Fast Ladies
By Jean-Françoise Bouzanquet
Women play the most crucial role in human life as mothers of us all, and many have enjoyed starring roles as monarchs throughout history, but too many have lived lives subservient to their men. In racing, however, this reality ensures that a woman who makes a name for herself does it solely on skill and talent.
Despite an occasional clichéd and condescending characterization, Bouzanquet’s efforts are extensive and illuminative, chronicling with insight and enthusiasm the exploits of these racing ladies. He begins with Bertha Benz, wife of Karl, who became the first woman to drive solo upon taking her kids for a secret ride to grandma’s house in 1888. Ten years later came the Duchess d’Uzes, both the first licensed woman driver and the first ticketed for speeding; but the first lady racer was Camille du Gast, who finished 33rd of 122 entries in the 1901 Paris–Berlin race.
Elisabeth Junek, who nearly won the Targa Florio in 1928, is given her due, along with the likes of Annie Soisbault, Pat Moss, Denise McCluggage, and Michelle Mouton. Maria Teresa de Filippis heads the list of Grand Prix girls, where Divina Galica, Desire Wilson, and Lella Lombardi, the only woman ever to score F1 points, are also found.
All these tales and many more are illustrated with exquisite period photography that only embellishes the finished work. Available for US$59.95 at leading specialty bookstores, or directly from the publisher, Veloce Books, 011-44-1305-260068, or at www.veloce.co.uk
