She made seven starts in the Indy 500, eleven CART and five Indy Racing League starts, two class victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, and a GTO class win at the 1990 12 Hours of Sebring. James became the first woman to win th e Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award in 1992 and participate d in 17 Indy C ar races over the next eight years. James was the first woman to qualify since then. One decade earlier, Simon had helped make Janet Guthrie’s first Indy opportunity possible, and St. She reportedly asked more than 150 companies for funding before JCPenney agreed, giving her the chance to finally ride with Simon. It’s a beautiful thing.” When it came to securing sponsorship to drive, St. You just slide down into that baby, and you become one with it. “You literally wear the car like you’re putting on your clothes. “You become totally one with the car,” she said.
James got the opportunity to test drive for well-known driver and owner Dick Simon i n 1988 in Memphis – and she was instantly hooked. “But the thought of actually racing it at the speedway was so over the top of my mind.”Īgainst all odds, St. James has said, reflecting on that period. “I would think, ‘w ouldn’t it be so cool to just drive an Indy car someplace, someday? ’ ” St. After g aining success as a factory driver for Ford, she hungered for the experience of driving in the Ind圜ar series, though at first it seemed like a far-off dream.
James got her start in road racing at a time when women were largely excluded from the sport, making her debut in the 1973 Amateur Sports Car Club of America race. She also earned a piano teaching certificate from the St. James graduated from Andrew’s School for Girls where she majored in business.
Lyn st james biography drivers#
James’ illustrious career has distinguished her as one of the most successful female racecar drivers in history.īorn in Willoughby, Ohio in 1947, St.
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