Born: 1938
Biography:
Janet Guthrie, born on March 7, 1938, is a retired professional race car driver and a pioneer for women in motorsports. She made history as the first woman to qualify and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500 in 1977. Although she faced numerous obstacles and sexism throughout her career, Guthrie’s determination and courage paved the way for future generations of women in racing.
Before her racing career, Guthrie excelled as an aerospace engineer. After obtaining a physics degree from the University of Michigan in 1960, she worked with Republic Aviation. However, Guthrie’s passion for speed and competition led her to pursue a career in racing. She began her racing journey in 1963 on the SCCA circuit, driving a Jaguar XK140. She quickly established herself as a skilled driver and by 1972, she was racing full-time.
Guthrie’s sportscar racing career included notable victories, such as two class wins in the renowned 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. In 1976, she made history by becoming the first woman to compete in a NASCAR Winston Cup superspeedway race at the World 600. Guthrie finished a commendable 15th in the race and went on to compete in four more races that season.
The following year, Guthrie made her debut in the prestigious Daytona 500, finishing 12th despite suffering engine troubles with just ten laps to go. Her performance earned her the coveted Top Rookie honor. Guthrie continued to compete in NASCAR, participating in a total of 33 races over four seasons. Her highest finish, sixth place at Bristol in 1977, remains the best finish by a woman in a top-tier NASCAR race, currently tied with Danica Patrick in 2014.
In addition to her achievements in NASCAR, Guthrie also made her mark in open-wheel racing. She qualified for and competed in her first Indianapolis 500 in 1977, driving a car entered by Rolla Vollstedt. Despite encountering engine troubles, she finished 29th in the race. Guthrie returned to the Indy 500 for two more years, with her best result being a ninth-place finish in 1978, despite racing with a fractured wrist she had sustained during a charity tennis event two days prior.
Guthrie’s journey to qualify for the 1976 Indianapolis 500 is particularly notable. Many drivers in the male-dominated sport questioned her ability solely based on her gender. Their comments fueled Guthrie’s determination, and she proved her skill when racing legend A. J. Foyt lent her a car for a shake-down test. Her top practice lap in Foyt’s car would have been enough to qualify for the field. Despite facing gender-related barriers, Guthrie never let these obstacles deter her.
Unfortunately, Guthrie’s racing career was hindered by a lack of corporate sponsorship, forcing her into retirement. However, her place in history as a trailblazer for women in motorsports was firmly established. In 1979, she was featured in the influential Supersisters trading card set, further highlighting her accomplishments and impact on society.
Today, Guthrie’s legacy lives on as an inspiration to aspiring female racers around the world. Her helmet and race suit are proudly displayed in the Smithsonian Institution, preserving her remarkable journey for future generations to admire and learn from.
Awards:
– Top Rookie in the Daytona 500 (1977)