Sabré Cook: Pioneering Paths in Racing and Engineering

Sabré Cook’s journey in motorsports is nothing short of inspiring. As both a racing driver and a mechanical engineer, she has navigated through two highly competitive and male-dominated fields, consistently proving that women have a place at the forefront of motorsports. In this exclusive interview, Sabre shared her beginnings, the challenges she has faced, and her hopes for the future of women in the industry.

Sabré’s journey into motorsports began at a young age, influenced by her father, who was a professional motocross and supercross racer. However, her parents preferred she stay off motorcycles, which led her to start her career in go-kart racing. From there, Sabre’s love for racing grew alongside her passion for learning, “I always really loved school, particularly math and science, so it was a natural progression when I went through school to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.”

As both a driver and an engineer, Sabré has encountered many challenges, many of which are relatable to anyone pushing themselves in competitive fields. However, in a male-dominated industry, there have been additional hurdles. “You get challenged every day if you’re doing life right and pushing yourself. On the racing side, gaining funding and learning how to secure sponsorships is incredibly difficult and something you spend most of your time doing. Learning the technical aspects of driving well and how to manage a team is also a major challenge.”

On the engineering side, Sabré notes that each new environment brings its own learning curve, but she thrives on figuring out the most efficient ways to learn and adapt to new teams.

One of the highlights of Sabré’s career was her work in Formula One, where she gained invaluable experience as an engineer. As an American in a traditionally European sport, she noted that her time working in F1 felt surprisingly familiar. “Most of my life, I’ve been surrounded by international people in racing, so it wasn’t that different. The hardest part was dealing with taxes and registration in the UK, but otherwise, it was a great experience” she reflects.

Managing her many roles as a driver, engineer, coach, and ambassador requires sharp time management, which Sabré has mastered over time. “It’s about being smart with time and surrounding myself with the right team to handle smaller tasks. All of my roles influence one another. Something I learn as an engineer might help me as a driver or give me insights when working in media. They all feed off each other.”

Reflecting on her racing career, one of Sabré’s most memorable moments was becoming the first woman to win a pro shifter kart national championship. “I remember getting a standing ovation during the awards ceremony. It was such a cool feeling to see the respect and recognition for what I had achieved, and it made me feel rejuvenated, like there was real progress being made for women in the space.” Other highlights include being the first female to podium in Porsche Sprint Challenge NA, qualifying for the W Series, and winning her first karting world championship in 2007.

Mentorship has played an important role in Sabré’s journey. She credits her father as a significant source of guidance. “Even though he wasn’t involved in driving, his experience in motorsports helped him understand a lot of what I’ve gone through.” She also cites Scott Dixon, Mark Webber, and Lynn St. James as figures she has looked up to over the years. 

Sabré’s preparation for races reflects her engineering background, as she meticulously reviews past video and data, studies track maps, and puts in time on simulators. “I prepare for races by analysing data and making mental notes. If I have past data, I reference it; if not, I find something to study. I also work closely with my engineers, discussing run plans and potential setup changes. I make sure to get in the right headspace through physical warm-ups, meditation, and specific music playlists to get me in the zone.”

Her engineering background has also enhanced her communication with race engineers. “It helps me communicate better with them sometimes as I understand their perspective. Sometimes I can offer quick setup suggestions, but I also know when to step back and focus on giving feedback as a driver, trusting them to make the right decisions.”

Looking ahead, Sabré has clear long-term goals, including racing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona and potentially securing a spot in a factory program for IMSA or WEC. “I’d love to race in these events and be part of a factory program, whether that’s LMP2, GTD, or GTP.”

As for the motorsport industry’s evolution, she sees progress but stresses the importance of equal investment in women’s careers. “Motorsports and the world in general are evolving to support women and diversity. There are definitely more women starting in different roles, especially in karting. However, for real progress, corporations need to realize that equal investment in men and women is key to getting the same results. If we’re given the same resources and time to develop, we will be equally successful.”

Her advice for young women and girls aiming to break into motorsports is simple: “Go for it. It can seem intimidating, but there is absolutely a place for you if you truly want it. Do your research, find the right mentors, and go for it.”

Sabré Cook’s journey as both a racing driver and engineer is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of passion. She continues to break boundaries and pave the way for more women to succeed in motorsports.