Women of the Wheel: DJ Sumirock

Sumiko Iwamuro (1935-present), known as DJ Sumirock, is a Japanese DJ. She worked in her family’s restaurant for decades before deciding to go to DJ school in her seventies. In May 2018, she was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest professional club DJ at 83 years old. She is now 90 y…

Women of the Wheel: Clotho the Spinner

Clotho is a figure from ancient Greek mythology. The youngest of the Three Fates, or Moirai, she spins the thread of human life that decides a soul’s destiny at birth. For Further Reading: The Fates The Fates: Hanging by a Thread Moirai at the Theoi Project This month, we’re talking about Women o…

Women of the Wheel: Margaret Anderson

Margaret Anderson (1959 - present), known as The Ranking Miss P,  was a DJ “spinner” in the 1980s, and the first black female DJ on BBC Radio 1. She brought reggae, soul, funk, and Black British culture into the UK mainstream. Miss P didn’t just play music, she helped redefine what it means to be a…

Women of the Wheel: Ana Delfosse

Ana Delfosse (1931-2017) was an Argentine race-car driver and Formula One mechanic. She worked for Grand Prix champion Juan Fangio who broke speed records and social barriers when she became the first woman to win a pure-speed auto race in Argentina.  For Further Reading:  A frightening turn for f…

Women of the Wheel: Ella Chafee

Ella Chafee (1945-2019) was a professional wheelchair athlete. She competed in the Paralympics three times in fencing, racing, and swimming. She was inducted into the Basketball, Swimming, and Track and Field Hall of Fame.  For Further Reading:  ELLA CHAFEE Paralympian Ella Chafee Dies at 74 Chafe…

Women of the Wheel: Louise Armaindo

Louise Armaindo (c.1861 - 1900) was a Canadian strongwoman, trapeze artist, “pedestrienne”, and record-breaking high-wheel racer. She was one of the first professional women athletes. Though her feats of power and endurance earned her recognition as one of the great athletes of her time years after…

Women of the Wheel: Caroline Lecount

Caroline LeCount (c. 1846-1923) was a teacher and civil rights activist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who successfully fought to desegregate the city’s streetcars. For Further Reading: Caroline LeCount & the Ohio Street School Before Rosa Parks: The fight for Philly transit equity and the Black …

Women of the Wheel: Zinaida Troitskaya

Zinaida Troitskaya (1913-1981) was a Soviet railway engineer and locomotive driver who broke barriers as one of the first women to hold leadership positions in the male-dominated field of rail transportation. She was instrumental in transporting people and supplies during World War II and served as…

Women of the Wheel: Cheryl Glass

Cheryl Glass (1961-1997) was an American driver and one of the first African American female racing drivers. She competed in sprint car driving in the Pacific Northwest and attempted a national level career as well. For Further Reading: The Life and Death of Cheryl Glass The First Lady of Dirt: Th…

Women of the Wheel: Eliska Junková

Eliska Junková  (1900-1994) was a Czech motosport enthusiast and the first woman to win a Grand Prix racing event. She garnered attention for her prowess on the track in what is still a male-dominated sport.  Further Reading: Classic & Sports Car: The Pioneering Miss Bugatti Federation Internation…