In Praise of Women Racers

This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

Here’s three women on International Women’s Day who became champions in a game that’s suffered under the control of men for decades.

My list starts at Shirley Muldowney who won three Top Fuel titles in 1977, ’80 and ’82 when some tracks wouldn’t even allow women in their paddocks to watch her.

Erica Enders Stevens won NHRA Pro Stock titles in 2014 and ‘15 when sponsors refused to be a part of her team. She stayed home at times for lack of funds but won championships anyway.

Christina Nielsen won GT championships in IMSA in 2016 and ’17 and she’s not even 30 yet. For that matter, teenager Hailie Deegan might win a stock car title before she’s 20!

These are women who’ve faced down insanity on and off the track. They won titles if not respect on their way to the top.

As for potential sponsors who refused to support their championship efforts? There’s nothing that says money makes you smart.

Peace.