Auto Racing, NASCAR

The emergence of women as an influential segment in sports can be found in all components of the sport industry. From a growing and influential portion of the fan base to top-level managerial positions in leading sport organizations, the impact of women is more evident than ever. Perhaps nowhere in the sport industry has the dramatic growth of a female presence been more evident than in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).

Although NASCAR is frequently viewed as a “male sport,” it has a lengthy history of openness and inclusion for women. As early as 1949, NASCAR recognized the potential benefits of including women, when legendary owner, the late Bill France, Sr., recruited Louise Smith as a driver. During her career, Smith won ...