Women have always been an integral part of Nascar, from the 1950's when a lady named Louise Smith, from Greenville, South Carolina drove in more than a few races. Louise never won, but she made an important point. Woman can drive race cars. Since the early days of Nascar, exactly 14 women have driven in the top stock car racing series in existence.
The 14 women who have competed in Nascar's top series are:
Louise Smith
Sara Christian
Ethel Mobley
Ann Bunselmeyer
Ann Chester
Marian Pagan
Fifi Scott
Goldie Parsons
Janet Guthrie
Christine Beckers
Lella Lombardi
Robin McCall
Patty Moise
Shawna Robinson
There are stories to be told about all of these ladies, but you will have to find them elsewhere. I know there are great stories about some of these ladies, because I have heard some of them, but I prefer not to write without direct sourcing for my material. In case you're wondering, yes, Erin Crocker did drive in Nascar, but in the Busch Series and the Trucks Series. Erin never drove in the Cup Series.
I feel like it's just a matter of time before someone makes it to the big time in Sprint Cup who happens to be female. I think it will take longer before someone female will be sitting in the big seat on top of the pit box though. Nascar will change, but slowly, in that regard. One day, my friend Heather from Statesville, NC will be sitting on top of the pit box for some famous driver. I'll be bragging about how I knew her way back when she wasn't famous. And she'll probably pretend she never did know me. Or she will if she's as smart as I think she is.
It's just a matter of time.
Thank you, Jimmy. I appreciate your words. They're very encouraging to me. I was also really unaware of the past women in NASCAR, and racing, because you hear so little about them. Your blog is wonderful as always. I know I don't always post back, but I do read them.
ReplyDeleteLot's of ladies have had more important parts in the sport than the drivers. You won't read about them but they have had very important parts in this sport. The future is yours. Grab it and go with it.
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