By Kenny Wright
SEMA is proud to present "A Fireside Chat with Legendary Race Car Driver and DEI Ambassador for Formula One, Willy T. Ribbs, and Beth Paretta of Paretta Autosport," Thursday, November 2, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PDT, North Hall, N258. This lively session is one of the highlights of the Main Stage at the 2023 SEMA Show, now through November 3 in Las Vegas. Add to your SEMA Show planner here.
Join former F1 racer Willy T. Ribbs and female motorsports advocate Beth Paretta during the Fireside Chat on Thursday, November 2.
Willy T. Ribbs is a legendary race car driver who defied barriers and made history in the world of motorsports. On Thursday, November 2, at the SEMA Show Main Stage, West Hall, he will be joined by moderator Beth Paretta during a special fireside-style chat featuring an in-depth and personal look into the life of an American racecar champion, innovator and living legend, along with insights and stories that can only be told by Ribbs himself.
Join Ribbs as he recounts his incredible life story as a pioneer in racing, being the first Black driver to qualify for the legendary Indianapolis 500 and win a major professional race in the United States; driving a Formula One racecar; and in 2022, being named Formula One ambassador for diversity and inclusion. Through his courage and resilience, Ribbs shattered barriers and paved the way for generations of racecar drivers, forever changing the landscape of motorsports.
Today, Ribbs works tirelessly with organizations like Formula One, advocating for diversity and inclusion in motorsports. Recently, he was also the subject of a feature-length biographical documentary film, "UPPITY: The Willy T. Ribbs Story."
Paretta is the CEO and team principal of Paretta Autosport, the first woman-owned, woman-driven and woman-forward team in IndyCar history. Prior to launching the team, Paretta held leadership roles across operations, marketing and finance at Volkswagen Group, Aston Martin and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Paretta is also a board member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the global Marketing Delegate for the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, and was named an Industry Influencer by the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2023.
The can't-miss "Fireside Chat with Legendary Race Car Driver and DEI Ambassador for Formula One, Willy T. Ribbs, and Beth Paretta of Paretta Autosport" is available to all SEMA Show attendees.
Event Info
A Fireside Chat With Willy T. Ribbs and Beth Paretta
Thursday, November 2
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PDT
North Hall, N258
Add to your SEMA Show planner here.