I remember that, and I remember rooting for her during the race!
In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for the Indy 500. “As far as I was concerned I wasn't a 'woman driver,'” she told, NPR, “I was just a driver."
I remember that, and I remember rooting for her during the race!
In reply to Duke :
I remember speaking to her after the Milwaukee 200, in 1979, very nice lady. I would have gotten her autograph, But I had nothing to write on. I did get Roger McCluskey's autograph, he won that race, he signed my Miller Lite can for me..... Lol, it was all I had at the time, I swallowed it down and he signed it. I was 17 at that time...
My heroine! I bought a signed copy of her book, read it, and was inspired to write my SCCA column about her. And even got to interview her on the phone. What an incredible woman. And the shameful torment she had to endure to be the first woman to race the Indy 500. Guys. Class. Talent. Determination.
She's a car and racing addict, just like us GRM subscribers (yes I pay for mine, cause I love this magazine and the people and cars in it). She rebuilt the engine of her Jaguar as a determined young racer, in the back of a Ford wagon parked in a huge puddle in the salvage yard of a friendly patron of her racing. I am SO impressed, and I just love her.
One of us.
In reply to Duke : Bravo, Duke! Many others were not so supportive. In fact, they were just awful sometimes. She was a true trailblazer.
I had the opportunity to be on track with her at Bridgehampton when she was driving a Toyota. A very talented smooth driver. I always think of a quote attributed to her " You don't have to be a rocket scientist to do this. Oh wait, I am!"
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