Divina Galica at the wheel of the Hesketh Formula One team car that she attempted to qualify for two World Championship events (Argentina and Brazil) in1978. However, Galica did make the field for the non-championship Daily Express Trophy race at Silverstone, just before the team withdrew from racing.
To date, few women have made it to the top rungs of professional motorsport, while the ones to have enjoyed a shot in Formula One can be counted on less than five fingers. Yet despite, these desperate odds, Divina Galica has achieved this and much more. Galica got her start in motorsport at the ripe young age of 28, after an extremely successful skiing career that included four trips to the Olympics and the distinction of being the female British speed record holder in the downhill (125 mph!). Galica’s celebrity as a ski star afforded her an opportunity in a British celebrity race in 1974 that would lead to a 30-year career that includes saloons, sports racers, F5000, F2, Atlantics, Formula One and even international truck racing! Casey Annis recently tracked her down during a cross-country driving trip to learn more about her remarkable career and her unusual pathway to Formula One.
I understand that your route into motorsport was rather non-traditional. It was your notoriety as a world-class skier that gave you your first opportunity in racing?
Become a Member & Get Ad-Free Access To This Article (& About 6,000+ More)
Access to the full article is limited to paid subscribers only. Our membership removes most ads, lets you enjoy unlimited access to all our premium content, and offers you awesome discounts on partner products. Enjoy our premium content.
