A new voice is making itself heard on the racetrack—and it’s unapologetically bold, creative, and led by women. The Driven Artists Racing Team (DART Car), founded by Zoë Barry, Spring McManus, and Aurora Straus, has officially hit the motorsports scene. It’s not just a team—it’s a statement. Their debut car? A McLaren Artura GT4 wrapped in original artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Mickalene Thomas. Their mission? Bring more women into the spotlight—both in motorsports and the art world.

Not Just About Speed—It’s About Shifting the Culture

DART Car isn’t following the usual race team playbook. Only 4% of drivers at the top levels of motorsport are women. In the art world, the numbers don’t look much better. Just 3.3% of global auction sales feature work by female artists. DART Car was built to push back on both.

This new initiative combines high-speed racing with commissioned visual art, celebrating the talents of women behind the wheel and behind the canvas. Think of it as a moving art piece with horsepower—literally.

The First Car: A Mickalene Thomas Original on the Track

To kick things off, DART Car teamed up with Mickalene Thomas, whose bold, glittering, and textured portraits of Black women have been shown around the world. Her custom design for the McLaren Artura GT4 features vibrant colors, zebra print, and a Cubist-style portrait. It’s a piece you’d expect to see in a gallery—except it’s burning rubber in Sonoma this March.

Thomas also designed the team’s racing suits and hand-painted helmets. Her work adds a layer of symbolism and pride to a space where women’s presence has long been overlooked.

Who’s Behind the Wheel?

Co-founder Zoë Barry is no stranger to taking the fast lane. After launching and selling multiple tech startups, she made a name for herself in the Porsche Sprint Challenge. In 2025, she’s making her full professional debut with DART Car.

Aurora Straus, one of the team’s other founders, has long been a force in motorsports, recently becoming the first woman to win a Radical Cup North America race. She also runs Girls With Drive, a nonprofit that introduces girls to careers in racing and automotive engineering.

Together with McManus, a seasoned art advisor, they’ve created a team that challenges old systems and creates new standards.

More Than a Team—It’s a Platform

DART Car isn’t here to participate quietly. The project is launching a recurring artist commissioning program to keep highlighting women artists as the team races through major events—including the 2025 SRO GT4 America series and the 24H Series Middle East Trophy in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

With sponsors like Commence Haircare by Brooke Shields, Sabelt North America, P1 Motor Club, and CART Department backing the initiative, DART Car is gaining serious traction—both on the track and in culture.

For more, check out dartcarproject.com