A tireless advocate for supporting women in her field, Lyn St. James co-founded Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) in 2022 and has held the position of president at the organization since. As prominently proclaimed in its name, this nonprofit fosters opportunities for women within the motorsports industry.
Ms. St. James has worked to expand access, mentorship and visibility for women pursuing careers in a traditionally male field. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing programs and partnerships that support aspiring female professionals across all facets of motorsports. She has also operated her eponymous business, Lyn St. James, since 1979, offering her services as a professional speaker and business consultant. With insight rooted in her own experiences breaking barriers, she delivers motivational presentations and provides strategic guidance to organizations and individuals, encouraging others to challenge social expectations.
Ms. St. James’ current endeavors are born of her extensive history in motorsports, including more than 20 years as a race car driver for the International Motor Sports Association LLC and the Sports Car Club of America. She has competed in a wide range of events, including the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500, which she participated in seven times. For more than 10 years, Ms. St. James was associated with Ford Motor Company as a factory race car driver and consumer adviser. Prior to the creation of WIMNA, she founded the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and led the group as president for more than 30 years. She has additionally served as an ambassador and adviser for the Hagerty Education Program (now known as the RPM Foundation), a representative for the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Women in Sports Commission, and president of the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Among her many accomplishments, Ms. St. James remains especially proud of her performance as a race car driver. She was named Rookie of the Year at the Indianapolis 500 in 1992, becoming the first woman to earn that honor and only the second woman to ever compete in the prestigious event. In recognition of her achievements, Ms. St. James has been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Sebring Hall of Fame, the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. She was named one of the Top 100 Women in Automotive by Automotive News in 2010 and has received such honors as a NASCAR Industry Ambassador Award, an Automotive Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award and a Guiding Women in Sports Award, among others.
With her own intuition sharpened by overcoming polio as an infant, Ms. St. James also credits her mother’s extraordinary influence for shaping her career decisions. She views her entry into motorsports as a series of pivotal moments rather than a predetermined path. In 1973, Ms. St. James was powerfully affected when she attended the 24 Hours of Daytona event, which led to her pursuing competition school one year later. What started as a hobby evolved into a professional pursuit marked by perseverance.
Ms. St. James was also inspired by the advocacy of Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis player and founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation — where Ms. St. James would later serve as president. Dedicated to supporting future generations of drivers, she has spearheaded development programs that have benefited such renowned athletes as Erin Crocker, Sarah Fisher and Danica Patrick.
In addition to her racing career, Ms. St. James is an accomplished writer. She has written multiple books, including 1984’s “Lyn St. James’s Car Owner’s Manual for Women,” 2002’s “The Ride of Your Life: A Racecar Driver’s Journey,” and 2010’s “Lyn St. James: An Incredible Journey.” Ms. St. James has authored articles for such publications as Working Woman and Sports Illustrated for Women. In 2019, she contributed to “The Sports Business Handbook: Insights from 100+ Leaders Who Shaped 50 Years of the Industry,” alongside many other noteworthy professional athletes, coaches, team owners, media personalities and administrators.
In her personal life, Ms. St. James has embraced the joy of becoming a grandmother, regarding it as a gift and affirmation to see her granddaughter thrive. She also finds comfort in music, taking piano lessons, hiking in the mountains and walking on beaches.
As she looks ahead, Ms. St. James envisions the significant impact that WIMNA can make through successful grant programs and continued growth with her leadership. She remains committed to creating lasting change through her philanthropy within motorsports. Ms. St. James has demonstrated resilience, vision and dedication throughout her decades-spanning career, leaving an indelible mark on motorsports while inspiring countless other women to pursue their ambitions regardless of obstacles or social expectations. Her fondest hope is to witness a woman driver win the Indianapolis 500 — a milestone she believes is within reach.