Celebrating Women in Racing on National Girls & Women in Sports Day

February 7th marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a day to celebrate the trailblazing women athletes who have left an indelible mark on their respective sports. We’re revving things up by highlighting 10 legendary women in racing—innovators who not only pushed limits but rewrote the history books. Whether they were claiming victory at the Indianapolis 500 or taking on the tough rally tracks of Europe, their impact on motorsport is undeniable.

1. Michèle Mouton – The Queen of Rallying

Known as one of the greatest rally drivers of all time, Michèle Mouton terrified the competition during the 1980s Group B rally era. The first and only woman to win a World Rally Championship event, Mouton’s blistering skills behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro earned her four championship victories and a second-place finish in the 1982 Driver’s Championship. Her fearless precision and commitment to excellence shattered stereotypes and set a new standard in motorsport.

2. Janet Guthrie – A Racer of Firsts

Janet Guthrie is an icon of American motor racing, becoming the first woman to qualify for both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 in the 1970s. Armed with determination, Guthrie placed ninth at the Indy 500 in 1978, a record-breaking performance that stood for decades. Her monumental achievements paved the way for greater female participation in motorsports and highlighted the importance of skill over stigma.

3. Shirley Muldowney – The First Lady of Drag Racing

With three NHRA Top Fuel Championships under her belt, Shirley Muldowney crushed the belief that drag racing was a male-dominated field. Her legendary streak from 1977 to 1982 solidified her as one of the greatest drag racers of all time. Muldowney’s resilience and grit made her an inspiration to racers everywhere.

4. Lella Lombardi – A Formula 1 Trailblazer

Lella Lombardi made motorsport history as the first and only woman to score points in the Formula 1 World Championship. Her remarkable sixth-place finish at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix highlighted her talent and determination, proving that women could thrive in the fiercely competitive world of F1.

5. Danica Patrick – The Face of Modern Motorsport

Danica Patrick is arguably the most visible and successful woman in modern American motorsport. She’s the only woman to win an IndyCar race (2008 Indy Japan 300) and claimed the pole position for the Daytona 500 in 2013. Beyond her on-track successes, Patrick has inspired countless young women to pursue their motorsport dreams.

6. Simona de Silvestro – A Trailblazer in Formula E and Beyond

Swiss driver Simona de Silvestro stands out as one of the few women to score points in Formula E and has been a fierce competitor in IndyCar. Known for her versatility across different racing series, de Silvestro proves time and again that adaptability and skill are essential for success, breaking down barriers with every race she enters.

7. Denise McCluggage – A Champion on and Off the Track

Denise McCluggage wasn’t just a talented race car driver; she was also a ground-breaking journalist. Behind the wheel, she won her class at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Monte Carlo Rally. Off the track, she co-founded Autoweek magazine and became one of the first women to cover motorsport journalism extensively.

8. Christina Nielsen – A Sports Car Champion

Christina Nielsen made history as the first woman to claim a major professional sports car championship in North America. With two consecutive GT Daytona titles in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, she’s proven time and again that success on the track comes from talent, discipline, and teamwork.

9. Jutta Kleinschmidt – Conqueror of the Dakar Rally

Jutta Kleinschmidt cemented her legacy by becoming the first woman to win the grueling Dakar Rally in 2001, one of the toughest races in the world. Competing in desert and off-road settings, her endurance and ingenuity left competitors in awe and inspired women to tackle even the most rigorous motorsport challenges.

10. Lyn St. James – A Symbol of Consistency and Excellence

Competing in the Indianapolis 500 seven times, Lyn St. James was the first woman to earn Rookie of the Year honors at the race in 1992. With victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, St. James built a reputation for strength and consistency that younger generations continue to admire.

Honorable Mentions

While we’ve focused on these 10 incredible women, the world of motorsport is full of talented racers like Sara Christian, Desire Wilson, and Vicki Wood, who made significant contributions to the sport. Whether in open-wheel racing, rally, or endurance challenges, their collective achievements highlight the resilience and passion women have brought to racing.

Claim Your Track, Your Legacy

Racing legends like Michèle Mouton, Janet Guthrie, and Danica Patrick didn’t just compete—they shattered barriers and embodied the thrill of speed and competition. Now, it’s your turn. Visit Fillback Ford and test drive the all-new Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500. Feel the rush of power, precision, and performance, and channel your inner racing legend as you emulate the groundbreaking women who’ve conquered tracks around the world along with the support of a professional auto service technician team deserving of a pit crew.

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