A powerful new documentary is putting Carol Glenn’s remarkable story front and center. Glenn has made history as the first Black woman to launch a Formula Ford race team in Britain. The film follows her journey as she leads her team, Next Generation Racing, during a race weekend at Silverstone.
This important moment in motorsport is captured in Set Pace, a short film directed by Daisy Ifama. The documentary premiered on TNT Sports and is now available to stream on discovery+.
Carol Glenn’s Bold Move into Team Ownership
Carol Glenn’s new role as a race team owner comes after 37 years in motorsport. She first stepped into the industry as a race marshal and gradually worked her way through the ranks. Along the way, she became Britain’s first Black motorsports official.
Launching Next Generation Racing marked a huge step not just for Glenn, but for representation in British racing. Speaking about the documentary, Glenn said, “I always thought of myself as being a bit behind the scenes. But now, I realise that young people are looking for faces like mine in this space.”
Her team’s first outing at Silverstone highlighted both the challenges and victories of being a woman of colour in a male-dominated sport.
Set Pace: A New Chapter for Women in Motorsport
Set Pace is part of a fresh documentary series called Reframe the Game. The initiative comes from TNT Sports and the Warner Bros Discovery Access development programme. Its goal is to tell untold stories of women in sport, starting with Glenn’s inspiring rise.
Director Daisy Ifama, known for tackling topics like police brutality and mental health in London, wanted to highlight Glenn’s resilience. “I want people to see a piece of themselves in Carol’s story,” Ifama said. “Her journey is proof that obstacles don’t define you.”
The film also sheds light on the microaggressions and barriers Glenn faced while launching her team. Despite those challenges, Glenn’s dedication and passion for motorsport shine through every scene.
Glenn’s Mission to Inspire the Next Generation
Beyond racing, Carol Glenn is on a mission to inspire young Black and Brown talent in motorsport. She’s spoken at schools and universities, eager to show students that there’s a place for them in the industry.
“As somebody representing for people of colour, we haven’t had many role models. I now realise I’m one of those faces,” Glenn shared.
TNT Sports presenter Suzi Perry praised Glenn’s leadership and trailblazing efforts. “She’s an inspirational character,” Perry said. “I think young Black women especially will be empowered by seeing what she’s achieved.”
Carol Glenn’s Legacy in the Making
Though she never set out to break records, Glenn’s work is opening important doors. “When I started, I didn’t even know I was the first person of colour in my role,” she recalled. “Now I want to help make sure we’re not always talking about ‘the first’ or ‘the only.’”
The documentary is earning praise for its honest portrayal of the racing world and its hopeful look at what’s possible. Ifama hopes it will be a spark for future changemakers.
“The only way I can see change is if I make it happen,” Glenn says in the film — a message that echoes far beyond the track.
