Pride Month is a time to remind ourselves we belong in environments every day where we are accepted and loved for our true selves. No matter your background, identity or ethnicity, racing is for everybody. 

This Pride Month, the team is highlighting the importance of being true to yourself. Whether you’re at track, in your place work or in your daily routine, we want you to be proud of who you are.    

We welcome and embrace all of our fans, and we continue to work to create a safe environment for those to show up as themselves, including our people. We talked with our team members on the importance of being in places where you can be your authentic self.  

Meet Carly Cripe, Senior Specialist, People Advisor and Keith ‘Kiwi’ Beck, Manager, Drivetrain. 

What does it mean or even look like for you to be able to be yourself?  

Carly: Though being yourself stems from the inside, I think it is important to surround yourself with a culture and a community that uplifts you and provides that sense of comfort for you to simply be yourself. With that surrounding support, that is what I think aides in my personal growth and comfortability of being myself.  

Kiwi: It all starts at home, where I have a very understanding and loving wife who loves me for who I am. No matter how my roles changes here with the team, I know I have support here at Arrow McLaren and at home, so I can come in to not only do my job but also enjoy doing it.  

How do you bring your authentic self to work every day?  

Carly: Each and every day I tell myself, “I belong here in this space.” Knowing that we have a culture and leadership team that pushes for authenticity and inclusivity in the workspace gives me that encouragement and acceptance to truly bring my version of what that authentic self is in the workplace.  

Kiwi: We all share the same goal here, and that’s to win. When you share a common goal with the person and people next to you, you learn that our differences make us stronger. I’m able to bring my personality into the shop every day, because I know that helps me do my job better and bring us closer to our ultimate goals.  

What has been the most-challenging aspect about working in racing? And, at the same time, the most-rewarding moment? 

Carly:  I think the most challenging aspect of working in racing is the lack of female representation in the paddock. There has been a lot of growth and movement forward in this space, however there is still a lot of work that still needs to be done. On the flip side of that, it has been such a rewarding experience to be a part of that push for change in the paddock and to be that leader for others that have hopes and dreams to one day be a part of racing.  

Kiwi:  The most challenging aspect is dealing with the highs and the lows. We get to enjoy the wins and championships but also suffer through car issues, bad pit stops and crashes, so it’s tough to stay even keeled sometimes. The great thing about being part of a team is that we get to go through all of these things together, which makes celebrating the highs all the better.  

Who do you look up to or are proud of when it comes to being authentic? 

Carly: For one, I look up to and admire the incredible group of women I am surrounded with on the Arrow McLaren team. They continuously uplift the other women around them and create that safe space to bring your authentic self to work. I also look up to my stepmother when it comes to being authentic in your line of work. She has been that leader, mentor, and confidant I have relied on and learned from in my professional journey.  

Kiwi: The endless commitment of all my teammates day in and day out all year round! They work tirelessly to not only put together fast cars but also help build a place we all want to be a part of. 

What is your favorite way to practice self-care? 

Carly: My favorite form of self-care, that I prioritize, is taking care of myself physically. Whether that be participating in team workouts, or even getting outside to go for a walk, can do wonders for my self-care and mental health.  

Kiwi: Fishing with my best buddy and the occasional cold beer. 

What positive affirmation would you give to those out there who may be struggling with their self-confidence and self-love? 

Carly: One that really resonates with me is “I belong here.” Whichever situation that may pertain to in your life, you matter, and you belong here. 

Kiwi: I think everyone should hear an “atta-boy” or “atta-girl” at least once a day.