From Formula 1 to the Indianapolis 500, motorsport often presents itself as a meritocracy, but for much of racing history, women were explicitly and systematically banned from competition. From formal rules to informal “gentlemen’s agreements,” the exclusion of women from the world of speed lasted for decades, shaping who was allowed to compete and who could only watch from the sidelines.

Join award-winning motorsport historian Elizabeth Blackstock for a fascinating look at the ways women were barred from competing in races — and how those women fought back.

We’ll explore everything from national federation bans, license denials, moral refusal, and political climates in order to understand why and how women were discouraged from racing. More importantly, though, we’ll also take a deep look at the persistence and organization required to revoke those bans in order to allow women to get behind the wheel.


#womeninmotorsport #womeninhistory #womenracing #f1 #formula1 #lellalombardi #mariateresadefilippis #janetguthrie #camilledugast #odettesiko #lemans #24hlemans #indycar #indy500

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: ⁠https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys⁠ 

Subscribe on Substack: ⁠https://deadlypassionsterriblejoys.substack.com/⁠ 

Follow DPTJ on BlueSky: @deadlypassions-pod.bsky.social

Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod

Watch on YouTube: @eliz_blackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on BlueSky: @elizablackstock.bsky.social

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Order Racing with Rich Energy: ⁠https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy⁠


Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Elizabeth Blackstock. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Elizabeth Blackstock och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.