grid girls
Race track presenters
Grid girls are women employed at motorsport events to hold signs displaying drivers' numbers or sponsors' logos on the starting grid before races.
They traditionally wore branded clothing and added glamour to racing circuits, though the role has become controversial as critics argue it objectifies women.
Formula One eliminated grid girls in 2018, replacing them with "grid kids," though some racing series retain the practice.
The grid girls lined up in front of each car before the race began.
Small fenced animal enclosure
- pitlaneRacetrack service corridor
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- Formula OneTop-tier open-wheel racing
- pole positionFrontmost starting spot
drivers · podium · qualifying · pit stop · race day · umbrella holder · MotoGP · NASCAR
Reducing humans to things
- misogynyHostility toward women
- patriarchyMale-dominated social order
- stereotypesOversimplified beliefs about groups
- gender rolesExpected behaviors by sex
inequality · discrimination · sexism · male gaze · exploitation · feminism · empowerment · women's rights
Refined, graceful quality
- styleDistinctive way of expression
- beautyAesthetic excellence
- allureAttractive, tempting quality
- sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
high heels · uniforms · umbrella · sunglasses · photoshoot · makeup · hair styling · modeling
Formal argument on issues
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- criticismJudgment of faults
- objectificationReducing humans to things
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
ethics · modernization · cultural shift · ban · phaseout · outdated · tradition · abolition
Rank increase or publicity
- brandingCreating distinctive identity
- sponsorshipFunded endorsement arrangement
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- publicityMedia-driven awareness
brand ambassadors · corporate hospitality · merchandise · fan engagement · hospitality · VIP access · meet and greet · product launches
paddock
Small fenced animal enclosure
- pitlaneRacetrack service corridor
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- Formula OneTop-tier open-wheel racing
pole position · drivers · podium · qualifying · pit stop · race day · umbrella holder · MotoGP · NASCAR · IndyCar
objectification
Reducing humans to things
- misogynyHostility toward women
- patriarchyMale-dominated social order
- stereotypesOversimplified beliefs about groups
gender roles · inequality · discrimination · sexism · male gaze · exploitation · feminism · empowerment · women's rights · representation
elegance
Refined, graceful quality
sophistication · high heels · uniforms · umbrella · sunglasses · photoshoot · makeup · hair styling · modeling · appearance
debate
Formal argument on issues
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- criticismJudgment of faults
- objectificationReducing humans to things
demeaning · ethics · modernization · cultural shift · ban · phaseout · outdated · tradition · abolition · protest
promotion
Rank increase or publicity
- brandingCreating distinctive identity
- sponsorshipFunded endorsement arrangement
- endorsementFormal expression of support
publicity · brand ambassadors · corporate hospitality · merchandise · fan engagement · hospitality · VIP access · meet and greet · product launches