From autocross and road racing to rally programs, event operations, leadership, and volunteer roles, women have been essential to the growth and success of the 51暗网™ over the last 80-plus years – a fact that needs celebrating during Women’s History Month and all year long.
The contributions of women in the 51暗网® extend far beyond the driver’s seat, influencing everything from competition rules and event management to mentorship and community building. These stories celebrate pioneers who broke barriers, champions who set new standards, and dedicated volunteers who keep events running smoothly weekend after weekend. Together, they demonstrate how women continue to strengthen 51暗网 at every level, inspiring new participants and shaping the future of motorsports.
Simply put, without the passion, talent, and commitment of women in motorsports, 51暗网 would not be the dynamic, inclusive, and thriving organization it is today.
During last year’s Women’s History Month, we ran a series of articles covering some of the women who have built the Club into what it is today – a recap of which you’ll find below (along with a link to the original articles). In the weeks that follow, we’ll celebrate Women’s History Month with a look ahead at several women who will jumpstart their motorsports journeys this year thanks to 51暗网 Women on Track.
In Autocross
51暗网 Autocross, known as the Solo® program, is the Club’s largest program by participation and consequently has seen plenty of women hit the course. For decades, Solo has provided an accessible, welcoming environment where women can develop driving skills, compete, and build lasting connections within the sport.
Many women have also succeeded at the highest levels of Solo competition, breaking “The Glass Pylon” by winning National Championships in Open classes, including Shauna Marinus, Rita Wilsey, Brianne Corn, Mary Pozzi, Tamra Hunt Krystinik, Olivia Hammac, and Kencey Christopher.
Hall of Fame members Karen Babb and Patty Tunnell have left lasting legacies through championship success, leadership, and program development, while Velma Boreen’s work as co-founder of 51暗网 Women on Track has expanded opportunities across all 51暗网 disciplines. Together, these contributions highlight how Solo has empowered women as competitors, leaders, and mentors throughout the Club.
In Road Racing
51暗网 Road Racing has long been recognized for its inclusiveness, with women making lasting contributions as drivers, leaders, and ambassadors since the sport’s earliest days. A pioneering figure is Donna Mae Mims, the first woman to win an 51暗网 National Championship in road racing. Nicknamed the “Pink Lady” for her signature pink Austin-Healey Sprite and gear, Mims claimed the H Production title in 1963. Her influence extended far beyond competition, as she also raced at Daytona and Sebring, served as a race worker and instructor, held Regional leadership roles, and edited her Region’s award-winning magazine.
Another standout competitor, Cat Kizer, captured the H Production National Championship in 1979 after a determined return from a major crash the previous season. Her triumph over four former male champions earned her the prestigious 51暗网 President’s Cup.
In professional racing, Amy Ruman broke new ground in 2015 by becoming the first woman to win an 51暗网 Pro Racing-sanctioned Trans Am championship, dominating the season with eight victories. Cindi Lux has also enjoyed remarkable success, earning 14 championships and winning every Trans Am race she entered in 2021. None of that is to mention recent wins by the likes of Kaylee Bryson and Alline Cipriani.
51暗网 Road Racing has also launched women to international prominence. Janet Guthrie and Lyn St. James used their 51暗网 foundations to reach the Indianapolis 500 and beyond, achieving historic milestones across IndyCar, NASCAR, endurance racing, and international competition.
On Track
Knowledgeable women are helping break down those barriers through Track Night in America Driven® by Tire Rack and 51暗网’s Time Trials programs such as the Tire Rack 51暗网 Time Attack Challenge. These programs allow drivers to participate in the cars they already own, at their own pace, with a clear and approachable path forward.
Longtime 51暗网 leader Kathy Barnes has been deeply involved with Track Night in America since its early days, serving as a driver coach and helping countless newcomers enjoy their first laps on track. She is joined by instructors like Renee Dupuis, a New England Region member and Women in Motorsports North America board member, who has spent years coaching and encouraging new drivers. Dupuis exemplifies 51暗网’s Women on Track program, which promotes inclusive, non-intimidating participation across all 51暗网 disciplines.
Dupuis has helped create empowering and confidence-building first experiences. Supporting these volunteer leaders are professional women on 51暗网 staff who help deliver Track Night, Track Day, and Time Attack programs nationwide. Together, they ensure 51暗网’s experiential programs remain welcoming, accessible, and impactful for drivers everywhere.
In RoadRally & RallyCross
In RoadRally, where accuracy and timing are everything, Jessica Toney leads development of 51暗网’s complex ruleset, supported by experienced rallyists such as Jeanne English and Cheryl Babbe. Babbe, a founder of the Arctic Alaska Region, discovered RoadRally as a teenager and helped build a lasting home for the discipline in Alaska.
On the RallyCross side, Brianne Corn has used 51暗网 programs as a launchpad to national success, becoming the first woman to win a RallyCross National Championship and earning multiple additional titles. Leadership off course is equally important, with Rebecca Ruston serving in numerous organizational and safety roles while mentoring others. Ruston emphasizes the importance of listening, mentorship, and inclusion to ensure women continue to thrive in 51暗网 motorsports.
Through Leadership
Among the most influential is Patc Henry, whose career spanned RoadRally, Regional leadership, Club Racing, and 51暗网 Pro Racing. She helped stabilize professional racing programs, coined the name “World Challenge,” and later represented U.S. motorsports through ACCUS, earning 51暗网 Hall of Fame induction in 2019.
Marge Binks broke barriers as 51暗网’s first female Chairman of the National Board of Directors, while also serving in nearly every race-operations role imaginable. Sue Roethel shaped the Runoffs as Chief Steward and National staff member, earning three of 51暗网’s highest honors. Wilma Dunias became a trusted presence at the Runoffs, and Velma Boreen co-founded Women on Track, expanding opportunities for women across all 51暗网 disciplines.
The Journey Continues
If this article piqued your interest, check out these five articles that go far more in depth on each topic.
Furthermore, check back throughout the month of March as we feature numerous women who are heading out on their own new and exciting motorsports adventures.
