inducted 1995 – Competitor – Road Racing
Kay Petre raced huge Delages, Alfa Romeos and Austins in Europe before World War II. She was dubbed “Queen of Brooklands” for her daring and speed on the famed British oval. Born Kay Defries in Toronto, but educated and married in England, she regularly drove in the 24-hours of LeMans from 1934 until 1938. She was the first woman ever to become a regular ‘works driver’ when she signed to race for the Austin factory team in 1937.