08/26/2024
This iconic photograph captures Kay Petre alongside the formidable 1924 Delage, a 10.5-liter V12 Land Speed Record car that she raced against her male counterparts. Despite her petite stature, Kay ingeniously used wooden blocks strapped to the pedals to reach them. In May 1935, she set the Ladies Land Speed Record, reaching an astonishing 134.75 mph in this very car.
Kay Petre was not your typical racing driver of the 1930s. Standing at just over five feet tall, she might have seemed out of place among the towering machines and towering men of the era’s racing circuits. But what Kay lacked in physical stature, she more than made up for in skill, determination, and an unyielding passion for speed.
Born in Toronto in 1903, Kay Petre's journey into the world of motorsport was as unexpected as it was groundbreaking. She moved to England in the 1920s after marrying aviator Henry Petre, and it wasn’t long before she discovered her love for fast cars. Despite racing being a male-dominated sport, Kay quickly made a name for herself on the track. Her charm, combined with her fearless driving style, earned her respect among her peers and admiration from fans.
One of the most memorable chapters in Kay’s racing career came in 1935, behind the wheel of the monstrous 1924 Delage. Originally designed as a Land Speed Record car, the Delage was a beast of a machine, powered by a 10.5-liter V12 engine that roared like thunder. It was not a car for the faint of heart, yet Kay was undeterred by its intimidating presence.
Because of her petite stature, Kay faced a unique challenge: she couldn’t reach the pedals. But where others might have seen a roadblock, Kay saw an opportunity for innovation. She had large wooden blocks strapped to the pedals, allowing her to operate the car with precision. This clever solution became a defining feature of her time with the Delage.
In May 1935, Kay took the Delage to the Brooklands race track, a place known for pushing both drivers and machines to their limits. The stakes were high as she aimed to break the Ladies Land Speed Record. With the thunderous roar of the V12 engine echoing across the track, Kay pushed the Delage to an incredible 134.75 mph, smashing the previous record and securing her place in racing history.
The photograph taken during this time has since become the most famous image of Kay Petre, capturing not just a moment in time but the spirit of a trailblazing woman who defied the odds. Her achievement wasn’t just about speed; it was about breaking barriers and showing the world that talent and determination know no gender.
Kay’s racing career continued to flourish throughout the 1930s, but her legacy extends far beyond her victories on the track. She remains an enduring symbol of courage and innovation, a reminder that the true measure of a person’s capabilities lies not in their size or gender, but in the size of their dreams and the strength of their resolve.