Motorsport Australia, Development Manager

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“The door doesn’t swing open in this industry, you have to push with everything you’ve got.” - Charlie Barlow

Meet Charlie Barlow, the Development Manager at Motorsport Australia.
She leads the strategic vision behind Motorsport Australia’s Development Programs, from Girls on Track and First Gear to Esports and school outreach. Her goal? Get more people doing more motorsport more often. With experience behind the camera, behind the scenes, and now behind the strategy, she’s shaping the future of participation in one of Australia’s toughest sports industries.

Before joining Motorsport Australia, she carved out a unique path, moving from hospitality to real estate, from construction to not-for-profits, and eventually into motorsport journalism.
She’s worked at Drive and Supercars, presented at major events, and landed interviews with icons like Valentino Rossi. Despite not holding a traditional degree in sport, she’s developed deep knowledge, credibility, and powerful networks throughout motorsport.

If you’re unsure how to break into a tight-knit industry, this one’s for you.
You’ll learn how to pivot your career without starting over, how to build meaningful networks even if you're shy, and how to be seen in a male-dominated space like motorsport. Plus, you’ll avoid the all-too-common trap of burning out in the wrong job, something she lived through for a decade before chasing her dream.

🔥 Quick Fire Questions

1. What inspired you to work in sport?

   When I turned 30, I decided to chase my dream of being a presenter. Not long after, at a grassroots motorsport event, I saw an opportunity to be part of something really cool and stand out quickly.

2. What was your first ever sports-related role?

   Volunteering at the Bathurst 1000

3. After High School, what extra study did you do?

   I moved to Australia with my parents in 2006, when I was 3 months away from turning 18, I tried to go to uni to study journalism, but they wouldn't recognise my UK qualifications. I jumped into the workforce instead, and have studied a few things along the way, Real Estate, Business.

4. What's one interview question you were asked to answer for the job you're in?

   What changes would you make to our Development Programs to make them convert to more licence holders?

5. A book or podcast recommendation that's helped your career?

   Make it Happen by Jordanna Levin

6. If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be?

   Sport Development at the Brisbane Broncos

What exactly does your job involve?

I manage and develop the strategic vision and program design for Motorsport Australia's Development Programs. The purpose of my role is to increase participation in motorsport, seeing more people doing more motorsport more often. I manage a team of two coordinators, one delivers our Girls on Track program, Womens Introduction to Motorsport, First Gear & our schools program, the other manages Esports.

What are some of the responsibilities of your role?

Management of the strategic development of Motorsport Australia’s development programs, program design, people management, commercial partnerships, development of Esports program, event attendance, and broadcast presenting. 

What does your career journey look like?

My first job when I arrived in Australia in 2006 was hospitality for 6 months and then I moved into an apprenticeship in Real Estate. Two years later I was an EA to a high-profile agent, before the GFC hit. I then moved into construction as a site administrator in Brisbane, once that project ended in 2012, I moved to an RTO as an EA to the General Manager. We then moved to Sydney, and I had my son, so I worked part time for some not for profits in admin. Then in 2018 I decided to go back to uni and study journalism. I did a lot of unpaid roles, before joining Drive as a motoring journalist in 2020. In 2021 I got my goal job of journalist at Supercars. I was there for 3 years before moving to my job now, as Development Manager at Motorsport Australia. I have been in this role for 9 months. 

What challenges did you face to break into sport?

It is especially difficult to get a job in motorsport in Australia due to the limited number of available full-time roles. If your dream is to be a team PR manager for a Supercars team, there are 11 teams in pitlane, and not all of them have a standalone PR manager. So in reality, you might be competing for less than 5 roles over a number of years. Plus motorsport is all based on who you know, you are more likely to get recommended for a job, than apply for one.

How did you decide what career direction to take?

I wanted diversity and options - strategy is perfect for that. There were many times where I felt stuck yes many times, but staying proactive about finding out what options are available and speaking to people helped a lot, as well as learning new skills and figuring out what gaps I had to fill. Where I ended up didn’t necessarily require my Engineering degree or MBA, but they can help.

Did you need a specific degree to do this job?

No, I don't have a Sports Management degree that other might have to do my job. I do however, know the sport really well and I am a well connected person. If I don't know them, I know the person who does. I believe if you are a great communicator and can pitch ideas well, plus be a good person to work with, you can pivot your career in sport once you are in. I do believe that a degree will get the door ajar for you, but your personality, passion and drive will push it open.

What impact has networking played in your career?

I've built my career on networking, its what I teach all the young women in our Girls on Track programs. Networking is essential for a career in sport. In my experience in motorsport, I made it part of my job to make sure I networked after I secured a role as well. I would walk around the paddock (behind pitlane for those non-motorsport types!) on my own and acknowledged everyone, people are more likely to talk to you if you are not in a group. I have met everyone that way and now can't walk through the paddock without stopping at least every metre or so to talk to someone.

When you landed your job, what do you think made you stand out?

Passion. Passion makes you stand out, showing that you have built your career from the bottom, volunteered, showed your dedication to the sport, people know who you are and that you are in the sport for the right reasons.

What advice would you give to your younger-self to help them take action?

Just keep going, don't give up on yourself. The dream might end up looking a little different and that's ok.Don't compare your season one to someone else's season 7.

What’s your #1 ‘pinch me’ moment working in sport?

Wow. That's tough. I've had so many. I've been lucky to interview some truly wonderful people. Getting an interview with Valentino Rossi at his first appearance at the Bathurst 12-hour was huge. He had declined to speak to any other media but said yes to me once I introduced myself to his entire team.

What do you think your life would look like if you hadn't pursued a career in sport?

The funny thing is that I know what my life would look like without pursuing a career I love. I lived it for a decade and was on a rollercoaster of the high of getting a new job that I thought would fulfil me, then 6 months later being bored. When I decided to work in motorsport, that changed, I found myself in the strength it takes to chase a dream that many others won't because its not easy and it doesn't happen fast. Then once you get in the door, the progression is even slower. Motorsport has taught me so much about myself, my grit, determination and how much I love to help others succeed in their careers. I have a deep respect for every person that works in motorsport because of the dedication and sacrifice it takes to make it in the door and stay there.