Mazda has entered the spotlight in a whole new way. This time, it’s not because of a new vehicle or technology. Instead, it’s a docuseries revving up conversations far beyond the racetrack.
First to the Finish is now streaming on Prime Video. The six-part series dives into the lives of three women. Each of them races in the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship.
But this is more than a racing story. It’s a deeply personal look into ambition, sacrifice, and determination. These women don’t just compete—they fight to be seen, heard, and respected.
First, we meet Shea Holbrook. She’s a former professional driver. Now, she leads BSI Racing as a team owner.
She’s not just running a team; she’s also raising a family, and that dual role sets her apart.
Balancing motherhood with motorsports is no easy task. Holbrook manages both under intense pressure, and every race weekend tests her in new ways.
At the same time, she navigates expectations in a male-dominated industry. That contrast adds emotional weight to her story. It’s not about winning—it’s about pushing limits on all fronts.
Then there’s Heather Hadley. She’s still in college but already racing professionally. That alone makes her story unique.
She juggles lectures, exams, and race weekends. While most students worry about finals, Hadley also considers lap times and track conditions.
She speaks about imposter syndrome and the mental strain of trying to prove herself. Her honesty stands out. It shows how ambition and anxiety can ride side by side.
Meanwhile, we’re introduced to Sally Mott. She just graduated high school and is now taking on her rookie season.
Despite her youth, Mott shows remarkable focus. She’s not here to participate—she wants to win, and that attitude fuels her every lap.
Her confidence doesn’t mean her path is smooth. There are stumbles and challenging moments, and the cameras capture them all.
Overall, the series weaves a multi-layered story. It highlights personal growth just as much as professional success, and that’s exactly where it shines.
Unlike traditional sports documentaries, First to the Finish avoids the overproduced flair. There’s no heavy-handed narration. Instead, we get raw moments, real emotion, and unfiltered insight.
Director Adrienne Hall takes a straightforward, human-first approach. She’s known for emotionally driven storytelling; she lets the drivers tell their stories here.
This method works well. It creates trust and depth. We understand the stakes not just through action but through reflection.
Each episode pulls viewers deeper into the lives behind the helmets. We hear about the exhaustion, the long drives, the doubts. These are stories of people, not just athletes.
The cinematography is equally grounded. Footage from inside the cars is balanced with quiet interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The pacing feels intentional and immersive.
You feel the tension in the pit lane, but you also feel the vulnerability in hotel rooms and team meetings. That duality adds a dimension rarely seen in sports documentaries.
So why does this matter?
For one, motorsports remains largely male-dominated. Women make up a small percentage of professional drivers, and that reality casts a long shadow over every storyline.
According to Women in Motorsports North America, less than 10% of U.S. pro drivers are women. That statistic puts this series into perspective. Representation here isn’t symbolic—it’s essential.
Mazda recognizes this. The company didn’t just create a racing promo. They built a platform for stories that often go untold.
Mazda also backs its words with action. It funds mentorships and training programs and invests in a pipeline for women racers to thrive.
That’s important. Inspiration alone isn’t enough. Opportunities must follow.
So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans on social media praise the series for its authenticity. Many say it gave them a new appreciation for motorsports.
Others mention how it inspired them—or their daughters—to consider racing. That kind of impact can’t be measured in ratings alone. It’s cultural.
Critics are also weighing in. Many call it “essential viewing” and “a landmark series for motorsport media.” Some even suggest it sets a new standard for sports storytelling.
The timing of the release feels strategic. The first three episodes dropped in late March, and the remaining three go live on April 15.
That staggered release allows viewers to process and discuss, build anticipation, and give the spotlight more time to shine.
Importantly, this docuseries isn’t just for racing fans. It appeals to a broader audience. Anyone interested in human resilience and underdog stories will find something here.
The emotional arcs transcend the sport. The series clarifies that you don’t need to know racing rules to understand heartbreak or triumph.
Each episode is under an hour, yet the stories linger. They challenge assumptions and spark conversations.
There’s also something timely about its arrival. Women in sports are gaining overdue recognition. From soccer to tennis to racing, their stories are finally getting airtime.
First to the Finish doesn’t try to solve inequality, but it does something vital—it also lets viewers listen.
You come away with a new sense of admiration, not just for the drivers but for the grit behind every choice they make. Their stories stay with you.
The production values are strong but never overwhelming. There’s music, but it supports rather than steals the spotlight. The editing is clean and purposeful.
This series knows its message. And it sticks to it with conviction.
Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or new to the sport, it’s worth watching. The docuseries delivers something rare—empathy in a high-octane world.
It shows us what it takes to compete at the highest level. But more importantly, it shows us what it takes to belong.
In doing so, First to the Finish becomes more than entertainment. It becomes a statement that says women aren’t just participating in motorsports—they’re redefining it.
That’s what makes it so powerful. It’s not about being first across the finish line. It’s about pushing forward when no one expects you to.
First to the Finish is now available on Prime Video. Episodes four through six debut on April 15.
And for many viewers, that date is already circled.
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About the author
Sara Hayes is a talented associate writer at DbdPost, known for her engaging and well-researched articles. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she excels in creating content that informs and resonates with readers.
