Sara Christian

1
An investigation into the careers of
women drivers in NASCAR Jessica
Berrier, Junior, Motorsports Management
Dr. James Hand, Assistant
Professor
Introduction
The Modern Era
There have been over 20 females to compete in the
3 elite NASCAR series. NASCAR has always been
considered a male dominated sport but several
females have dared to be different. Of the women
that have competed in the NASCAR series there has
yet to be a victory by a female driver.1
Methods

• Chrissy Wallace
• Competed in her first NASCAR Craftsman Truck
  series event with an 18th place finish at the age
  of 20 (2008)
• Has won over 50 bandelero races
• Has won 5 Late Model Stock Car races
• Daughter of Mike Wallace, NASCAR Sprint Cup
  driver6

A review of literature was done to investigate
women drivers in NASCAR. Very little research was
found on the subject of women drivers in NASCAR,
although there has been some coverage in the
popular press.
The Early Days
Statistics of women drivers in NASCAR

• Sara Christian
• NASCARs first female driver
• Was the first and only female to secure a top
  five finish in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
  (1949)
• Named Woman Driver of the year in 1949
• Competed in a total of 7 races between 1949 and
  1950
• Average finishing position of 13.2

• Erin Crocker
• Was the first female to compete full-time in the
  NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2006)
• Has competed in 10 NASCAR Nationwide Series races
• Has competed in 29 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
  races7

Conclusion
Reasons for the lack in participation by females
may include physical demands, lack of support,
and lack of funds. Although NASCAR is a
supporter of diversity, it seems that sponsors
are less willing to risk their money on a female
due to the lack of successful females previously
in the sport. It has been postulated that if a
female receives sponsorship it is more likely
that they may not receive the best equipment,
therefore limiting their abilities to run
competitively and risk losing their support. As
compared to their male counterparts, very few
women have actually driven in NASCARs premier
divisions.  Further investigation is warranted to
look at the reason why fewer women drive in
NASCAR, especially considering that driving is a
skill that most women and men posses and use on a
daily basis. 

• Janet Guthrie
• The first female to qualify for the Daytona 500
  (1977)
• Entered and successfully qualified for 19 races
  in 1977
• Had 4 top 10 finishes
• Was inducted into the International Motorsports
  Hall of Fame and the Womens Sports Hall of Fame
• Her helmet and firesuit are on display in the
  Smithsonian Institution3

There have been approximately 2284 NASCAR drivers
and females make up less than 2 of all NASCAR
drivers.4,5
References
1Sowers, Richard. (2000) The Complete
Statistical History of Stock Car Racing. David
Bull Publishing. Phoenix, AZ.
2http//www.livinglegendsofautoracing.com,
retrieved April 4, 2008 3http//www.janetguthrie
.com, retrieved April 8, 2008 4Fielden, Greg.
(2005) NASCAR Chronicle. Publications
International, Ltd. Lincolnwood, IL.
5http//www.racing-reference.info retrieved April
1, 2008 6http//www.chrissywallaceracing.com.rac
ing-reference.info, retrieved April 8, 2008
7http//www.erincrocker.com, retrieved April 8,
2008