Weighty Issue

For the better part of the past 10 years, I’ve wanted to devote an issue of VR to the history of women in motorsport. Not because there was some commercial angle to be taken, but because while it is almost never acknowledged, women have had a place in racing history, dating all the way back to the birth of the sport. I think we’ve collected here not only a unique look at women’s involvement in and contributions to the sport, but perhaps more importantly also their own perspectives and views.

Originally, I had intended to rebut the notion that Danica Patrick was the “great white hope” for the future of women in motorsport (alas that rant will have to get tabled for another day), but then I read my erudite and esteemed colleague Mike Lawrence’s column on women racers and I felt compelled to change my tack completely this month. I was fascinated by Mike’s premise that women will never succeed in Formula One, due to the lack of upper body strength necessary to handle a modern Grand Prix car for two hours. As always, Mike has eloquently made his case with history and humor. Which makes it all the more regrettable that he is completely full of shit. To see what I mean, if you haven’t already read his column you might want to go read it and come back…it’s OK, I’ll wait.