On Wednesday, the new nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame were announced. Also announced were the five nominees for the Landmark Award. Among the nominees was Janet Guthrie, the first woman to start in the Daytona 500 in 1977. Guthrie made 33 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1976-1980 and recorded five top 10s.
In the above video, Kyle Petty and Dale Jarrett discuss the importance of Guthrie to the history of NASCAR and how she paved the way for drivers like Danica Patrick.
Below is the nominee list for the Landmark Award.
Jim France: Executive vice president of NASCAR and son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. has played a key role behind the scenes in the sport.
Janet Guthrie: First female to compete in the Daytona 500 (1977).
Alvin Hawkins: NASCAR’s first flagman who helped establish NASCAR racing at Bowman Gray Stadium with NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.
Ralph Seagraves: Formed groundbreaking Winston-NASCAR partnership as executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
Ken Squier: Legendary radio and television broadcaster; inaugural winner / namesake of Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence.