We look back on past events that took place this month, with a focus on sports and athletic achievements. At the end, you will also find a fun fact about something that was created during this time in history.
On May 29 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500 since its creation 66 years prior. Janet was also the first woman to compete in the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR Winston Cup Speedway Race.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa on March 7th 1938, Janet earned her pilots license at age 17. Her parents were also pilots, which fueled her enthusiasm. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in physics, she worked at Republic Aviation as a research and development engineer. She worked on projects that were the precursor to Project Apollo. In 1964, she applied for the first Scientist-Astronaut program, and got through the first round of eliminations. Ultimately, she was disqualified when a doctorate was made a requirement.
In 1963, Janet got involved in racing, which like being a pilot can be a very thrilling adventure. For the next 9 years, her career as an engineer helped fund her racing quest. By 1972, she committed to racing on a full time basis. Janet slept in her car outside of the racetrack. She had no sponsorships and funded everything herself. She built her own engines and did all the repairs to her car.
Janet’s big break came in 1976 when she was asked to test drive a car for the Indianapolis 500 by team owner and car builder Rolla Volllstedt.
Janet’s best finish was 5th place in 1979 at the Bettenhausen 200. Her last major race was the Daytona 500 in 1980. Regardless of her accomplishments, the male-dominated field of racing did not welcome a female driver. She tried to find sponsors, but her career fizzled out due to lack of funds.
Some other achievements include:
- Fastest time of day, opening day practice, Indy 500, 1977
- Fastest time of any driver, second weekend of qualifications, Indy 500, 1977
- Top Rookie at Rockingham, Charlotte, Richmond, Bristol, and Daytona 500, 1977
- Finished in Top 12 ten times in 19 races at NASCAR Winston Cup rookie season
- Finished 9th in the Indianapolis 500 (1978)
- Inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, 1980
- Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on April 26, 2007
Creation Fun Fact:
1929
Debut of the first all-color, full-length talking picture, On With the Show!
The Write Writer 