Janet Guthrie
Jennifer O’Brien
New Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Artist Statement
Janet Guthrie is an amazing woman. She cracked the glass ceiling in competitive car racing in both Indy Car racing and NASCAR. In 1977 Janet Guthrie was the first woman to qualify and compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the Dayton 500 NASCAR Winston Cup races. She was not a one hit wonder. She was good and even though she was underfunded she raced in over 44 races during her Indy and NASCAR careers with substandard equipment and still had finishes in the top 10. Her main problem was the negative attitude and discrimination of fans and fellow racers. She loves racing and was determined to leave her mark for future women to follow. More women are racing today than ever before.
Woman’s Groundbreaking Accomplishment
In 1977 Janet Guthrie was the first woman to qualify and compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the Dayton 500 NASCAR Winston Cup races where she was top rookie driver. During her short racing career she set records that no other woman in racing match for over 20 years.
Techniques
Pieced and raw edge applique
Materials
100% cotton fabric, wool/poly batting