Louise Smith
Encyclopedia
Louise Smith was tied for the second woman to race in NASCAR
at the top level. She was known as "the first lady of racing." http://www.legendsofnascar.com/Louise_Smith.htm
She went as a spectator to her first NASCAR race at the Daytona Beach Road Course
in 1949. She could not stand watching the races, so she entered her family's shiny new Ford coupe in the race and rolled it. Her hometown Greenville, South Carolina
paper featured photos of the wreck, and the town knew about it before she got home http://www.motorsportshalloffame.com/halloffame/1999/Louise_Smith_main.htm. The race was the first race to feature three female drivers (Ethel Mobley
and Sara Christian
). The trio also competed later that season at the Langley Speedway
.
She raced from 1949 to 1956. She won 38 races in her career in numerous formats: late models, modifieds (28 victories), midgets, and sportsman.
in 1999.
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
at the top level. She was known as "the first lady of racing." http://www.legendsofnascar.com/Louise_Smith.htm
She went as a spectator to her first NASCAR race at the Daytona Beach Road Course
Daytona Beach Road Course
Daytona Beach Road Course was a race track that was instrumental in the formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, or NASCAR. It originally became famous as the location where fifteen world land speed records were set...
in 1949. She could not stand watching the races, so she entered her family's shiny new Ford coupe in the race and rolled it. Her hometown Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina
-Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families...
paper featured photos of the wreck, and the town knew about it before she got home http://www.motorsportshalloffame.com/halloffame/1999/Louise_Smith_main.htm. The race was the first race to feature three female drivers (Ethel Mobley
Ethel Mobley
Ethel Mobley of Fort Payne, Alabama was tied for the second female to drive in NASCAR history. Her brother Tim Flock said she was named after the gasoline her father used in his car.-"Flying Flocks":...
and Sara Christian
Sara Christian
Sara Christian was the first woman driver in NASCAR history. Her fifth place finish at Pittsburgh reigned as the highest female finish from 1949 until 2011, when Danica Patrick finished fourth.-1949:...
). The trio also competed later that season at the Langley Speedway
Langley Speedway (Virginia)
Langley Speedway is a race track located in Hampton, Virginia, in the United States. In November 1970, it became the site of the last Grand National race before the series was renamed Winston Cup . The track is located in front of NASA's Langley wind tunnel on Armistead Avenue...
.
She raced from 1949 to 1956. She won 38 races in her career in numerous formats: late models, modifieds (28 victories), midgets, and sportsman.
Car owner
She returned in 1971 as a car owner for numerous drivers. She sponsored Ronnie Thomas' Rookie of the Year attempt in 1978.Award
She became the first woman inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of FameInternational Motorsports Hall of Fame
The International Motorsports Hall of Fame is a Hall of Fame dedicated to enshrining those who have contributed the most to auto racing either as a driver, owner, developer or engineer...
in 1999.