Women pioneers in early motorsport broke gender barriers long before the W Series existed. Drivers like Dorothy Levitt, Camille du Gast, and Odette Siko competed in the 1900s, setting speed records and enduring grueling races. Their courage and skill laid the foundation for modern female racers such as Sarah Moore.
These forgotten heroes faced intense societal opposition but persevered, proving that women could excel in motorsport. Their stories are essential to understanding the evolution of women’s racing and the ongoing fight for equality on the track. For a broader view of global competitions, see world racing.
- Dorothy Levitt (1903-1908) is considered the first female racing driver, setting a women’s world land speed record over 90 mph in 1905 and authoring a book encouraging women to drive.
- Odette Siko became the first woman to race at Le Mans in 1930 and achieved a 4th place finish in 1932, a record for female drivers at the time.
- These pioneers not only competed but also contributed innovations like the rearview mirror (suggested by Levitt) and designed cars suitable for women (Pullinger), leaving a legacy that modern drivers like Sarah Moore continue.
- Their achievements, often accomplished with minimal support and against societal resistance, are preserved by institutions like the National Motor Museum and Racing Pride, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.
The Pioneering Women Who Raced in the Early 1900s
Dorothy Levitt and Camille du Gast: Early Speed Pioneers
Dorothy Levitt and Camille du Gast were among the first women to compete in motorsport. Their careers in the early 1900s set benchmarks for female participation. The series they raced in are explored in depth in exploring international motorsports series.
- Dorothy Levitt (1882–1922) is often considered the first female racing driver. She competed from 1903 to 1908 in events like the Gordon Bennett Cup and Blackpool Speed Trials. In 1905, she set a women’s world land speed record, exceeding 90 mph in a Napier. Levitt authored The Woman and the Car (1909), encouraging women to drive and suggesting innovations like the rearview mirror. (Source: Tires Easy, Females in Motorsport)
- Camille du Gast (1868–1942) became an early motorsport star after her performance in the 1901 Paris-Berlin race. Starting last among 100+ competitors, she finished 33rd in the 1,100 km event, showcasing endurance and skill. She continued racing throughout the early 1900s, proving women could compete with men in grueling long-distance races. (Source: Tires Easy, Mental Floss)
Odette Siko, Bertha Benz, and the Brooklands Circuit
While some pioneers made their mark on the legendary Brooklands circuit, others achieved fame in endurance events or through engineering breakthroughs, illustrating the diverse contributions of women to early motorsport.
- Odette Siko: first woman at Le Mans (1930), 4th place (1932) – a record for female drivers that stood for decades. (Source: Tires Easy, Hagerty UK)
- Bertha Benz: completed first long-distance automobile road trip in 1888, covering 106 km to demonstrate car practicality. (Source: Diehl Automotive)
- Dorothée Pullinger: racer and engineer who managed Galloway Motors and won Scotland’s Six Day Car Trials (1924), designing cars suitable for women. (Source: Exclusive Motorcars)
- Gwenda Hawkes: notable Brooklands competitor in the 1920s-1930s, known for high-speed performances. (Source: Tires Easy)
- Elsie “Bill” Wisdom: Brooklands regular who often won her class against male drivers. (Source: Tires Easy)
- Hellé Nice: prominent French driver in Grand Prix and endurance events during the 1930s. (Source: Tires Easy)
- Samiye Cahid Morkaya: Turkish pioneer who competed and won against male drivers in the early 20th century. (Source: Tires Easy)
Historic Racing Achievements and Records
Speed Records and Distance Milestones
These early records were not just personal triumphs; they were statements about women’s capabilities in a male-dominated field. They set benchmarks that would inspire future generations.
- Dorothy Levitt’s 90+ mph land speed record (1905): Driving a Napier, Levitt exceeded 90 mph at the Blackpool Speed Trials, becoming one of the world’s fastest drivers regardless of gender. The record highlighted women’s ability to master high-performance vehicles. (Source: Tires Easy, Females in Motorsport)
- Bertha Benz’s 100+ km road trip (1888): This 106 km journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim was the first long-distance automobile trip. It demonstrated the car’s practicality and required mechanical skill to overcome breakdowns, setting a precedent for women’s automotive involvement. (Source: Diehl Automotive)
- Camille du Gast’s Paris-Berlin performance (1901): Starting last among 100+ competitors, du Gast finished 33rd in the 1,100 km race across challenging terrain. Her result proved stamina and driving ability in one of motorsport’s earliest major events. (Source: Tires Easy, Mental Floss)
Comparative Achievement Table
The following table summarizes key achievements of these pioneering women:
| Pioneer | Years Active | Major Achievement(s) | Record(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorothy Levitt | 1903-1908 | First female racing driver; author of “The Woman and the Car” | Women’s world land speed record >90 mph (1905) |
| Camille du Gast | 1901-? | Early motorsport star; competed in major long-distance races | 33rd place in 1901 Paris-Berlin race (100+ competitors) |
| Odette Siko | 1930-1932 | First woman at Le Mans; endurance racing competitor | 4th place at Le Mans (1932) – female record for decades |
| Bertha Benz | 1888 | First long-distance automobile road trip | 106 km journey demonstrating car practicality |
| Dorothée Pullinger | 1920s | Racer and engineer; managed Galloway Motors | Winner of Scotland’s Six Day Car Trials (1924) |
| Gwenda Hawkes | 1920s-1930s | Brooklands speed competitor | Notable for high-speed performances at Brooklands |
The table reveals patterns across eras and disciplines. Bertha Benz pioneered in the 1880s, Levitt and du Gast in the early 1900s, Pullinger and Hawkes in the 1920s-30s, and Siko in the early 1930s. Their achievements spanned speed trials, endurance races, circuit racing, and engineering.
Some focused on pure speed (Levitt, Hawkes), others on endurance (du Gast, Siko, Benz) or combined racing with technical work (Pullinger). These records served as proof of women’s capabilities and often stood for years. The diversity of contributions, as noted by Tires Easy, shows women’s impact extended beyond competing to design and advocacy.
How Does Their Legacy Live On in Modern Motorsport?
Innovations and Barrier-Breaking
The early pioneers not only raced but also contributed lasting innovations. Dorothy Levitt suggested the rearview mirror, a crucial safety device that eventually became standard.
According to Females in Motorsport, her idea foreshadowed the importance of driver awareness. This innovation illustrates how racing knowledge contributes to safety, a principle discussed in the role of racing knowledge in safety.
Dorothée Pullinger combined racing with engineering, designing cars specifically for women at Galloway Motors. Her vehicles considered ergonomics and control placement, showing how technology integration can improve performance and accessibility. Pullinger’s work foreshadowed modern approaches where driver feedback directly influences car design, as explored in racing knowledge and technology integration.
These women faced formidable societal barriers. Motorsport was seen as masculine; women were often excluded or ridiculed.
They financed their own races, maintained their own cars, and fought stereotypes. Yet they persevered through skill and determination, slowly chipping away at gender norms and paving the way for future generations.
Sarah Moore: Continuing the Pioneer Legacy in 2026
Sarah Moore embodies the pioneering spirit of those early women in today’s motorsport landscape. As a British professional driver, she has shattered multiple barriers: she was the first female champion in the Britcar Endurance Championship (2018), the first openly LGBTQ+ driver to stand on a podium at a Formula One Grand Prix race weekend (2021), and the first female race winner in the Indian Racing League (November 6, 2023). She also holds the distinction of being the first female winner of a TOCA-sanctioned race and the first female champion of the Ginetta Junior Championship.
Her career exemplifies the pioneering spirit, as detailed in Sarah Moore’s trailblazing career and historic achievements. Motorsport Week highlighted her Britcar victory as a landmark moment for women in British racing.
Beyond her on-track achievements, Moore is an A-level driving instructor (ARDS Grade A) and an ambassador for Racing Pride. She now focuses on racing engineering and training young talent, providing essential racing knowledge for junior drivers to ensure the next generation has the skills to succeed.
Moore’s success also required navigating international motorsports licensing requirements, a complex landscape for any driver. Her ability to compete across series—from Britcar to the W Series to the Indian Racing League—demonstrates the modern driver’s need for versatility and regulatory knowledge, topics covered in international motorsports licensing requirements.
The most surprising aspect of these early pioneers is how much they accomplished with so little institutional support. They financed their own races, maintained their own cars, and often competed in events that explicitly barred women.
Their records—like Levitt’s 90+ mph speed or Siko’s Le Mans 4th place—stood for years, achieved in an era when women couldn’t even vote in many countries. These women were not just athletes; they were engineers, promoters, and innovators who reshaped perceptions of what women could do.
To honor their legacy, visit the National Motor Museum in the UK, which preserves their stories and artifacts. Support organizations like Racing Pride that continue the fight for inclusion in motorsport, ensuring that the pioneering spirit lives on.
By learning about these forgotten heroes, we keep their spirit alive and inspire the next generation of drivers, regardless of gender or identity. Additionally, understanding how racing knowledge enhances fan experience can deepen appreciation for these pioneers’ achievements and the sport’s rich history.
