Denise Markham
With over three decades of experience in the motorcycle and motorsport world, Denise Markham has broken barriers and built a movement empowering women in spaces where their voices and visions are left out. Known under her powerhouse persona, "Baby Girl" is a drag racer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Big Wheel Women (BWW), LLC. The automotive industry is all about freedom for Denise.
“The first time I rode my bike long distance,” Markham recalls, “I felt the wind hit my face and this wild, unexplainable sense of freedom. That was the moment. Something clicked. I realized I was meant to be outside, moving fast, chasing that adrenaline. It started with bikes and quickly evolved into a passion.”
Born and raised in North Carolina, she first made waves with “Big Baby,” her custom Harley-Davidson featuring the first-ever 34" Metal Sport wheel built by a woman. Her bike made history while setting a new standard. Denise’s high-octane shows feature wild stunts, immersive sound systems, and jaw-dropping custom builds.
A passion that has become an art form and character sharpener in itself, stating; “You'd walk away with deep respect for the process and yourself. Building a car isn't just turning wrenches. It's creativity, patience, engineering, trial and error. It teaches you that failing is part of the build. And when that engine finally roars to life, it's not just a machine-it's a piece of your spirit. That's a powerful thing.”
“It’s not just a machine"
it’s a piece of your spirit”
Despite her expertise, Denise often found her contributions overlooked—dismissed by former partners, other drivers, and support systems that saw her as a tool rather than a person. She was doubted, underestimated, and robbed of credit. But when she began branding for herself, her results became her voice.
Her voice now echoes through mentorship, workshops, and community events—reminding women and girls that they don’t have to choose between softness and strength.
Taking her love of speed to the next level, she now commands the drag strip in a glitter-wrapped 1999 SS Camaro outfitted with next-gen tech and precision performance. Every detail reflects her signature: bold, refined, unapologetically fierce. With a loyal following across shows and social media, Denise is more than a racer—she’s a storyteller, mentor, and brand partner who turns every appearance into an unforgettable moment.
As of 2025, women comprise approximately 4% of professional race car drivers in the United States (FIA Women in Motorsport Commission/SCCA). This doesn't scratch the value surface women bring as mechanics, engineers, in addition to racing. Women like Markham are changing that narrative.
Markham finds that people within mentorship positions tend to be more performative.“Mentorship,” she states, “is not a checkbox." "Real mentorship is intentional and consistent. Seeing young girls light up around machines or being the reason someone started their own thing - that’s what keeps me in the driver’s seat.”
Denise Markham
is proof that you do not need permission to pursue your goals, and you don’t have to trade femininity for fearlessness. The road isn’t just for those who’ve always had access to it—it’s for those bold enough to create it themselves.
