Grand Marshal, Lyn St. James

Lyn St. James—Co-Founder/President of Women in Motorsports North America, race car driver, author, mentor, motivational speaker

Named one of the “Top 100 Female Athletes of the 20th Century” by Sports Illustrated, Lyn St. James has set 21 speed records and was a seven-time competitor in the Indianapolis 500—earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1992. She has competed all over the world, including twice at the 24 Hours of LeMans (1989, 91) with victories in IMSA’s Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Watkins Glen, and Road America.

A recipient of the many prestigious awards, Lyn was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2022, received the “Spirit of Ford” award, the “Guiding Woman in Sports Award”, the “Office Depot Visionary Sportswoman of the Year” and was named on Automotive News list of the Top 100 Women in the Automotive Industry.

In demand as a speaker on women’s issues, gender equality and diversity, Lyn serves on the board of ACCUS and on their Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She also represents North America on the FIA Women in Motorsports Commission. A former President of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Lyn’s passionate about mentoring young people in the sport of auto racing as well as women in automotive fields.

Celebrating Women in Motorsports 

Lyn St. James will not only serve as Grand Marshal for the VIR SpeedTour weekend, she will play a prominent role at a fundraising dinner at VIR benefiting Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA), an organization she co-founded with Beth Paretta. 

Located in The Gallery, the southern-style dinner will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by St. James, featuring several prominent women in motorsports, including Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport co-owner, Teena Larsen. Larsen will join panelists Connie Nyholm, VIR Owner & CEO; Kim Parella, General Manager of Parella Motorsports Holdings; Michele Abbate, TA2 Series driver and PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship recipient; and Rebecca Moffitt, Executive Director & President of Petty Family Foundation/Petty’s Garage. 

Tickets to attend the dinner are available, and can be purchased here.

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