Beth Paretta is a trailblazer in the racing industry, known for her innovative ideas and passion for motorsports. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive and racing industries, she has become a prominent figure, breaking barriers for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. 

Paretta’s love for cars started in her father’s garage, but her journey in the automotive industry began in the early 2000s when she learned the ropes by selling cars. With an MBA from the University of Vermont, Paretta worked in finance at Volkswagen Credit before shifting to operations for Aston Martin in 2007. In 2011, Chrysler hired Paretta as the first female director of Marketing and Operations for their performance division SRT (Street and Racing Technology). There she forged global marketing and advertising strategies and managed multiple championship-winning racing teams. 

Chrysler’s 2015 closure of its racing arm frustrated and saddened Paretta, but it also inspired her to found her own racing team: Grace Autosport. It was the first all-women team with the goal of competing in the Indianapolis 500. Paretta partnered with a manufacturer, sponsor, and educational programs, and secured funding, a driver, and crew members. Unfortunately, she was unable to source a viable race car and the team did not compete at Indy. Despite these hurdles, Paretta’s efforts helped raise awareness about the lack of female representation in motorsports and inspired many young women to pursue STEM education and careers in the industry.  

In 2020, Paretta founded Paretta Autosport racing team with the goal of increasing diversity and representation in the sport. Four months later, it became the first team primarily of women to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Although brake trouble forced an early end to the race, Paretta’s “female forward” team was widely praised as a major step forward for women in motorsports. Paretta did not feel her team was ready to compete in the Indianapolis 500 in 2022 or 2023, but plans to return in 2024. In 2022, she joined with Ed Carpenter Racing for a four-race partnership. Paretta Autosport continues to develop corporate partnerships, encourage STEM initiatives, and build diversity in racing.

Paretta’s accomplishments in the racing industry have helped pave the way for women and underrepresented groups in the sport. Paretta has shown that women can not only compete in motorsports but can also lead successful racing teams. Her dedication and passion for the industry continue to inspire a new generation of women to pursue their dreams and make their mark in the world of racing.