Lack of support at lower level hurts female drivers

INDIANAPOLIS -- Despite campaigns to increase female presence on the racetrack, some industry authorities still believe it may be several years before NASCAR will see a woman compete in the sport's premier Cup Series.

Lack of funding, but more so the lack of grass-root support, continues to be an obstacle for aspiring female NASCAR drivers, according to Lyn St. James, racecar driver and pioneer for women in motorsports who on Thursday hosted an awareness luncheon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway honoring 40 female drivers looking to rise in their respective fields.

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When asked why NASCAR, the country's most popular form of motorsports, has yet to produce a competitive female, St. James pointed the finger to the smaller series teams in the industry who are failing to lay the foundation and provide the level of experience necessary for female drivers to become attractive to high-level NASCAR Cup teams.

"They're not getting the best equipment or with the best programs and they need funding behind them," said St. James, 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year.

To combat the problem, St. James at the luncheon unveiled Project Podium, a program geared to provide grants on a match-fund basis to female drivers who look to succeed in the highly competitive motorsports industry.

As part of the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation, the program will rely on sponsors like NASCAR, USAC and the Indy Racing League for support, in addition to corporate contributions.

"I think the top is interested in having [females in NASCAR] happen but not necessarily making it happen," St. James said. "I'm not sure there's a strategy in place, other than the Drive for Diversity program, but that's a pretty small niche for a big issue like this one. They need to have enough experience at a grass-root level first."

By creating a pool of money and scholarships to place behind talented female drivers through Project Podium, St. James hopes team owners in series such as ARCA RE/MAX and Late Models will take notice.

As a member on NASCAR Diversity Council, St. James said she will continue to be a voice and champion rights for female drivers in the sport.

"Today's racing world is more encouraging for female drivers than when we first held this event in 2003," she said. "More and more women are receiving opportunities to prove themselves on the track. And increasingly women are rising to higher levels of racing and earning their place on the podium."

Driver Alli Owens races Late Models in NASCAR's Whelen All American Series and hopes to land a full-time ARCA ride next season. She was encouraged by the large turnout of NASCAR brass and industry leaders at the luncheon, an event aimed at creating awareness for women in her situation.

The 18-year-old is also starting a grass-roots level, all-female race team with the help of her friend and competitor Chrissy Wallace, daughter of Busch Series driver Mike Wallace. (Continued)