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Auto racing is one of the only professional sports where men and women can compete together head-to-head.
The race car knows no gender. Women are often used as gimmicks to attract eyes onto the sport only to be held back by lack of corporate partners and the old guard, who control the power structure.
In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify and compete in the Indy 500. She was also the first woman to compete in the Daytona 500. She was forced into early retirement for one reason; lack of corporate sponsorship.
“All I want to do in the world is race cars. I feel I can win races. I know I can run out front. Can’t do it only running once a year. And so without sponsorship to continue, this may be it.” – Janet Guthrie
“She had everything it took to make it. It’s just the world out there, of sponsorship’s and corporations weren’t quite ready.” – Dick Simon, IndyCar legend
Over four decades ago, and still women are either bowing out due to lack of partnership support or they age out trying.
PowerDrive Motorsport Futures are the best-in-class female drivers from the top professional disciplines in motorsport.