Several phenomenal female drivers have made significant contributions, paving the way for future generations.
The first woman to qualify for and race in the Daytona 500 (1977), Janet Guthrie challenged gender barriers and inspired countless aspiring drivers.
In the same way, Brenda Blaine made history as the first woman to start a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race in 1981, her brief but impactful career broke barriers and inspired others.
Perhaps the most recognizable name in female NASCAR history, Danica Patrick is one of the first Indy female drivers to win the IndyCar Series in 2008 and numerous top 10 finishes in the Xfinity Series.
Their stories of perseverance, talent, and passion continue to shape the landscape of NASCAR and beyond. Across all NASCAR series (Cup, Xfinity, Truck, ARCA), there are currently around 10-15 female drivers actively competing regularly.
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick, a name renowned in American motorsports, is one of the best female NASCAR drivers 2020 and has a long list of accomplishments in a variety of racing disciplines.
Here are a few of her most notable achievements:
- The first woman to win an IndyCar Series race: Her historic victory at the Indy Japan 300 in 2008 remains a landmark moment for women in motorsports.
- Rookie of the Year: She earned this prestigious title in 2005, becoming the first woman to do so in any major open-wheel series.
- Most popular driver: Voted IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver for 5 years in a row, from 2005 to 2010, speaks volumes about her fan following and impact on the sport.
- The first woman to win a NASCAR Nationwide Series pole: Her pole position at the Daytona International Speedway in 2013 broke another gender barrier in stock car racing.
- Most starts, laps led, and Top 10 finishes by a woman in the NASCAR Cup Series: Patrick's consistent performance and longevity in the Cup Series cemented her place as a trailblazer for women in NASCAR.
These are just a few of Danica Patrick's career highlights. Her accomplishments continue to inspire and motivate future racers as well as those who simply admire her devotion and determination to win.
Hailie Deegan
One of the female NASCAR drivers 2022, Hailie Deegan, despite her young age (22), has already carved her path in the world of racing and is one of the promising female race car drivers with some impressive achievements to her name:
- First female driver to win a LOORRS championship (2013, Junior 2 Karts): Deegan established herself as a force to be reckoned with early on, breaking barriers in the off-road racing world.
- Modified Kart Regional Champion (2015) and Modified Kart National Champion (2016): She continued her dominance in karting, further solidifying her reputation as a rising talent.
- 2018 NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 208 (Meridian) win: She became the first woman to clinch a victory at the K & N Pro Series level, taking the win at the NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 208 at Meridian Speedway in Idaho.
- First female driver to win a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race (2018): She continued her winning ways in NASCAR's developmental series, showcasing her adaptability across different tracks and series.
- Top 10 finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (2021 and 2022): She has steadily climbed the ranks, achieving notable results in a fiercely competitive series.
Jennifer Jo Cobb
One of the female truck series drivers, Jennifer Jo Cobb, popularly known as "JoJo" by fans, has made her unique route in NASCAR, etched her name in the record books, and inspired numerous aspiring racers.
Here are a few of her most notable accomplishments:
- Broke the 200+ mph land speed record: In 2012, Cobb achieved a land speed of 206.56 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, proving her skill and fearlessness beyond the NASCAR track.
- Top 10 finishes in NCWTS (2010 and 2011): Despite facing tough competition, Cobb has secured several top 10 finishes, demonstrating her potential for podium finishes in the future.
- First female team owner in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS): In 2010, Cobb took ownership of her truck team, opening the way for increased female representation and leadership in NASCAR.
Tammy Jo Kirk
While Tammy Jo Kirk's contribution to motorsports spans both motorcycle racing and NASCAR she is also one of the NASCAR truck female drivers, let's focus on her NASCAR accomplishments:
- The first woman to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (1997): This landmark achievement solidified Kirk's place in NASCAR history, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of female drivers.
- Top 15 finishes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Despite facing established male competitors, Kirk notched several top 15 finishes, demonstrating her skills and competitive spirit.
- Snowball Derby victory (1994): While this respected asphalt race was held before her official NASCAR career, it solidified her racing talent and further established her as a role model for aspiring female drivers.
Sara Christian
Sara Christian, a name synonymous with endurance and determination in NASCAR, has created her path in the sport with several notable accomplishments:
- Top 10 finishes: Despite competing in a challenging series dominated by male drivers, Christian has secured several top 10 finishes, proving her skills and competitive spirit.
- Record-breaking starts: She holds the record for most starts by a woman in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with an impressive 163 races. This sheer number of stars speaks volumes about her resilience and commitment to the sport.
- Competing across series: Sara has competed in various NASCAR series, including the Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and ARCA Menards Series, showing her versatility and adaptability.
Janet Guthrie
Janet Guthrie, a true motorsports legend, has a career full of innovative feats that continue to inspire generations of racers and fans alike. Here are a few of her most notable achievements:
- Top 10 finishes in USAC Championship Car Series and ARCA Menards Series: Guthrie proved her talent and skill on various tracks, demonstrating her adaptability and competitiveness.
- Continued racing success: Throughout her career, Guthrie competed in various series, including Trans-Am and IMSA, showcasing her versatility and passion for racing.
- The first woman to compete in a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race (1977): Guthrie's presence in NASCAR's premier series further challenged stereotypes and opened doors for future female drivers.
Chrissy Wallace
While Chrissy Wallace's NASCAR career was short in comparison to some other female drivers, her accomplishments are significant and deserve to be recognized:
- First female driver to win at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina in 2007: This victory in a Late Model race at a historic track showed her talent and potential early on.
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2008: Though limited to six races, Chrissy's participation in this major series further highlighted her goals and dedication to NASCAR.
- First female to win an ASA Late Model track championship at Lebanon I-44 Speedway in 2011: This achievement, most importantly on the same track where her father Mike Wallace won the championship in 1990, was a significant personal milestone and added to the Wallace family's racing legacy.
Johanna Long
Johanna Long's NASCAR successes reflect a story of early promise, movement into other series, and ongoing passion for the sport:
- Competed in diverse NASCAR series: From the Pro Late Model Series to the ARCA Menards Series, she showed her flexibility and talent across various tracks and formats.
- Top 10 finishes in ARCA Menards Series: Earning several top 10s, including a fifth-place finish at the prestigious Daytona International Speedway, demonstrated her potential in NASCAR's feeder series.
- Pole position at Snowball Derby in 2009: Securing the pole at this iconic late-model race highlighted her skills and competitiveness even before entering NASCAR.
Tina Gordon
While Tina Gordon's NASCAR career was short and sweet her accomplishments deserve to be recognized for paving the way for future female drivers and emphasizing her talent and perseverance:
- Dominant start in local racing: Before entering NASCAR, Gordon racked up impressive victories in barrel racing, rodeos, and stock car races, demonstrating her raw talent and racing pedigree.
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2003: Breaking into NASCAR's Truck Series, Gordon faced challenges but secured top-15 finishes, showing her ability to compete against established male drivers.
Erin Crocker
Erin Crocker carved her route in the racing world, making her impact on the NASCAR circuit and beyond. Here are a few of her major accomplishments:
- Competed in various NASCAR series: From the Whelen Modified Tour to the Camping World Truck Series, Erin showcased her versatility and adaptability across different tracks and formats.
- Top 10 finishes in NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour: She consistently proved her skills by securing several top 10 finishes, proving her ability to compete with established drivers.
Kim Crosby
While Kim Crosby's NASCAR career was brief and did not result in many victories or podium positions, her contributions to the sport are noteworthy, particularly in terms of her pioneering spirit and resilience.
Here's an overview of her accomplishments:
- Competed in various NASCAR series: While her primary focus was the ARCA Menards Series, Kim also raced in the Camping World Truck Series and the Aaron's 312, showcasing her willingness to tackle different challenges.
- One of the few female drivers in NASCAR during her time: Her presence in the male-dominated world of NASCAR racing, even for a limited season, helped open the way for future female drivers and challenged existing stereotypes.
- Top 72nd finish in the ARCA Menards Series in 2004: While not a top ten finish, achieving 72nd in her first ARCA start shows her potential and competitive spirit.
Ethel Mobley
While Ethel Mobley's NASCAR career was not as numerically successful as the other drivers on this list, but her accomplishments are of enormous historical value and deserve to be recognized as a true pioneer of the sport.
Here are a few of her noteworthy contributions:
- First female to compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned race in 1949: This historic event at Daytona Beach Road Course marked a significant step forward for female participation in NASCAR, opening doors for future generations.
- Top 11 finish in a NASCAR Strictly Stock Series race: This remains her career-high finish in the top NASCAR series, showing her potential against proven male competitors.
Toni Breidinger
Toni Breidinger is a teenage racing sensation who is creating a name for herself in NASCAR and is also one of the female NASCAR drivers 2023.
Her talent, perseverance, and diversified achievements portray a bright future for her in the sport. Here are a few of her major accomplishments:
- First Arab-American female driver in NASCAR history in 2021: This historic debut at Daytona International Speedway shattered barriers and garnered national attention, inspiring countless aspiring drivers.
- Competing in ARCA Menards Series and Camping World Truck Series: Toni's presence in both series demonstrates her versatility and ambition, tackling challenges across various formats.
- Sponsorship deals with major brands: Attracting sponsorships from top brands like Toyota and Huda Beauty shows her rising popularity and influence within the racing world.
Natalie Decker
Female race car driver Natalie Decker is a rising star in NASCAR, known for competing in different NASCAR series, including ARCA Menards and Xfinity, with top finishes in Trans Am and ARCA.
Here's a breakdown of some of her achievements:
- Highest career finish of 5th in the Trans Am Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval in 2022: This impressive result showcases her adaptability and potential in different racing formats.
- Competed in various NASCAR series: Natalie has tackled challenges in the Camping World Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series, showcasing her versatility and ambition.
- Cracker Jill partnership: Natalie's partnership with the iconic brand "Cracker Jill" as part of the "Accelerate Her" program highlights her advocacy for women in NASCAR and enhances her visibility.
Brittney Zamora
Brittney Zamora is an American professional stock car racing driver who most recently drove the Number 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing in the ARCA Menards Series.
Here is a small glimpse into her professional journey so far:
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Northwest Super Late Model Series winner: She is the first female to win a race and a championship in the Northwest Super Late Model Series.
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Washington State Rookie accolade: In 2018, she was named Washington State Rookie of the Year and was invited to NASCAR's 2019 Drive for Diversity.
- Competes in Various NASCAR series: She previously drove full-time in the ARCA Menards Series West and part-time in the ARCA Menards Series East for Bill McAnally Racing.