You probably know all about the leading male racer car drivers in history but how well do you know the female race drivers? Some of them taught important lessons to the men!
This piece takes a look at some of them.
Michelle Mouton
If not for the devastating mechanical problem she encountered during the last rally of the season, she would have won the 1982 World Rally Championship. It was double tragedy for her as her father died a few days prior. Few drivers could replicate what Michelle Mouton could do with a Group B Audi Quattro. Her class win at Le Mans still rings a bell in the industry. She is still the poster face for women racing as most online gaming sites have Michelle Mouton themed games. Some of the best bingo sites have game variations based on her career. www.bingosweets.com is where Bingo players get to learn more about this amazing driver as they enjoy a game session.
Shirley Muldowney
Known as the First Lady of Drag Racing, she more than held her own against some of the fastest men on the planet. Here are just some of her accomplishments:
• Voted the first woman member of the ten-person Auto Racing All-American team in 1975 and again in 1976, 1981 and 1982
• Named Drag News Top Fuel Driver of the Year
• Won the NHRA Winston world points championship in 1977 and 1980
• Won AHRA world championship in 1981 and 1982
There is no questioning her experience and dexterity on the tracks!
Lyn St. James
Lyn is one of only 7 women who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500. She competed twice at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and has 2 victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and not forgetting her 1 win at the 12 Hours of Sebring. She is not just a talented driver but a class act.
Marie-Claude Charmasson
Marie-Claude Charmsson raced everything from small rally cars in Monte Carlo to big block Chevy at Le Mans which led to two class wins. She is the perfect example of crazy beautiful driving.
Hellé Nice
Helle Nice is one of the main pioneers of female motor racing. In 1929, she set a new world land speed record for women in her Omega-Six. Her relationships with Phillipe de Rothschild and Ettore Bugatti helped her career as they helped her move on from just competing in hillclimbs and rallies. She took part in five major Grands Prix in 1931 driving a Bugatti Type-35C. Her career continued until 1936 when war and many accusations slowly ended her career.
These are the women that helped change the car racing game in various ways whilst inspiring both male and female race car drivers around the globe.
