February 7th marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a day to honor the trailblazing achievements of women athletes across the sporting world. Today, we’re revving the engines and spotlighting the top 10 women in racing history—pioneers who broke barriers, rewrote record books, and inspired the next generation of female motorsport enthusiasts. From dominating the Indianapolis 500 to mastering the demanding rally circuits of Europe, these racing legends exhume the strength, determination, and grit it takes to succeed on the track.
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 still only woman to win a World Rally Championship event, Mouton’s remarkable skills behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro led to four championship victories and a second-place finish in the 1982 Driver’s Championship. Her fearless precision and commitment to excellence dismantled stereotypes and set a new standard in motorsport.
2. Janet Guthrie – A Racer of Firsts
Janet Guthrie is an icon of American motor racing; in the 1970s, she became the first woman to qualify for both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. Armed with confidence, 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 representation in motorsports, emphasizing the importance of skill over stigma.
3. Shirley Muldowney – The First Lady of Drag Racing
With three NHRA Top Fuel Championships to her name, Shirley Muldowney helped dispel the notion 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 etched her name into motorsport history as the only female driver to score points in the Formula 1 World Championship. Her sixth-place finish at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix showcased her racing acumen and perseverance, proving that women could excel even in the most competitive, high-stakes arenas.
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 – Force in Formula E and Beyond
Swiss racer Simona de Silvestro is one of the few women to score points in Formula E and has competed fiercely in IndyCar. Adept at navigating diverse racing formats, de Silvestro consistently demonstrates that adaptability and talent are key to motorsport success, breaking barriers every time she straps into a car.
7. Denise McCluggage – A Champion on and Off the Track
Denise McCluggage was more than 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 stems from talent, discipline, and teamwork.
9. Jutta Kleinschmidt – Conqueror of the Dakar Rally
Jutta Kleinschmidt solidified her legacy by becoming the first woman to win the grueling Dakar Rally in 2001, one of the most demanding races in the world. Competing in desert and off-road settings, her endurance and ingenuity left competitors in awe, inspiring women to take on even the most rigorous motorsport challenges.
10. Lyn St. James – A Symbol of Consistency and Excellence
A seven-time Indianapolis 500 competitor, Lyn St. James was the first woman to earn Rookie of the Year honors, at 1992's race. 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 derive inspiration from.
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, all while embodying the thrill of speed and competition. Now, it’s your turn! Visit Bush Nissan of Limerick and test drive the all-new Nissan Z. 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 - all with the support of a professional service team. Think of them as your own personal pit crew.
Are you ready to make your own history? Start your engines today with Bush Nissan of Limerick!
