Any time is a good time to recognize women in racing, but it seems particularly fitting that the first woman ever to reach the podium at the Daytona 200 did so during Women’s History Month. And she’s only 18.
Motorsports history was made at Daytona International Speedway on March 7th when 18-year-old Kayla Yaakov became the first woman in the 84-year history of the Daytona 200 to stand on the podium, breaking a barrier in one of America’s most iconic motorcycle races.
Competing against a field of elite international riders, Yaakov delivered a breakthrough performance, making a decisive late-race pass on veteran rider Darryn Binder to secure third place and cement her place in the history books.
The race may be over, but this busy attraction has more in store; and if your group is in the area, Daytona offers copious private event space, including the luxe Daytona 500 Club.
If IndyCar racing is more your speed—it was for Danica Patrick, winner of the 2008 Indy Japan 300—it might surprise you to hear that the Las Vegas Grand Prix is helmed by a team of women, including President & CEO Emily Prazer, who is also the Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1.
The Grand Prix will be raced in November and your group can have primo views at Grand Prix Plaza, offering indoor event spaces, a rooftop and 39 acres of outdoor space, with sweeping views of the race as well as the Las Vegas Strip.
Women Take the Wheel
Learn more about women at the wheel at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI, which is celebrating Women’s History Month with a great lineup of special programs and performances.
Free 30-minute Tour | Herstory: Celebrating Women’s History
Daily at 1 p.m., starts in Museum Plaza
An engaging tour honoring remarkable women who shaped history. Be inspired by the stories of women who defied norms, shattered glass ceilings and left a mark on our world.
Story Stroll | “What Emma Wrote: The Woman Behind the Words on the Statue of Liberty”
Daily, starting near Made In America: Manufacturing and With Liberty and Justice for All
In this month’s featured book, the museum honors the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding as author Ann Diament Koffsky and illustrator N. Tarcan take visitors on a poetic journey following the biography of the woman who wrote the now-famous poem seen on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
Victoria Christopher Murray Author Talk, Harlem Rhapsody
Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m. in Anderson Theater
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Seats are limited.
In this inspiring presentation, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray will discuss her newest work of historical fiction, Harlem Rhapsody (2025), a powerful novel that brings to life the people, ideas and cultural momentum that shaped one of the most influential movements in American history—the Harlem Renaissance. The program will conclude with a Q&A session and book signing.
Giant Screen Experience
In partnership with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA), the Henry Ford Museum also is screening two featured documentaries.
Shirley (2024)
March 22 at 4:45 p.m.
Shirley features Shirley Muldowney, also known professionally as “Cha Cha” and the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” who was the first woman to receive a license from the National Hot Rod Association to drive a Top Fuel dragster.
Paula Murphy: Undaunted (2023)
March 28 at 4:45 p.m.
Paula Murphy: Undaunted is a tribute to legendary Studebaker driver Paula Murphy, known for her record-setting speed runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats and her journey to becoming “Miss STP,” despite challenges and stereotypes she faced.
*Admission is free to the public. Seats will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacities are limited.
