104 Years Ago: The World’s First Women’s Automobile Race Kicked Off in New York2 photos

104 years ago, the world’s first women’s automobile race took place in New York. There are many interpretations, debates, myths, and opinions regarding the concept of “a woman behind the wheel of a car”. However, despite jokes, anecdotes, and male chauvinism, it is undeniable that women possess everything necessary to succeed in driving a vehicle.

This race was held on January 11, 1909, in the United States. It became history as the first purely female automobile race. Over a dozen cars participated, with competitors starting in New York and heading towards Philadelphia before returning to New York again. Although women had participated in races before, it was always alongside men. For example, in 1901, Camilla du Gas competed in a race between Paris and Berlin but finished in 32nd place.

In the 1920s, Czech athlete Eliska Junkova shone in automobile races, winning 56 cups for victory within just four years. After her husband, a racing driver, died at the Nürburgring, she retired from sports. In the 1960s, rally driver Patricia Moss achieved great success, winning numerous competitions despite getting married and leaving professional racing.

Similar notable female drivers also emerged in Russia and the Soviet Union, with Ilona Alishauskene and Ruta Krickshtamponen being honored as Master of Sports of the USSR in 1988.