List of female Indianapolis 500 drivers

This is a list of female motor racing drivers who have entered an Indianapolis 500 race. Ten women racing drivers have officially entered at least once, with Janet Guthrie being the first. Sarah Fisher has the most career starts with nine, and Danica Patrick has the best result with a third place in 2009. Lyn St. James, Patrick, and Simona de Silvestro have all won the Rookie of the Year Award.

Female participation of most sorts at Indianapolis was discouraged and essentially disallowed throughout the first several decades of competition. As such, female reporters were not even allowed in the pit area until 1971. At the time, journalist Denise McCluggage was notably one of the first to challenge that antiquated norm. There were a number of female owners/sponsors that participated in some capacity throughout the first several decades, and off-the-track duties were common. While not behind the wheel of race cars, women were frequently and routinely performers during the pre-race ceremonies, invited as dignitaries to attend the race, and many were employed by the track, working in the ticket office, motel, and other administrative positions. The first female owner to win the race was Maude "M.A." Yagle, who owned the car of 1929 winner Ray Keech.

In 1974, Johnny Rutherford's wife Betty scored for him in his team's pit area. She was perhaps the first driver's wife to spend the entire race in the pits. Rutherford won the race, and Betty's presence drew some media attention, leading many other wives to follow suit in future years.

The first female to arrive at Indianapolis looking to qualify was Janet Guthrie in 1976. However, she fell short on speed and preparation time. She was able to pass her rookie test but suffered numerous mechanical problems during the month. On the final day of time trials, Guthrie was loaned a back-up car owned by A. J. Foyt. She quickly reached a suitable speed; however, she did not make an attempt to qualify. Guthrie returned to Indy and qualified for the first time in 1977, and made three total starts. She earned a 9th-place finish in 1978 and later revealed she drove with a broken wrist. During her career, she received a mixed welcome amongst the competitors and fans but was mostly viewed in a positive light by the media. Her experiences were at times frustrating, as setbacks and difficulties ranged from engine troubles to the lack of female restrooms in the garage area at the time.

...
Wikipedia