While the number of women in motorsport has evolved slowly over the decades, racing is still a predominantly male-dominated field – but believe it or not, an all-female pit team actually helped propel their riders to the classic car championship ARCA in 1987. Bill Venturini and the All- Blue Crew made history back in the day, helping to pave the way for future women to enter the world of motorsport.
In case you lost it:
Venturini has already made a name for himself in the ARCA classic racing with a career that began with his debut in 1982 and ended after his retirement in 1996 – although he competed in a number of races. NASCAR-approved races in all three series.
Part of the inspiration for the Ultra Blue Crew came from Cathy, Venturini’s wife, who was with Bill throughout his racing career. When the crew needed help, Cathy Venturini wasn’t afraid to help in any way she could. Then, when the couple was in a race, the idea of an all-female crew became appealing from a marketing perspective, according to ARCA website:
In 1982, Bill and Cathy Venturini went to the Daytona International Speedway for the first time to compete against the ARCA Menards Series. It was during their long drive home from Daytona when the idea of what would eventually become the Ultra Blue Crew came into focus.
“It was an 18-hour trip; We have a lot to talk about,” said Bill Venturini. “I said to her, ‘You know, we have to find a way to get a sponsor.’ But there are thousands of people racing in Florida in February. Why would someone want to spend money with us when there are so many others?
“There are many boats of talented racers racing. So how do you make money for yourself if you are as good as them? You have to do something that makes someone want to spend money with you.”
The conversation quickly turned to Cathy Venturini’s direct involvement with the group.
“We started talking, and because she was so involved, we were like, ‘Well, maybe we can have an all-female bunker team,’” Bill Venturini said. “That’s how it started.”
You can check out a great recap video below, compiled by NASCAR:
The initial search for an all-female crew didn’t go as planned, but by the end of 1982, a group of women were able to practice pit stops and hit the market as they hone their skills. me. The Venturinis had shelved the idea for a while, unable to pay for so many women – until Sports Illustrated showed interest in writing an all-female crew feature. Venturini found a sponsor — Permatex — to help fund the second step of the venture. It was in that second attempt that Venturini and Ultra Blue Crew won the 1987 ARCA Championship.
You can watch the video above or read this incredible story on ARCA website for more information about his historic crew. Simply put, though, Venturini and his Ultra Blue Crew have helped turn the tide for women in the classic car world — and for women in motorsport in general.
