Megan Dietrich: The Power of Confidence

Megan described her racing career as “something that naturally fell into place”. Growing up in Nebraska, she eventually moved to North Carolina for college, where she earned a degree in mechanical engineering with a motorsports concentration. She explains that choosing motorsports was an easy decision, largely driven by her love for travel.

‘That was actually how I ended up in North Carolina,’ she shared. ‘I lived out of a van or camper, traveling from coast to coast, and eventually landed here. I realized I loved cars and I loved traveling, so going into racing for a few years just made sense.’

Confidence

Throughout her career, Megan has worn many hats, from race mechanic to business owner. When asked about the most valuable lesson she has learned, she answered: confidence.Confidence has been the foundation of Megan’s journey through the automotive and motorsports industries. Growing up, she struggled with insecurity, but learning how to work with her hands and care for her own car became a turning point. That hands-on experience not only gave her technical skills but also built a sense of self-assurance that carried over into every aspect of her life. As she progressed from being a mechanic to an engineer, she realized that each skill she mastered added to her belief in herself. Entering the male-dominated world of motorsports was another challenge, but she relied on her ability to learn and adapt. Over the past decade, she has seen progress in the industry, but she knows firsthand that grit and confidence are still essential for women breaking into these fields. Now, through her Women’s Car Care 101 program, she aims to pass on that same empowerment to others, helping them develop the knowledge and confidence to take control of their own automotive journeys.

Advice to the Next Generation in College

With eight years of experience as a mechanic, Megan gained a strong foothold in the automotive industry before transitioning into engineering and motorsports. She understands the challenges women face in these male-dominated fields and emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. For those looking to become mechanics, she encourages exploring local resources such as technical schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs. She believes that real-world experience—working alongside skilled professionals—provides invaluable knowledge that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.

When it comes to engineering, Megan acknowledges that getting through school was the hardest part. She landed her job at Volvo and Mack by taking an unconventional approach—networking through LinkedIn instead of relying on traditional job applications. She advises aspiring engineers to remain open to learning, as the transition from school to the workforce is often humbling. Figuring out what you don’t want to do, she says, can be just as valuable as discovering your passion.

Breaking into Motorsports

For women looking to break into motorsports, Megan stresses the importance of versatility. Her experience as a mechanic helped her get a foot in the door, allowing her to move into engineering roles later on. In racing, having a diverse skill set—whether it’s welding, fabricating, or data analysis—can open unexpected opportunities. She encourages persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to take on different roles, all of which played a crucial part in her journey from mechanic to motorsports professional.

Breaking into the world of motorsports can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but once you manage to get your foot in the door, the journey begins. It’s true that your first role might not propel you to the top right away, but that initial experience is invaluable. After spending a year or two working on a race team, the knowledge you gain will open doors to other teams. You’ll have the advantage of experience and, crucially, an understanding of the high-pressure world of racing.

For those starting out, the hardest part is often getting that first break. But once you’re in, your work ethic, attitude, and ability to take accountability make all the difference. The reality is, mistakes will happen in racing—this is an industry where even the smallest errors can have big consequences. In my own journey, I had moments where I had to own up to mistakes, even when it wasn’t easy. There was one instance when I had to tell my boss that an issue at the racetrack was my fault, not anyone else’s. His response, “I appreciate that,” reinforced just how important accountability is in this field. It’s not about passing the blame; it’s about owning your actions, learning from them, and moving forward.

Reputation in racing matters. It’s a tight-knit industry, and word travels fast—both for good and bad. That’s why making a positive impression from the start can set you up for success. Unlike other industries where there might be more room for error, motorsports is a smaller field, and opportunities can slip away quickly if you don’t nurture your professional reputation.

When it comes to securing that first job, flexibility is key. No role is too small or too menial, and being open to doing anything will take you far. Whether it’s welding, fabricating parts, or handling radios—don’t limit yourself to your title. I never saw any task as beneath me; every role provided valuable experience that helped me build the foundation for a lasting career.

“My own entry into the motorsports world came down to sheer persistence and creativity. I created a list of every NASCAR team, from the Monster Cup Series to the Xfinity and Truck Series, and I either delivered resumes in person or sent cold emails. One of the IMSA teams I reached out to finally responded six months later, leading to an interview and, eventually, a job. You never know what might work, so the key is to keep pushing forward with determination.”“Looking back, I’m confident that if I wanted to return to racing, I could”. She said the relationships she built throughout her career have kept doors open, even after years away from the track.

Journey to Entrepreneurship

For Megan, the journey to starting her own business was sparked by a series of events over the years, but one particular moment in a small mechanic shop changed everything. Megan had the thought of starting her own business,but didnt know what it looked like yet.she. She wanted to be impactful. It wasn’t until she was fixing a flat tire for a woman at a small shop in Boone, NC, that the concept of empowerment truly clicked for her.

While working on the car, the woman asked if she could help, and Megan gladly showed her how to torque down the wheel. After finishing, the woman commented, “I feel so awesome… I feel so empowered.” The woman’s reflection on how seeing another woman handle the task made her feel capable was a moment of revelation for Megan. Representation, she realized, really does matter. When people see someone who looks like them do something, it makes a difference. It was at that moment that Megan understood her purpose was to help other women feel empowered through car knowledge.

Her inspiration was further solidified a few years later when she took a basic carpentry class in Asheville, NC, specifically designed for women. There, she experienced firsthand how empowering it can be to learn in an all-female environment. The supportive energy among the women stood in stark contrast to the competitive, often intimidating atmosphere that can come with learning in male-dominated spaces. Megan knew that she wanted to create that same energy, but in the world of cars, a field where women have historically been underrepresented.

The Leap into Women’s Automotive Education

Inspired by her experiences, Megan set out to create a space where women could learn about cars in a safe, encouraging environment. She started by creating an online course, followed by a newsletter to share information and tips. At first, she was hesitant to put herself out there, social media felt uncomfortable and overwhelming. But when she refocused on her mission of educating women rather than on herself, it gave her the motivation to push through her doubts.

The first few months of posting felt like talking into the void. With no followers and no interaction, it was tough. But Megan kept posting, telling herself that even if no one saw it, it was still worth doing. Slowly, she began to get traction. Her posts caught the attention of women interested in learning more about their cars. Her Instagram account began to grow, and soon she hit a major milestone, breaking 10,000 followers in just a few months. The momentum picked up fast, and by the end of May, she had over 50,000 followers. What followed was even more astonishing, her account exploded overnight, reaching 100,000 followers in a matter of months.

Despite facing some initial resistance and trolling from men in the field, Megan persevered. Her focus remained on providing valuable educational content for women, and once the algorithm caught on, her message reached a wider audience. Megan’s success wasn’t just about growing a following, it was about empowering women to take control of their car knowledge and break free from the idea that mechanics or car repairs are “just for men.” Her journey from hesitant social media user to an empowering educator for women in the automotive world is proof that with passion and persistence, change is not only possible, it’s inevitable.