Cause of death Cancer Name Louise Smith Last race 1952 (Morristown) | First race 1949 (Daytona Beach) Best finish 63rd (1949) Role Racing driver | |
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Born July 31, 1916
Barnesville, Georgia, United States ( 1916-07-31 ) Awards International Motorsports Hall of Fame (1999)
Member of the "Living Legends" Racing Club in Daytona Beach
Member of "The Old Timer's" Racing Club in Archdale, North Carolina
Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame Died April 15, 2006, Greenville, South Carolina, United States Education Winston-Salem State University | ||
Fearless the story of racing legend louise smith
Louise Smith (July 31, 1916 in Barnesville, Georgia – April 15, 2006) was tied for the second woman to race in NASCAR at the top level. She was known as "the first lady of racing."
Contents
- Fearless the story of racing legend louise smith
- Fearless the story of racing legend louise smith picture book trailer
- Car owner
- Award
- NASCAR
- References
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. 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.
Fearless the story of racing legend louise smith picture book trailer
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 Fame in 1999.
NASCAR
(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)