Some in professional racing circles will quietly tell you Lyn St. James had a career that cannot be replicated today.
Granted, Lyn came to racing later in life, and yes, her background was in business and not auto sports. And further still, she was a woman in a racing era that saw scant few women break the glass ceiling to compete at the top levels.
‘Yes, on paper, there was little on the resume’ to point to a Hall of Fame career when she first emerged on the scene.’Yes, on paper, there was little on the resume’ to point to a Hall of Fame career when she first emerged on the scene.
What they couldn’t see on paper was Lyn’s desire, tenacity, and skill behind the wheel. But they would eventually come to see, admire and respect these attributes.
We were fortunate to talk with Lyn recently and deeply dive into her inspiring career. One clear, consistent theme emerged after our time with Lyn.
Throughout her journey, she did it for the right reasons.
Show Notes
Are you looking for a specific question in the episode?
We’ve made it easy by providing the questions we asked in the show and where you can find them.
Question #1 – Lyn, before we get started, congratulations on being selected as the Grand Marshal for the Third Annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. This year’s festival is from October 14th through the 16th. So, what are you looking forward to at this year’s event? 2:30 seconds.
“Question #2 – Looking over your amazing career, I’m not sure someone could replicate it today. Would you consider yourself a”“late bloomer” in the sport? And how did you transition from sitting in the stands to sitting behind the wheel? 4:40 seconds.”Question #2 – Looking over your amazing career, I’m not sure someone could replicate it today. Would you consider yourself a “late bloomer” in the sport? And how did you transition from sitting in the stands to sitting behind the wheel? 4:40 seconds.
Question #3 – They say out of necessity, you can find a way to do things. You had to work hard for every opportunity, for every break. Have you always had that tenacity? 10:38 seconds.
Question #4 – The Indy 500 is hallowed grounds for many in auto racing. You were the 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year and have raced there professionally seven times. Can you convey the magic and significance of racing at Indy to us? And how good did the milk taste when you won there during a vintage car race? 13:00 seconds.
Question #5- You’ve been active in reaching back and giving back to other women who are coming up behind you in motorsports. Did you feel like a trailblazer at the time? And what can we do to give more opportunities to women in auto racing? 19:35 seconds.
Question #6 – Among your many memorable moments has to be the three invitations to the White House to meet with the President. Is it true you’ve met with Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton? What was that experience like, and of course, who was your favorite? 26:14 seconds.
Question #7 – Beyond the 2022 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, what does the future hold for you? Any dreams and aspirations left to be conquered? 29:16 seconds.
Question #8 – Lyn, we’ve covered a lot of ground today, but is there one question I should have asked you but didn’t? 32:06 seconds.
Success At Every Turn
Lyn has earned success on several levels of automotive motorsports racing. What follows are some of her accomplishments.
- Five IndyCar series starts, eleven CART, and five Indy Racing League starts to her name.
- She is one of nine women who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500.
- Lyn was the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. To date, the oldest driver to ever win the prize at age 45.
- She also had a class victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona and won the GTO class and the 1990 12 Hours of Sebring.
- Additionally, she has competed in endurance racing in Europe, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, at which her AMC Spirit AMX team placed first and second in class in 1979.
- Lyn has held 31 national and international closed-circuit speed records and clocked 225.722 mph in her qualifying race for the 1995 Indy 500.
- “Sports Illustrated honored St. James as one of the “Top 100 Women Athletes of the Century” in 2000. “Sports Illustrated honored St. James as one of the “Top 100 Women Athletes of the Century” in 2000.
- She was inducted into the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame in 2017, the Sebring Hall of Fame in 2020, and the Automotive Hall of Fame in July 2022.
- Lyn also received the Spirit of Ford Award at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Contact Information
Website: LynStJames.com
Mailing address:
Lyn St. James
P.O. Box 10357
Phoenix, AZ 85064
Wikipedia: Lyn St. James
Biography: An Incredible Journey
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