National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrates female athletes, coaches, and business pioneers who have dedicated themselves to breaking barriers in traditionally male fields. Circuit of The Americas is consistently working towards providing more opportunities – and a bigger spotlight – for women in the motorsports industry.
Here are a few groundbreaking females that inspire continued progress:
Lella Lombardi
Lella is a true emblem of female motorsports history. She scored half a point (only half points were rewarded because the race got cut short) at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, making her the only woman to ever score championship points in Formula 1. She started twelve F1 races over her career and transitioned into sports and touring cars – including competing numerous times at 24 Hours of Le Mans with a ninth-place finish in 1976 as her best result.
Susie Wolff
Susie Wolff is a trailblazer in the Formula 1 world, breaking barriers as a driver at the 2014 British Grand Prix when she became the first woman to participate in an F1 weekend since 1992. More recently, she was the Team Principal of the Venturi Formula E Team before stepping down to become the managing director of the all-female F1 Academy – which ran a support race at COTA during the 2023 F1 USGP. She leads by example and COTA is excited to watch which glass ceilings she shatters next!
Katherine Legge
Katherine’s career in motorsports is broad and diverse. She competes in IMSA SportsCar Championship, IndyCar series, and the NASCAR Infinity Series. Katherine has also showcased her versatility as a driver across Formula E and endurance racing. Whatever she tries next, The Circuit is ready to showcase her skills on the grid.
Lyn St. James
Lyn successfully raced the Indianapolis 500 seven-times and was the first female Rookie of the Year at the race in 1992. She is passionate about growing the sport of racing by challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity. Lyn is the former Women’s Sports Foundation President and co-founded the Women in Motorsports North America organization – two incredible resources for women and girls at all stages of their careers.
