“To be part of an exhibit about women in racing is such an honor, and to walk through it gave me a renewed spirit and dedication to my love of motorsports,” said Alesi. “As a racer, there is something about being at the track and I had really only felt it before at the drag races. But when I had the opportunity to visit the infield and garages at Daytona, I came home with that same feeling, and I definitely know motorsports is where I belong.”
This exhibit, which recognizes the history, achievements and the future growth of women in automotive racing will be on display until March 2010 before making a five year tour. Legendary drivers such as St. James, Desire Wilson, Shirley Muldowney, Sarah Fisher, Ashley Force-Hood and Danica Patrick are all represented in the exhibition, along with thirty future drivers including Alesi Gerthe. During the ceremony, St. James also announced the donation of her racing archive to The Henry Ford.
A few of the awards presented at the ceremony were:
• 2010 Opportunity Award to Kelley Earnhardt, one of the most prominent businesswomen in NASCAR today.
• 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award to Ashley Force-Hood for her 2009 season in NHRA Funny Car, finishing second in the point standings.
• 2010 USAC Kara Hendrick Spirit Award to young driver, Taylor Ferns, from Shelby Township, MI.
• 2010 Leadership Award, honoring Paul Newman who contributed the first $10,000 to establish the Project Podium Scholarship Fund, was presented to NASCAR President, Mike Helton.
It was also announced that stories from Women in the Winner’s Circle: The Traveling Exhibit are part of the The Henry Ford’s collection and will be featured in the institution’s upcoming permanent exhibition on American auto racing. For more information on the exhibit, please visit: thehenryford.org. and www.lynstjames.com .
