Starting top left, clockwise: Janet Guthrie, Danica Patrick, Katherine Legge, Hailie Deegan. All photos from Wiki Commons.
For 78 years, NASCAR has largely been a male-dominated sport. However, a growing number of women are making their mark, challenging established norms and paving the way for future generations. As of 2026, 17 women have started a Cup Series race.
The Trailblazers: Pioneering Women in NASCAR
Janet Guthrie broke significant ground, becoming the first woman to qualify for both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. She competed in 33 Cup Series races between 1976 and 1980. Before her success in stock cars, Guthrie achieved class wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1967 and 1970. Guthrie advocated for young female racers, hoping they wouldn’t face the same sexism she experienced.
Sara Christian holds the distinction of being the first woman to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series race, participating in the inaugural race in 1949. She secured the only top-five finish by a woman in the sport’s highest level at Heidelberg Raceway in Pittsburgh.
Danica Patrick holds the record for the most Cup Series starts by a woman, with 191 starts, including seven in the Daytona 500. She also became the first woman to win an IndyCar race at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan in 2008.
Current Competitors and Rising Stars
Katherine Legge is currently the only woman competing in the Cup Series as of 2026, racing part-time for Live Fast Racing. Natalie Decker competes part-time in the O’Reilly Series and Toni Breidinger races part-time in the Truck Series.
The ARCA series are proving to be a breeding ground for female talent. Hailie Deegan, a three-time race winner, is returning to the ARCA West Series full-time in 2026. Mia Lovell and Isabella Robusto are also competing full-time in the ARCA National Series, while Jade Avedisian and Taylor Reimer are making select starts.
Quinn Davis and Logan Misuraca compete in the ARCA East series, and Regina Sirvent races in the NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series.
Iowa’s Legacy of Female Athletes
Iowa has a strong tradition of producing successful female athletes, including Caitlin Clark, Shawn Johnson, Janet Guthrie, and Shawna Robinson. Robinson made history in 1988 as the first woman to win a NASCAR touring series race in the Dash Series.
Shawna Robinson: A NASCAR First
Robinson followed up her first win with two more in 1989 and made her only Daytona 500 start in 2002, achieving her best career Cup Series finish of 24th place.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in NASCAR
While a woman has yet to win a Cup Series race, the increasing number of talented female drivers working their way through the ranks suggests that a breakthrough could be on the horizon. The dedication and skill of these athletes are challenging the status quo and inspiring a new generation of female racers.
FAQ
Q: How many women have started a NASCAR Cup Series race?
A: 17 women have started a NASCAR Cup Series race as of 2026.
Q: Who was the first woman to race in the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500?
A: Janet Guthrie was the first woman to qualify for and race in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 in 1977.
Q: Who has the most starts in the NASCAR Cup Series by a woman?
A: Danica Patrick has the most starts in the NASCAR Cup Series by a woman, with 191 starts.
Q: Who is the only woman currently competing in the NASCAR Cup Series?
A: Katherine Legge is currently the only woman competing in the NASCAR Cup Series as of 2026.
Did you know? Janet Guthrie was an aerospace engineer before becoming a race car driver.
Want to learn more about the history of motorsports? Read more about Janet Guthrie on Wikipedia.
Share your thoughts! Who do you think will be the first woman to win a NASCAR Cup Series race? Leave a comment below!
