Who will be the first woman to win a NASCAR race?

Who will be the first woman to win in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition?

  • Alli Owens

    Votes: 2 11.1%

  • Chrissy Wallace

    Votes: 7 38.9%

  • Megan Reitenour

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Neither (or) won't happen.

    Votes: 9 50.0%
  • Total voters
    18
D

Digger

Guest
It's going to happen and right now, I think there's a revolution being led by three young and very talented drivers. Who's it going to be?

Will it be ARCA drive Alli Owens from Daytona?

Will it be Chrissy Wallace, the daughter of Mike Wallace?

Or, will it be the now 16 y/o Megan Reitenour from Ohio?
 
FOR THE RECORD

I say all three will win races, but Chrissy will come first. She'll be in Cup by 2011 methinks with Alli Owens right behind her. Megan will be in Cup in 2012.

Just watch, these three women will go down as the leaders of a revolution in racing. See what Danica Patrick did for Indy? Bunny Burkett, Shirley Muildowney and now Ashley Force in drag racing? It's coming to NASCAR, it's just a matter of time.
 
Win a race?

My dad used to say "even a blind hog can sometimes find an acorn"! The question should be...which female will win with equality to the males she is racing with?
Betsy:rolleyes:
 
Bucky Badger said:
You forgot Danica:p
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Danica ain't got a tourtise's shot at winning in NASCAR. She can race an open wheel IndyCar. She thinks the weight rule in IRL is bs, I'd love to see her whine and cry about racing a COT car.

She'd come to NASCAR and whine and cry. Man, if she thought that trife with Wheldon was a big deal, I wonder what she's gonna do when she gets wrecked by Tony Stewart as he's coming to put her down a 6th lap.

Alli and Chrissy could beat Danica in a racecar on or off the track. IRL is one thing, NASCAR is another.
 
It's a shame that no matter how qualified a woman can be, her chances of winning a race in the top ranked series is slim to none with more leaning towards the none. So what's the problem? Equipment. Let's say that some hotshot girl got a seat in the vacated #43 car, what do you think that press and fans would say? I'll venture to say that other than the world ending tomorrow, there would be a huge fan base, probably lead by Andy, that would say this girl would win within 20 races. Hmmm, how long has Bobby Labonte been driving that car and he hasn't won? He hasn't even gotten close, but emotions would say that a girl could win soon.

Is Rick Hendrick going to hire her? How about Roush? RCR? Gibbs? No, not in the premier series. They haven't even done much in the lower series, but several ladies have given it a shot and come away with nothing. If those mega-teams won't give a girl a shot, what chance does she have? And it's a shame because Jack Roush has had a top quality female driver in the distant past. Lyn St. James was a championship quality driver and has tried her hand in NASCAR, but without anything close to success.

I will never say that women can't compete against men in racing because one woman, Shirley Muldowny took on the best and beat them heads up. How did she do it? She had the equipment and I mean the very best one could buy. Drag racing isn't the only series that has had women beating the men. As mentioned, Lyn St. James, driving for Jack Roush, was a top driver in the SCCA series and also drove in the Indy 500 and has I believe, a start or two in NASCAR's top series, but again, without any success.

If Chrissy Wallace has any success, she'll have to overcome a lot more than just trying to get a quality ride. It was even her father who took out the last quality female driver in a Busch race where he questioned her ability. Funny how things can come back like this.
 
buckaroo said:
It's a shame that no matter how qualified a woman can be, her chances of winning a race in the top ranked series is slim to none with more leaning towards the none. So what's the problem? Equipment. Let's say that some hotshot girl got a seat in the vacated #43 car, what do you think that press and fans would say? I'll venture to say that other than the world ending tomorrow, there would be a huge fan base, probably lead by Andy, that would say this girl would win within 20 races. Hmmm, how long has Bobby Labonte been driving that car and he hasn't won? He hasn't even gotten close, but emotions would say that a girl could win soon.

Is Rick Hendrick going to hire her? How about Roush? RCR? Gibbs? No, not in the premier series. They haven't even done much in the lower series, but several ladies have given it a shot and come away with nothing. If those mega-teams won't give a girl a shot, what chance does she have? And it's a shame because Jack Roush has had a top quality female driver in the distant past. Lyn St. James was a championship quality driver and has tried her hand in NASCAR, but without anything close to success.

I will never say that women can't compete against men in racing because one woman, Shirley Muldowny took on the best and beat them heads up. How did she do it? She had the equipment and I mean the very best one could buy. Drag racing isn't the only series that has had women beating the men. As mentioned, Lyn St. James, driving for Jack Roush, was a top driver in the SCCA series and also drove in the Indy 500 and has I believe, a start or two in NASCAR's top series, but again, without any success.

If Chrissy Wallace has any success, she'll have to overcome a lot more than just trying to get a quality ride. It was even her father who took out the last quality female driver in a Busch race where he questioned her ability. Funny how things can come back like this.
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I agree. But, I think IF ANYBODY can close the gender gap, it's Chrissy. She's got the talent and she's got a name. Will Roush hire her? No. Will Hendrick? No.

I think Gibbs would, but he has three quality drivers as it is. She's got Tony's support. I also would like to remind everybody that Joe Gibbs tried, with no success, to get a WNFL and said he's start a team. NFL didn't like his idea.

The difference is, NASCAR embraces diversity. Germain Racing is a quality truck team, they work with Toyota. Right now, they're committed to running Chrissy in more races.

I wouldn't rule out KHI hiring her for NNS either.

Alli Owens is another one who's proving herself. I think she'll be in Sprint Cup by the time she's 23.

The thing is, look at what Shirley and Bunny and Ashley did for drag racing? Danica Patrick put the IRL back on the map. She's the most popular driver every year she's running.

If a driver has a big enough fanbase, owners will embrace them. Danica races for the best IRL team. Chrissy Wallace will absorb enough of a fanbase in the Wallace family alone. If she makes a Daytona start, the MSM will eat it up. Chrissy is, I think, the first quality female driver with a chance of being in Sprint Cup competition before she's washed up. That's the key.

Patty and Shawna were good drivers, they just got their shot way too late.

If I were an owner, I'd hire Chrissy or Alli in a New York Minute. Having been to New York, I can tell you that's a fast minute.
 
buckaroo said:
It's a shame that no matter how qualified a woman can be, her chances of winning a race in the top ranked series is slim to none with more leaning towards the none. So what's the problem? Equipment. Let's say that some hotshot girl got a seat in the vacated #43 car, what do you think that press and fans would say? I'll venture to say that other than the world ending tomorrow, there would be a huge fan base, probably lead by Andy, that would say this girl would win within 20 races. Hmmm, how long has Bobby Labonte been driving that car and he hasn't won? He hasn't even gotten close, but emotions would say that a girl could win soon.
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You're right, Petty's not a quality ride. But, like I said, there's only so much these owners can overlook.

Why did Rick Hendrick hire Junyer? He sure as hell ain't a better driver than Shrub, but he's got a remarkable fanbase. If Joe Gibbs hired Chrissy tomorrow, I guarantee you you would see a LARGE fanbase follow suit.

And I don't think anybody will be trying to wreck her out because she's a women. I think we've all seen that all of the Wallaces have tempers. :D
 
AndyMarquisLIVE said:
You're life's going to end within the next 5 years? :eek:
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NO and who is going to win a Cup race in the next 5 years? There isn't even a woman close to being at the Cup level right now. Be realistic Andy, even that Wallace girl has only 1 Truck race under her belt on a little half mile track. I'd like to see what she can do at Dega drafting at 190!
 
AndyMarquisLIVE said:
I agree. But, I think IF ANYBODY can close the gender gap, it's Chrissy. She's got the talent and she's got a name. Will Roush hire her? No. Will Hendrick? No.

I think Gibbs would, but he has three quality drivers as it is. She's got Tony's support. I also would like to remind everybody that Joe Gibbs tried, with no success, to get a WNFL and said he's start a team. NFL didn't like his idea.

The difference is, NASCAR embraces diversity. Germain Racing is a quality truck team, they work with Toyota. Right now, they're committed to running Chrissy in more races.

I wouldn't rule out KHI hiring her for NNS either.

Alli Owens is another one who's proving herself. I think she'll be in Sprint Cup by the time she's 23.

The thing is, look at what Shirley and Bunny and Ashley did for drag racing? Danica Patrick put the IRL back on the map. She's the most popular driver every year she's running.

If a driver has a big enough fanbase, owners will embrace them. Danica races for the best IRL team. Chrissy Wallace will absorb enough of a fanbase in the Wallace family alone. If she makes a Daytona start, the MSM will eat it up. Chrissy is, I think, the first quality female driver with a chance of being in Sprint Cup competition before she's washed up. That's the key.

Patty and Shawna were good drivers, they just got their shot way too late.

If I were an owner, I'd hire Chrissy or Alli in a New York Minute. Having been to New York, I can tell you that's a fast minute.
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Buck is right none of the Big teams will ever take on a femaler Driver when they can develop a young kid like a Joey Logano or Jeffrey Earnhardt who has established roots in the sport. Chrissy Wallace might be a good short track racer, even be able to drive a truck at some tracks, but i highly doubt she will ever have a shot at Cup in a quality ride, never mind win at that level. Women in Nascars' premeire series just won't happen. There is way too much risk for a sponsor and car owner to put a woman in a high profile ride at the this level, not going to happen in my opinion.
 
Mopardh9 said:
Buck is right none of the Big teams will ever take on a femaler Driver when they can develop a young kid like a Joey Logano or Jeffrey Earnhardt who has established roots in the sport. Chrissy Wallace might be a good short track racer, even be able to drive a truck at some tracks, but i highly doubt she will ever have a shot at Cup in a quality ride, never mind win at that level. Women in Nascars' premeire series just won't happen. There is way too much risk for a sponsor and car owner to put a woman in a high profile ride at the this level, not going to happen in my opinion.
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You have got to be kidding. What makes you think a woman can't get the job done? She has to be as good as Steven. I would say she could take on little Jeffery Earnhardt too.
 
I don't know if you guys know or not, but Germain is Headquartered here in Columbus. They've got like three Chrissy Wallace truck commercials running right now. (I'm sure they're running in their other markets too). So, I would expect her to be running full-time no later than next season. They're building her up as quite the spokesperson for Toyota trucks specifically.

As far as Megan Reitenour goes, I would expect to see her in open wheel before NASCAR. She's headed the stock car route right now, but Miamisburg isn't far away from Columbus, where Rahal-Letterman is located, and we're all fully aware of her around here because of it. Rahal's adament about finding another successful Ohio driver, and has been on record commenting about how he was very upset he missed out on Sam Hornish Jr. I have ZERO inside info, but Bobby's got Letterman's money, and Mid-West pride behind him (Dave's from Indiana), so I would expect if she's any good as people think she'll be - Dave and Bobby are going to throw some money at her. :)

ANYWAY - after all that babble, I actually agree with Buck. I don't doubt AT ALL the talent is there. (Heck, I think there's plenty of drivers running dirt tracks that just need a shot in a good car and they'd be competitive) However, getting a ride, and making sure it's not a publicity stunt, but actually a quality ride making a run at a Championship is something we may not ever see a woman get.
 
tkj24 said:
You have got to be kidding. What makes you think a woman can't get the job done? She has to be as good as Steven. I would say she could take on little Jeffery Earnhardt too.
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See I agree with tkj to a certain extent. A woman can get the job done if that job is washing dishes, mopping floors or having babies. Otherwise...

And as to me I'm a
695125.jpg
 
They should have never let women drive anyway. Or vote for that matter.
 
This is a very smart, well thought out post.
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Yea, just like the thread. You know better than to start a thread like this. I'll let all of you in on a secret. WOMEN CAN'T AND SHOULD NOT DRIVE RACE CARS.
 
sledge said:
Yea, just like the thread. You know better than to start a thread like this. I'll let all of you in on a secret. WOMEN CAN'T AND SHOULD NOT DRIVE RACE CARS.
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I've seen Shirley Muldowney do some amazing things in a race car. Same with local legend Bunny Burkett.

So, I respectfully disagree with that assumption. Chrissy and Alli are both amazing drivers, and I think they'll both be factors in the future.
 
sledge said:
Yea, just like the thread. You know better than to start a thread like this. I'll let all of you in on a secret. WOMEN CAN'T AND SHOULD NOT DRIVE RACE CARS.
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How many DNFs does Kyle have this year? How many wrecks has he, himself, caused. I've counted 3 at Martinsville in Trucks alone.
 
True. Maybe there is something about Kyles gender we don't know about.

I was just trying to stir the pot. I'm a fan of Danica and hope C. Wallace does well.
 
sledge said:
True. Maybe there is something about Kyles gender we don't know about.

I was just trying to stir the pot. I'm a fan of Danica and hope C. Wallace does well.
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I'm a Danica fan but I don't think she'd have a blind shot in hell in NASCAR.
 
AndyMarquisLIVE said:
I'm a Danica fan but I don't think she'd have a blind shot in hell in NASCAR.
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I think again it goes back to equipment and in a case like Danica, Crew Cheif. She'd need a very experienced, patient Crew leader to get her through her first couple of seasons of spinning out and finishing at the back. :) I don't think she'd make a Championship run, but with the right car and team, she'd win a race within her first three/four seasons. I mean really, out of all the women mentioned here, she's the closest to actually making it happen. Erin Crocker appeared to be, but it was finally realised she was just some influential guy's girlfriend, another has a famous last name, and still another is sixteen and racing ARCA trucks. I'm not taking anything away from any of the latter females, (they're closer than I'll ever be) but like it or not, Danica's realistically the closest - and she's not even in the series. So, I think that even underlines more that we're probably a long away from this becoming a reality.
 
Oh, I love this thread. Reminds me of what got me into talk radio way back in the early 80's. You have to have something that will get a reaction from the public in order to get good ratings. I don't have a doubt at all that a woman can accomplish what every Cup champion has as far as talent wise. But the problem is, as has been stated, getting the ride. Forget about gender for a minute and let's just look at a past Cup champion, Bobby Labonte. Driving for Petty, he's having one hell of a problem not just winning races, but qualifying for them. But let's put him in a car that is capable of winning, ala RCR's Busch, no wait, Nationwide Series car, and what happens? We aren't talking about your average journeyman Cup driver here, but a real champ.

Here's the thing, it's not just talent that puts a driver into the seat of a car, but now, it also takes marketablity. We know now that marketability of Danica, but with only race under her belt in the truck series, Chrissy Wallace has zilch as far as marketability. She needs something to set her apart from the others, and by others, we're talking about women. She's not going to get a year or two to accomplish this such as those drivers who have already a market name, such as Dario, Hornish etc. Even Marcos Ambrose has a bit more marketability, but he is fading fast unless he begins to win. Today, it doesn't matter what your ability is, it's what can you do for the sponsor, but of course, you still have to have the ability to drive and driver better than the rest. If Chrissy is to survive, she's going to have to set the truck series on fire with good finishes and above all, something in front of the camera that will get people excited. If she stays in the shadows, she will never succeed and will fade not slowly, but quickly.
 
AndyMarquisLIVE said:
I heard Danica herself say she wants to race in NASCAR, if she can get a good ride.
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I asked her personally on a Go-Daddy web interview and she said she had no plans on going in NASCAR. She likes IndyCar and she says she wants to win the Indy 500 and the IndyCar Series Championship.

Plus during an interview about a week ago, she again expressed no interest.
 
DanicaRules said:
I asked her personally on a Go-Daddy web interview and she said she had no plans on going in NASCAR. She likes IndyCar and she says she wants to win the Indy 500 and the IndyCar Series Championship.

Plus during an interview about a week ago, she again expressed no interest.
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That's NOT what she told FOX News.
 
I thought she had changed her mind about coming to Nascar. I didn't think she was serious about it earlier. Appeared to be more for the publicity than anything.
She wanted to stay where she was at.
I've been out of the loop for a while, so I don't know. :D
 
AndyMarquisLIVE said:
How many DNFs does Kyle have this year? How many wrecks has he, himself, caused. I've counted 3 at Martinsville in Trucks alone.
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but u feel he's a better driver than JR. :rolleyes: Yes kyle's got alot of talent and yes JR. has alot of his fanbase because of his dad but stats wise JR. is the better driver.
 
Interesting thread ,in fact after being a long time lurker it inspired me to join .

Starting with the question in the original post and the possibiltiy of said female drivers to win in NASCAR .

Alli Owens i have watched race off and on since she started out at Volusia County and New Smyrna . I have to wonder why anyone would think a driver that was never able to win a single feature race in a street stock , mini stock or limited late model would be able to win in NASCAR ?

Megan Reitenour is young and as far as i know has never competed in anything above lawn mower engine powered vehicles . I do know she is planning on running ARCA trucks this season where i will see her run . Until Megan runs a season in a full sized car i dont see how anyone can make the leap from Briggs and Stratton to Bristol .

Chrissy Wallace has run several divisions including Bandolero , Legends and a single season of limited late models at Hickory . I did notice that when she was moved up from novice to semi pro to pro in the Legends she was unable to win in the legends top division . Chrissy was able to score two wins in the limited late models at Hickory but when you have NASCAR Cup engine builders putting together your stuff and Cup drivers doing your set ups i would hope you could win a couple of times at a Saturday night show in a limited late model class . I do question her fathers judgement in moving Chrissy into the CTS after a single season at Hickory since they have the resources to run her in the USAR , NASCAR East or some lower level touring series . Moving these young drivers male or female up too fast almost always leads to failure .

I see no female driver in the forseeable future that is capable of winning in NASCAR even if she was given the best of equiptment .
 
tkj24 said:
You have got to be kidding. What makes you think a woman can't get the job done? She has to be as good as Steven. I would say she could take on little Jeffery Earnhardt too.
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not even close
 
buckaroo said:
Oh, I love this thread. Reminds me of what got me into talk radio way back in the early 80's. You have to have something that will get a reaction from the public in order to get good ratings. I don't have a doubt at all that a woman can accomplish what every Cup champion has as far as talent wise. But the problem is, as has been stated, getting the ride. Forget about gender for a minute and let's just look at a past Cup champion, Bobby Labonte. Driving for Petty, he's having one hell of a problem not just winning races, but qualifying for them. But let's put him in a car that is capable of winning, ala RCR's Busch, no wait, Nationwide Series car, and what happens? We aren't talking about your average journeyman Cup driver here, but a real champ.

Here's the thing, it's not just talent that puts a driver into the seat of a car, but now, it also takes marketablity. We know now that marketability of Danica, but with only race under her belt in the truck series, Chrissy Wallace has zilch as far as marketability. She needs something to set her apart from the others, and by others, we're talking about women. She's not going to get a year or two to accomplish this such as those drivers who have already a market name, such as Dario, Hornish etc. Even Marcos Ambrose has a bit more marketability, but he is fading fast unless he begins to win. Today, it doesn't matter what your ability is, it's what can you do for the sponsor, but of course, you still have to have the ability to drive and driver better than the rest. If Chrissy is to survive, she's going to have to set the truck series on fire with good finishes and above all, something in front of the camera that will get people excited. If she stays in the shadows, she will never succeed and will fade not slowly, but quickly.[/

Not just good finsihes, she will have to win more than one race at the truck level in order to be considered a legitimate driver a Major team might take a chance at. She can look good in a bikini, be great in front of the camera, do awesome interviews, but if she can't win races it won't matter how good she is. I'll even go as far to say she will have to win at the Nationwide level and be a contender for the Championship before she would be considered for a great ride at the Cup level. There is no way in hell a major player in Cup is going to take a chance on a woman driver with the amount of money involved. They are all gun shy at this time because there has not been any women to come up and be the one that lights the world on fire. So i will say it again, this will not happen in my lifetime, and i plan on living another 40-50 years.
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