The McLaren Artura GT4
designed by Mickalene Thomas for DART Car.
Photo: Courtesy of Kelsey H Campbell Photography
Mickalene Thomas-Designed Race Car Makes Miami Debut
The women-led DART team is partnering with contemporary female artists to elevate women in the world of motorsports
The world of motorsports hasn’t always been synonymous with female management or drivers, but DART Car is changing the competitive track landscape. Comprised of fierce competitors, this women-led team is partnering with contemporary female artists to create race cars—and helmets and driving suits—that elevate women in the sport through eye-catching art and the spirit of inclusivity.
The Miami Design District is a fitting place for the May 2 debut of the first of its kind DART race car designed by award-winning, multi-disciplinary artist, Mickalene Thomas. Known for her vibrant mixed-media work—much of it incorporating acrylic and rhinestones—that examines the intersecting worlds of Black and female identity within the Western canon, Thomas’s take on the team’s No. 44 McLaren Artura GT4 is nothing short of stunning.
Thomas behind the helmets she created. Photo: Courtesy of Kelsey H Campbell Photography
Founded by entrepreneur Zoë Barry, art advisor Spring McManus, and race car driver Aurora Straus, and operated by TPC Racing, the No. 44 can be found at The Moore in Miami on May 2 for the first of many creative collaborations to come. “The mission of DART Car is to create positive change and was co-founded with the idea of commissioning work from female artists for race cars driven by female pilots,” says Zoë Barry. “Together, artists and athletes can help elevate each other and shift the dollars to underrepresented, yet amazingly talented, women. We’re excited to work with Spring and Aurora, both of whom are experts in their respective fields of art and motorsports, and with artist Mickalene Thomas. I simply cannot wait to race the first-ever Mickalene Thomas x McLaren Artura —this race car is making history!”
Zoë Barry, Aurora Straus, Spring McManus, and Mickalene Thomas in front of the car. Photo: Courtesy of Kelsey H Campbell Photography
The truly eye-catching automobile as imagined by Thomas features a Cubist portrait of a woman’s face rendered in reflective colors, glitter, and a bold zebra print. “I’m passionate about the intersection of art and women in sports,” explains Thomas. “This collaboration with DART Car embodies the perfect union of art and feminism as a potent fusion of creativity, speed, and female empowerment, challenging stereotypes by inspiring innovation and redefining the boundaries of power and beauty of women in the driver seat.”
At the end of the first racing season, the car will be auctioned, and funds will be raised for the next DART Car x artist collaboration. Ladies, start your creative engines…
Cover: The McLaren Artura GT4
designed by Mickalene Thomas for DART Car.
Photo: Courtesy of Kelsey H Campbell Photography
