Janet Guthrie is an American race car driver, known for being the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Born on March 7, 1938, in Iowa City, Iowa, she broke barriers in a male-dominated sport during the 1970s and 1980s. Guthrie began her racing career in the early 1970s and quickly gained recognition for her skills and determination. Throughout her career, she participated in various racing events and earned respect as a pioneer for women in motorsports, inspiring future generations of female drivers.