Look out for motorsports' leading ladies of today — they just might race (or drift) their way right into your hearts.
1. Jutta Kleinschmidt
(Photo: Snap Lap)
Best known for being the first woman to claim victory in the longest and toughest rally in the world at Dakar in 2001, Jutta Kleinschmidt's career is far from over. She's still a force to be reckoned with both off- and on-road, such as the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup and Nürburgring 24 Hours.
1. Stina Hübinette
Stina Hübinette drifted into the hearts of millions when she made a Lamborghini do things most people would never dare with an exotic. In the video below, the professional stunt driver gives us a closer look at what went into making Huracán Drift.
3. Danica Patrick
(Photo: NASCAR)
Many argue that Danica Patrick is the most successful woman in U.S. open-wheel racing, ever. In 2013, she was the first woman to win in a NASCAR Spring Cup Series pole, and she holds the only female victory in an IndyCar Series race (2008).
4. Bailey Campbell
She may be the youngest racer in the royal family of Ultra4 Racing, but Bailey Campbell has already conquered the toughest one-day off-road terrain in the world. In 2016, she not only finished the King of The Hammers race, but she placed fifth — the first woman to finish in the top five, and all at the age of 19. Bailey shows a constant improvement in her skills and is certainly one to watch as she grows her career.
5. Hiromi Kajikuma
(Photo: Maru channel)
Widely recognized as the top female drifter in Asia right now. Once you remember Hiromi Kajikuma is also competing in the region of the world where drifting originated, and in a realm of motorsports with zero other female drivers in it's PRO series, it's that much more impressive.
6. Michele Abbate
(Photo: Michele Abbate)
U.S. Majors Tour 2015 champion Michele Abbate has proven time and time again that she belongs on a race track, with numerous awards and victories on her record. Hop in the passenger's seat as she drives her Global Time Attack FR-S at Auto Club Speedway in the 360° virtual reality ride-along below.
7. Courtney Force
(Photo: Motor Authority)
The youngest racer of the family of Funny Car racing is certainly not the weakest; Courtney Force holds the most Funny Car wins of any female driver, previously held by her older sister Ashley. She recently broke the record for the fastest Funny Car run in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) history.
8. Ashley Force Hood
(Photo: Sports Illustrated)
Although she retired from competitive racing a few years ago, we have to pay homage to the OG Force female, Ashley Force Hood — the first woman to ever win a Funny Car event, beating her father and 16-time Funny Car champ, John Force, during the finals in 2008.
9. Sabine Schmitz
(Photo: Most Reliable Car Brands)
Known as "Queen of the Nürburgring" and "the fastest taxi driver in the world," Sabine Schmitz has had a very successful motorsports career, spanning several decades. She now graces the screen on "Top Gear" as their only-ever female host.
10. Jessi Combs
Not only does Jessie hold the title of "Worlds Fastest Woman on Four Wheels" for her record-setting land speed run, reaching speeds up to 440mph, but Jessi is also a decorated off-road racer. After consecutively winning the 4500 class at King of The Hammers three times, it was time for Jessie to move up to the unlimited class. At KOH 2017, Jessi Combs competed in the 4400 class, finished the race, and came in 12th place overall. We were lucky enough to run into her at the 2016 SEMA Show; watch 4:30–6:25 in the video below.
11. Leona Chin
This Malaysian drifter is too good not to mention. Leona Chin is a popular figure in Asian motorsports and lifestyle. She gained viral attention after pulling an epic prank a few years ago involving "unintentional" drifting at driving school.