NASCAR still seeking woman driver
Posted: Wednesday May 21, 2008 06:15AM ET
As the most celebrated day in motorsports approaches this week, the differences in gender equality have never been more profound. Danica Patrick headlines a trio of three women who will compete Sunday in the Indianapolis 500, but NASCAR won't have a single woman in its showcase Coca-Cola 600 later that day or in any of the NASCAR-sanctioned events spanning 10 days of racing at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Three decades after Janet Guthrie became the first woman to race in the 600, NASCAR still boasts all-male fields at its premier Sprint Cup level. In fact, no woman has raced in the 600 since Guthrie, and the Cup series has not had a female racer since Shawna Robinson ran seven events in 2002. "I don't think it's something NASCAR is really concerned about. A female driver is not something they really need," said veteran racer Mike Wallace. "For a while, a lot of people thought it was a novelty. And I've had people close to me say 'Girls can't drive.' "Well, maybe they can't. But maybe there are one or two who can, and we just need to give them a chance."
Danica Patrick, AP
Comments (43)
They already have Michelle Waltrip and Jeffrina Gordon, how many women do they need?
joefordnproud | 05/21/08, 07:49 AM
Report Offensive CommentHell, Tony Stewart is known to sound whiny and girly like. By the way joefordproud, "Jeffrina" Gordon is, oh yeah, A 4 TIME CHAMPION!! How's your driver doing?
Hooah05!! | 05/21/08, 08:34 AM
Report Offensive Comment^ That was hilarious.
Like Skinner said, the ones who can drive should be given a chance. But let's not rush any of them to do so. Just because Patrick is having success, doesn't mean NASCAR needs to rush to get their own female driver. Give it time, it will happen eventually.
Bentley00 - Welcome Schenner | 05/21/08, 08:35 AM
Report Offensive Commentthe post is about women drivers .......................already waltrip gordon
and stewart have been ragged on.....................get real and comment on the topic
Lydia Lipshitz | 05/21/08, 08:53 AM
Report Offensive CommentIf a woman can drive a car,read a newspaper,talk on the cellphone and smoke a cigarette at the same time, she can do anything!! All kidding aside, give the ladies a chance. I think Danica can give the big boys a run for their money.
flugelboy | 05/21/08, 09:05 AM
Report Offensive CommentAll nasty comments aside, funny as they were, the questions are how many women actually want to race in Nascar, who are they and who is stopping them. Some women are awesome drivers and could do ok here, with the right training and time to develop, like the guys do.
The women I know of late are all in other circuits and seem to not be interested in switching over. You cannot put women in here just to fill a quota. if they are interested it will happen in time.
Luvdatracin | 05/21/08, 09:36 AM
Report Offensive CommentIf it aint broke dont fix it!
BUCKGUY | 05/21/08, 10:02 AM
Report Offensive CommentI'm still seeking a woman driver myself.....
Sir Robin (as himself) | 05/21/08, 10:46 AM
Report Offensive CommentThere was a time when there were no Yankees in racing. Over the years, the sport has opened up to a more diverse driver pool, with drivers from all over the country, Canada, South/Central America and drivers of different race or orientation. Women drivers are just a matter of time...
gstrdr | 05/21/08, 11:01 AM
Report Offensive CommentDanica is a goddess.
Biakaba is Mayor West | 05/21/08, 12:58 PM
Report Offensive CommentThomlinson21; Mickey Mouse is a rodent.
Seymore Whowho | 05/21/08, 01:02 PM
Report Offensive CommentI have no comeback....well done.
Biakaba is Mayor West | 05/21/08, 01:38 PM
Report Offensive CommentThis is silly. Reminds me of the diversity program. I see a large increase in minorities driving - not. I want a diversity program in the NBA for short white guys. Let those that can drive - drive,
jackman! | 05/21/08, 01:45 PM
Report Offensive CommentDanica is nothing more than overhyped eye candy
BUCKGUY | 05/21/08, 01:46 PM
Report Offensive CommentBuckguy: How many F1 wins do YOU have?
gstrdr | 05/21/08, 01:52 PM
Report Offensive CommentI dont claim to be an F1 racer! However that being said how many wins has she had where the 2 in front of her didnt run out of gas
BUCKGUY | 05/21/08, 01:57 PM
Report Offensive CommentWhat NASCAR already have three female drivers. The Busch sisters and Montoya the girlie guy.
thunderdragon | 05/21/08, 02:12 PM
Report Offensive CommentI dont claim to be an F1 racer! However that being said how many wins has she had where the 2 in front of her didnt run out of gas
BUCKGUY | 05/21/08, 01:57 PM
Thats unfair. You shouldnt degrade a win because of strategy, it plays a big part. Many races have been won in Nascar on fuel strategy. Should we discount all those.......NO
jackman! | 05/21/08, 02:14 PM
Report Offensive CommentIm not discounting that strategy Im just saying that I dont think she should be put on such a high pedestal for 1 win that she only won because the 2 racers in front of her ran out of gas
BUCKGUY | 05/21/08, 02:25 PM
Report Offensive CommentOkay thats fine. The pedistal is for the first time a female won, and she poses in bikinis in SI. It would probably take a much bigger woman to handle the Nascar COT. Okay...here comes the Gordon jokes....
jackman! | 05/21/08, 02:30 PM
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