Lyn St. James, American racing driver

Pioneering the Pavement: The Remarkable Career of Lyn St. James

Lyn St. James, born Evelyn Gene Cornwall on March 13, 1947, forged an indelible legacy as an American race car driver, consistently breaking barriers and setting records in the high-octane world of motorsports. Her journey through the racing circuit is a testament to perseverance, skill, and an unwavering passion for speed.

IndyCar Milestones: Breaking Ground at the Brickyard

Among Lyn St. James's most significant achievements was her participation in the prestigious IndyCar series. She made a total of eleven starts in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series and five in the newer Indy Racing League (IRL), showcasing her adaptability and competitive spirit across different open-wheel racing platforms. Her name stands proudly among the elite group of just nine women who have ever qualified for the legendary Indianapolis 500, arguably the most famous race in the world.

Her debut at the iconic Brickyard was particularly historic: at 45 years old, St. James not only qualified but also became the first woman, and to date the oldest driver ever, to clinch the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. This remarkable feat underscored her exceptional talent and fierce determination, proving that age is merely a number when passion fuels the drive.

Endurance Racing Prowess: Victories Across Continents

Beyond the demands of open-wheel racing, Lyn St. James proved equally formidable in the grueling world of endurance competitions. She earned two impressive class victories at the challenging 24 Hours of Daytona, a race renowned for testing both driver and machine to their limits. In 1990, her collaborative skill and speed shone brightly when she secured a GTO class win at the demanding 12 Hours of Sebring, partnering with fellow racers Calvin Fish and Robby Gordon.

St. James's international racing ventures further cemented her reputation. She competed in prestigious European endurance races, including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans in France and the formidable 24 Hours of Nürburgring in Germany. Notably, in 1979, her AMC Spirit AMX team achieved an exceptional performance at the Nürburgring, securing both first and second place in class, a truly dominant display of teamwork and driving ability.

An Advocate for the Future: Life Beyond the Track

Following her active racing career, Lyn St. James transitioned seamlessly into a role as a pivotal advocate and leader within the motorsports community. Recognizing the need to foster opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated field, she founded the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation in 1994. This groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to advancing women in all facets of motorsports, from aspiring drivers to engineers and team personnel, underscoring her profound commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sport she loves.

An inspiring motivational speaker, St. James has also lent her considerable expertise to various prestigious organizations. She has served with distinction on the board of trustees for Kettering University, contributing to academic excellence. Since 2015, her deep understanding of racing regulations and commitment to fairness has been invaluable in her role as an appeal panelist for NASCAR's National Motorsports Appeals Panel, helping to ensure integrity and fair play at the highest levels of stock car racing.

Navigating Adversity: A Notable Incident

Like many who push the limits in high-stakes racing, Lyn St. James's career was not without its moments of significant challenge. In 1986, while driving a Ford Probe during the IMSA LA Times Grand Prix at Riverside International Raceway, she was involved in a substantial accident that also included fellow competitors Chip Robinson and Doc Bundy. This incident served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks and unpredictable nature of professional motorsports, which St. James navigated with courage and resilience throughout her career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lyn St. James

Who is Lyn St. James?

Lyn St. James, born Evelyn Gene Cornwall, is an American former professional race car driver renowned for breaking gender barriers in motorsports, particularly in the IndyCar series and endurance racing.

What are Lyn St. James's major racing achievements?

Her major achievements include being one of only nine women to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, winning the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award at 45 (making her the oldest winner to date), securing two class victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, and winning the GTO class at the 1990 12 Hours of Sebring. She also had significant success in European endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Is Lyn St. James still involved in motorsports?

Yes, Lyn St. James remains highly active in motorsports through her advocacy and leadership roles. She founded the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation in 1994 and has served as an appeal panelist for NASCAR's National Motorsports Appeals Panel since 2015, among other contributions.

What is the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation?

Founded by Lyn St. James in 1994, the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation is an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing women in all areas of motorsports, from driving and engineering to team management and support roles.

When did Lyn St. James debut in professional racing?

While her full professional debut spans various series, her most iconic debut was qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 in 1992, where she also earned the Rookie of the Year award.