winner of the Rosemary Smith award for 2025), Noelle Horan (MI Women in Motorsport Commission and also the 2025 Winner of the Ivan Webb Award), Nicola Watkins (MI Women in Motorsport Commisison Member) and Vicky Gissane (MI Women in Motorsport Commisison Member) Photo: Michael Chester
This year’s winner, Nicole Drought, has demonstrated outstanding versatility and success across multiple motorsport disciplines, including circuit racing, endurance trials, rallying and rallycross. Beginning her motorsport career in 2015, Nicole has competed annually since, rising steadily through the ranks and making history as the first woman to win her class in the Irish Touring Car Championship. Nicole was also one of the nominations for the Dunlop Young Racing Driver Award.
Nicole’s achievements extend across Global GT Lights, Stryker Sportscars, Britcar, the Citroën C1 Challenge and the MSVT Trackday Championship. Nicole is also a multi-time endurance champion and a proven competitor in both national and international events. She has secured championship titles, race wins and consistently strong performances throughout the UK and Ireland.
Further demonstrating her growing international profile, Nicole also competed this year in two eight-hour races with the American Endurance Racing series at Summit Point Circuit in West Virginia. Nicole on receiving the award “ I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be presented with the Rosemary Smith Award for 2025. Rosemary was iconic and an inspiration for all women in Motorsport”
The Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission and the RIAC congratulate Nicole Drought on her exceptional achievements and are proud to honour her dedication, talent and continued contribution to Irish motorsport with the 2025 Rosemary Smith Trophy.
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