RACING PRIDE: National Motor Museum LGBTQ+ exhibition wins prestigious award

The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu has been recognised for its groundbreaking celebration of diversity in motorsport. Its exhibition, Racing Pride: Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community in Motorsport, has won the ‘Celebrating LGBTQ Sporting Heritage’ category at the Sporting Heritage 2025 Awards, held at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on 13 November.

The exhibition, which ran earlier this year, explored the personal journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals across motorsport disciplines, from pioneering figures such as Roberta Cowell to contemporary icons. It also highlighted the story of Racing Pride, a movement launched in 2019 to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout motorsport, from grassroots racing to Formula One.

Curated by the museum’s team in collaboration with Racing Pride founder Richard Morris, the display aimed to inspire visitors to feel “valid, valued, and belonged” within both motorsport and the museum space. Alongside showcasing historic artefacts and personal stories, the exhibition emphasised the importance of visible allies in creating an inclusive sporting environment.

Although the physical exhibition has now closed, its legacy continues online through the museum’s website, ensuring these stories remain accessible to a global audience.

Accepting the award, Andrea Bishop, Director of Collections at the National Motor Museum, said the recognition reflects the museum’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices within motoring heritage.