Congratulations Are Due

While it's suddenly fashionable to talk about women in racing, the discussion is rather empty without giving a nod to Janet Guthrie. While most fans will remember her simply as the first woman driver to race in the Indianapolis 500, Guthrie also carved out a small career driving NASCAR as well.

For her troubles, she is being honored today with induction in the Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talledega. By troubles I am referring not only to the treatment she received by her fellow drivers but also her valiant efforts to drive on inferior equipment.

It's ironic that Danica! has had so much popularity while less than 30 years ago Guthrie was but a novelty in racing. Perhaps if she looked more like Jaclyn Smith she would have had a wider range of support.