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Women in Motorsports

Breaking the bias barrier

Is this finally the time when women in motorsports can command the kind of attention they feel is appropriate? With the recent high profile accomplishments of Kathryn Legge having just completed a test in Minardi's F1 car, NHRA's Ashley Force and Rahal-Letterman driver Danica Patrick, among many others climbing the motorsports ladder, the closed-quarter race community has finally recognized that levels of athleticism are not bound by sex. Indeed, these women have helped raised the world's awareness of professional racing, not because of who they are, but because of what they have been and will continue to be accomplishing. Like Tiger Woods has done for young golfers, Legge, Force and Patrick have encouraged many young girls to take up racing, perhaps in karts first, and pursue a career in motorsports.

Inside Line

Lyn St. James—a prominent figure in racing, recognized for her seven starts at the Indianapolis 500—has developed the Lyn St. James Foundation, in conjunction with the University of Indianapolis, to push the agenda of women in motorsports. "Time to Drive: Attitudes toward Women in Motorsports," a recent report published by her foundation states that "women are knocking louder than ever on the doors of opportunity in motorsports...Cultural views of women in racing are changing and today, little girls share boys' dreams about driving racecars."

The mission behind the LSJ Foundation is to provide leadership, vision, resources, and financial support in order to create an open environment for women's growth in automotive fields. To date, the foundation has trained more than 150 women drivers from 38 states and internationally through its Driver Development Program and has contributed to Girls, Inc., the Wilbur Shaw Soap Box Derby Hill in Indianapolis, and other charitable organizations.

Pole Position

St. James' Driver Development Program counsels her young female protégés to move quickly and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible, especially now. Sarah Fisher, the first woman to earn a pole in the IRL Indy Car Series, is one of her program's graduates. Fisher now competes in the NASCAR West series. Several diversity programs designed to provide more opportunities for minority and female drivers have been launched over the past few years, but none have been around as long as St. James' program. Women racers who have received coaching or encouragement and support include many of today's rising stars, including Becca Anderson, Allison Duncan, Renee Dupuis, Sondi Eden, Deborah S. Renshaw, Erin Crocker, Jessica Brannan, Kelly Sutton, Jenny White and Sunny Hobbs.

Certainly every fan of racing knows the saga of Janet Guthrie as she made several runs at the famed brickyard. Of course, no race history would be complete without acknowledging Four Time Top Fuel Dragster World Champion Shirley Muldowney, the acclaimed "first lady of racing," who was recently inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. In 1965, Muldowney was the first woman licensed by the NHRA to drive a gasoline-burning gas dragster capable of speeds over 150 MPH in the quarter mile.

Tuck Under

From the ranks of drag racing, to open wheel, to stock cars, there are many others who have followed around the track in the wake of these legends. Women, like sports car and F1 driver Desire Wilson, NASCAR's Shawna Robinson, NHRA's Angelle Sampey, and writer/racer legend Denise McCluggage, have helped open doors for the new competitors who are climbing the various ladders of their chosen racing field.

According to the "Time to Drive" report, both women and men endorse women's involvement in racing, and women racers increasingly inspire young girls to get involved in racing. In addition, 74 percent of males and 62 percent of females responding to a research survey that was conducted by the University of Indianapolis, in collaboration with the Center for Research on Physical Activity, Sport & Health at D'Youville College, and was a focal point of the study, indicated that "women racers bring fans out to the races."

Additionally, companies who place a percentage of their marketing budget into sports in general have stated that women athletes in all fields have developed strong fan bases and have become an important part of the U.S. sports industry. Accomplishments by women athletes in other sports, such as soccer, tennis and golf have certainly raised the international impact of their respective sports and their roles in generating opportunities, awareness and attendance at sporting events.

Hooked Up

Today, however, it is still hard for many women to enter into the top ranks of motorsports, and it takes both skill and dogged determination to make it. The quest for respect, an equal chance and a competitive ride is an unfolding drama for many young women. Success sometimes requires a level of resilience that is capable of shaking off any barriers, or resistance, to their efforts.

Nevertheless, thanks to some recent high profile gains by women drivers, St. James and others supporting women's growth in motorsports believe more opportunities will arise for women over the next several years. They believe that the development of future stars competing at the same top levels as their male counterparts will soon occur.