Women in the Winner's Circle

Susan Frissell

"Racing isn't just for men anymore," seemed to be a common theme at the fifth annual Women in the Winner Circle Foundation luncheon held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26. "There will come a time-and it's getting close-when the playing field will be equal," said Lyn St. James, Master of Ceremonies and founder of the Foundation.

Women are no longer a "novelty" in the once "men-only" sport of auto racing. They are accomplished drivers, now introduced and talked about by their number of wins and places, rather than gender. They are more active and successful in the NHRA than in other areas of racing, and much of today's success can be contributed to such female drivers like Shirley Muldowny, Janet Guthrie and St. James. The focus is more on competitiveness and accomplishments rather than on the fact that these racers are women.

The sport of auto racing is at a tipping point in terms of women

St. James cited three reasons why women are rising to higher levels of racing and earning their place on the podium:

1)    There are a large number of women with talent who are working hard to improve their skills and become a dominant presence at speedways;

2)    Team owners, sponsors and the motorsports industry are committing greater resources to nurture female talent and support these drivers;

3)    Racing fans and the media have taken a serious interest in women racers. They are no longer considered "novelties" but true contenders.

The luncheon benefited the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation (formerly the Lyn St. James Foundation) which was established in December 1993 by Lyn St. James. The Foundation is a not-for-profit (501C3) educational organization focusing on worldwide activities and programs for automotive safety and driver development, especially for women who are aspiring to become race car drivers.

Dedicated to the continued training, advocation and education for diversity in racing-until opportunity and diversity are no longer a concern-the Foundation has to date trained over 230 women drivers from 38 states and three countries through the Driver Development Program. The Foundation also contributes to a variety of charitable causes and activities including Girls, Inc. the Wilbur Shaw Soap Box Derby Hill (Indianapolis), among others.

Co-Master of Ceremonies Nancy Lieberman and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian, Donald Davidson assisted St. James in introducing 40-some aspiring female race car drivers ranging in age from 12 years to thirty-four years. A diverse group, the young women cross all barriers of race and ethnicity, and were seated at each table to talk with guests.

Denise McCluggage, automotive journalist received the 2007 Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award for her many contributions to the world of motorsports. A racing champion, founder of AutoWeek Magazine, and first woman to be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, Denise combined her love for both journalism and automobile racing. She raced several types of cars during the 1950s and 1960s and participated in the grand touring division at Sebring, the Rallye de Monte Carlo and Daytona, among other races.

Throughout her early career years, Denise met with much resistance as a woman journalist and race car driver. But she persevered, catching interviews when and where she could, even if it meant interviewing fellow racers through the fence rather than in the garage area.

Also presented were two scholarships: The Vicki O'Connor Champ Car Series Scholarship and the Women in Motor Sports Scholarship sponsored by the WAAI (who also sponsors young women in the Lyn St. James Driver Development Program).

The Fifth Annual Kara Hendrick Spirit Award, developed by The United States Auto Club (USAC) and the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation to honor a woman driver whose spirit, determination and driving ability are exemplary, and reminiscent of Kara. And finally, Harold Matthews was awarded the 2007 Opportunity Award for his commitment to sponsor young racer Brittany Frosh.

St. James announced a new program-Project Podium- a program to provide significant monetary grants on a matching fund basis to dedicated drivers struggling to succeed. The goal of Project Podium, St. James told the attendees, is to get 100 partners (25 by 2008, 50 by 2009, 100 by 2010). The Project is asking partners to contribute $10,000a year for three years. Paul Newman of Newman's Own is the first to step up to be a partner to Project Podium. St. James has asked those at the luncheon to become a voice for the Project and encourage newcomers to motorsports to become partners. A committee has been chosen to review grants and the 2007 budget sent out.

What's most important, noted St. James is that men and women are working together; women competing against men, together. But although there is still a need for more women at the top, they are close to taking the next jump, and the next.