Who is the First NASCAR Driver?. The first NASCAR driver who qualifies and competes in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 was Janet Guthrie. Before that, she was an aerospace engineer, but by 1972, she raced full time.
She came in 15th during the NASCAR Winston Cup race in 1976. Janet Guthrie also competed for four more runs that season. She raced the Daytona 500 and took 12th place after her engine blew with just ten laps to go the following season. Even still, Janet was awarded the top Rookie honor. She raced 33 times over four seasons. Janet’s best finish occurred in 1977 at Bristol.
Guthrie’s race suit and helmet are on display at the Smithsonian Institute. She was also one of the first females to be elected into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Janet also won her induction in the international Motorsports hall of Fame.
Janet Guthrie also got critical praise for her autobiography, “Janet Guthrie: A Life at Full Throttle.” aside from her racing career. Guthrie goes down in history as one of the best female NASCAR drivers of all time. Janet also set a benchmark for other women to compete.
Janet Guthrie the First NASCAR Driver details
Janet Guthrie was the First NASCAR Driver in the world and he was very famous for her driving. She won her first NASCAR driving race 1976 World 600. Here Some Important Details of Janet Guthrie.
Born: 7th March 1938 (age 81)
Place: Lowa City, United States
Achievements: the First woman to compete in Indianapolis 500
The first woman to compete in the Daytona 500
The first woman to lead a lap in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series
Awards: International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee in 2006
International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame Inductee in 1980
Janet Guthrie NASCAR Cup
Series Career: 33 races run over 4 years
Best Finish: 6th (1977)
First race: World 600 in 1976 (Charlotte)
Last race: Coca-Cola 500 in 1980 (Pocono)