Speedqueens

29/05/2026

An interesting and honest appraisal of current female Formula E hopefuls.
My hot take: I'm not really sure what the aim of the series' Female Tests actually is. After the first one, it's felt like a box-ticking exercise, often featuring drivers who are nowhere near experienced or quick enough to be in with a chance.
I would like to see Gabi Jilkova given a proper go. She has impressed in a lot of series she has raced in.

Women are a hot topic in motorsport right now, but will we see a woman in Formula E soon?Thanks to championships like W Series and F1 Academy, women are under a huge spotlight in motorsport right now. Not only have the two championships highlighted the issues women face within the industry, but they...

28/05/2026

Following in from the Indy 500 last week, this week is Arlene Hiss, the first woman to ever start an Indycar race in 1976:

Arlene Hiss was the first woman to qualify for and complete an Indycar race, in 1976. Her single Indycar outing was at Phoenix. Al...

27/05/2026

Shirley won nearly all there is to win in drag racing.

Shirley Muldowney’s influence on motorsports is immeasurable. As a female racer in the 1970s, she defied stereotypes and inspired future generations. Her story has been immortalized in books, films, and countless accolades. Today, she stands as a symbol of perseverance and excellence in drag racing.
Quotes from Shirley
“To achieve greatness, you have to be willing to go where no one else is willing to go.”

“I didn’t set out to change the world of motorsports, but I’m glad I did.”
Shirley Muldowney’s journey is one of grit, determination, and groundbreaking success. From her early days in drag racing to becoming a Top Fuel World Champion, she has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports. Her net worth in 2024 reflects a life of passion and achievement, making her a true icon.

26/05/2026

New on the blog: the splendidly-named Anna van Vredenburch Limburg-Stirum, Coupe des Dames winner on the Monte.

Anna on the 1950 Monte Anna von Vredenburch Limburg-Stirum was a Dutch rally driver who competed under her birth name, and as the Countess L...

25/05/2026

like Jill Scott were famous and admired in their time. Here's the Brooklands racer in 1938, photographed by the celebrated Madame Yevonde.
This isn't a colourised photo, it's an early colour-process pic using the Vivex technique, which Yevonde helped to master.

25/05/2026

Katherine was taken out early in the Indy 500, but did finish the Coca Cola 600.

24/05/2026

I've always rated Alisha as a driver. Hopefully she gets a good programme planned in for when her F1 Acacdemy term finishes.

Alisha Palmowski completed a sensational Montreal weekend with a second dominant victory in the wet-weather Feature Race, leading every lap and securing another record-breaking winning margin, ahead of Emma Felbermayr and Megan Bruce, extending her championship lead.Alisha Palmowski completed a sens...

22/05/2026

Also, this week's latest - the what-if story of Brittany Vorster.

Brittany Vorster is a former international Formula Three driver from South Africa. She showed some early promise, but her career stalled at ...

22/05/2026

It's , let's roll our eyes at some of the stupid things that have been said about (or by) women in motorsport.
Rally drivers Rosemary Smith and Diana Carter Polivka are at pains to point out they don't look or smell like men for the 1967 Shell 4000 Rally in Canada.
No-one ever commented on what Colin McRae or Sebastien Loeb smelled like. Maybe they should have done...

(Text from the Saute daily newspaper)

21/05/2026

It's Indy 500 week, so who better to choose for than Janet Guthrie, the first lady of Indianapolis?
https://speedqueens.blogspot.com/2010/07/janet-guthrie.html