AWMN in Profile: Maisie Place

Fuelled by Passion and the Relentless Pursuit of Motorsport Excellence

Maisie Place’s journey in motorsport and the automotive industry is a testament to hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Raised with a deep-rooted love for racing, Maisie’s motorsport story began as a fan at the track, soaking in the atmosphere. “I was always at the track as a race fan when I was a kid. It wasn’t until I started my mechanic apprenticeship that I got involved,” she says. That was the turning point when she immersed herself in motorsport—not just as a fan, but as a competitor, team owner, and business owner.

One of the pivotal moments in Maisie’s journey came when she began working with Jon Waterhouse, a highly accomplished mechanic and co-driver. Jon was the technical officer for the RX8 Cup, and he played a crucial role in getting Maisie started in the series. “I got into the RX8 Cup because my boss at the time, Jon Waterhouse, was the technical officer for the category and thought it was the perfect place for me, and he was right,” Maisie shares. “Working with Jon will always be the biggest highlight of my career.”

Jon Waterhouse is renowned in the motorsport world for his expertise with rotary engines and his leadership role in Mazda’s RX-7 race program, where he contributed to the team’s success in endurance racing.

Maisie’s racing schedule is grueling but rewarding. As the proud owner of 30 RX8’s and a fully-fledged motorsport team, managing 5-6 RX8’s for other drivers at most rounds. Her team competes in various events, and Maisie is hands-on in every aspect managing the fleet of race cars. “Running the team and maintaining the cars is what I spend most of my time on these days,” she explains. “We race in the RX8 Cup because it’s a controlled category, but my primary focus is managing my team and maintaining the cars.” In addition to her work with the RX8 Cup, Maisie also participates as a co-driver in historic rally events, balancing her competitive spirit with the demands of leading a team.

“I’m on the road more than I’m home,” she admits. Running her own automotive workshop alongside these commitments makes for a busy schedule, but Maisie thrives on the challenge. Whether she’s battling for a podium finish in rally events or leading her team to success, she relishes every opportunity to immerse herself in motorsport.

Maisie’s success in the automotive world didn’t come overnight. After completing her mechanic apprenticeship, she spent seven years working for Reliance Automotive before venturing out on her own. “I had a good reputation for my work, and business flowed from there,” she recalls. Now, her workshop is thriving, offering high-quality mechanical services while also fueling her racing ambitions.

Her connection with Allan Horsley, the pioneering motorsport promoter and team manager, has been equally impactful. Maisie recalls a treasured gift from Horsley that still holds deep meaning for her. “Allan Horsley gifted me the shirt and jacket he was wearing when Mazda Motorsport won the 12-hour in the MMM SP RX7,” she says. This gift, a symbol of Mazda’s endurance racing success, was made even more special by the fact that Horsley played a key role in the development of the RX-7 SP, a car that famously defeated Porsche in endurance events.

With her extensive experience, Maisie handles a wide variety of tasks in her day-to-day work. “I do everything, from bodywork and mechanical to electrical,” Maisie shares. “I would love to be fully independent, where I can take on any project from start to finish.” Her diverse skill set allows her to oversee the technical and mechanical needs of the cars in her team, maintaining a high standard of quality and reliability.

Maisie’s love for the RX8 Cup remains strong, not only because of its competitive nature but also because of the category’s sense of community. “I love the RX8 Cup because it’s about skill, and the competitors look out for each other,” she explains. “It’s a cost-effective, fun, and friendly category.”

In 2018, Maisie claimed her first-ever podium finish at the Wakefield 300, marking a major milestone in her motorsport career. “That podium was a defining moment for me. It made me realise just how far I could go in motorsport,” she says. Maisie’s accomplishments don’t end there; she’s also the proud recipient of the RX8 Cup Ladies’ Class Champion title in 2022, and earned several other accolades, including Narooma Rally Outright Winner in 2019, RX8 Cup Drivers’ Driver in 2021, and two-time winner of the Coral Taylor Award in 2022 and 2024.

The Coral Taylor Award, named after legendary Australian rally co-driver Coral Taylor, recognises outstanding female achievement in the sport. It celebrates contributions by women in competitive motorsport or related roles, awarded for excellence in driving, co-driving, officiating, or other motorsport roles, with a strong emphasis on female participation and leadership.

However, Maisie’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. One of the most challenging moments in her racing career was when her team blew two engines in a single weekend, despite being on the verge of winning a championship. “It was tough, but we kept going,” she recalls. “It taught me resilience and the importance of teamwork.” This experience reinforced her belief that motorsport isn’t just about the high points—it’s about how you deal with the challenges along the way.

Maisie is candid about the demands of the industry. “People are often shocked when they realise just how much work goes into what I do,” she says. “It’s not just about driving the car—it’s about keeping the car running, maintaining the team, and ensuring everything is race-ready. It’s a full-time commitment.”

Her ambitions extend beyond the Australian racing scene. “I’d love to race internationally and continue growing my business,” she shares. “Racing at Watkins Glen and being part of the pit crew at Nurburgring were two of the most incredible experiences of my life.” Maisie’s goal to race internationally reflects her ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what she can achieve, both in racing and in her professional ventures.

Allan Moffat, a four-time Bathurst 500/1000 winner, is one of Australia’s motorsport legends. Maisie recalls, “One of my most treasured moments was when Allan Moffat once kissed me on the forehead and told me to ‘stay sweet’, I’ll never forget that.” For Maisie, it was an unforgettable moment, as Moffat’s influence on her and his legendary status in Australian motorsport makes this simple gesture deeply meaningful.

Maisie’s story is one of grit, passion, and determination. As a mentor and role model, she encourages others to follow their passion without fear. “Don’t be afraid to try something new—it might just change your life,” she advises. Maisie’s journey is an inspiration to anyone looking to break into motorsport or any traditionally male-dominated field, demonstrating that with perseverance, skill, and the right mindset, success is achievable.

Maisie Place is a multifaceted force in both the motorsport and automotive industries. Her success is about much more than just driving—it’s about the dedication, teamwork, and vision that go into creating and managing a successful motorsport team while maintaining a thriving automotive business. For Maisie, motorsport is about building a lasting legacy and inspiring the next generation of women to follow in her tire tracks. With every finish line she crosses, Maisie is paving the way for others to follow, proving that with determination, skill, and a relentless drive, there are no limits to what can be achieved.