Lyn St. James is an American icon in the world of professional auto racing. After humble beginnings racing in a showroom stock Ford Pinto, she would go on to set multiple world speed records and become the 1992 Indy 500 rookie of the year! We sat down with Lyn at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach where she talks about how she progressed through her career. She also talks candidly about her big crash at Riverside International Raceway in an IMSA GTP car, the people that helped her along the way and what it’s like to turn laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Enjoy!
NOTE: In Part Two, St. James talks about her involvement with the “Women in Motorsports North America” program as well as an upcoming special event. We’ll also preview another special event that will be for locals in SoCal at the Petersen Automotive Museum on May 24th, 2023 where she’ll be part of a panel discussion. Be sure to check it out next week for more information!
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2023 Larry Mason
Lyn St. James has parlayed her very successful racing career into a career of helping other racers succeed – especially women in motorsports.
St. James is all smiles in Victory Lane at Watkins Glen after winning in her IMSA GTO Ford Mustang.
St. James leans against the IMSA GTP Ford Probe
St. James at the Amelia Island Concours shows off just a few of the Ford vehicles she raced during her career.
Lyn St. James raced this car to an 11th place finish at the 1992 Indy 500 to win rookie of the year honors. This race was also famous for the close finish between Al Unser Jr. and Scott Goodyear.
St. James (shown here at the 2000 Indy 500) with her mentor, Dick Simon, who was instrumental to her racing success.
Interview Copyright © by Larry Mason Photos courtesy of Lyn St. James