The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival has named racing driver Lyn St. James, the 1992 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, its grand marshal for 2022. The third annual event is scheduled for Oct. 14-16.
St. James started her career in 1973 as an amateur Sports Car Club of America competitor while living and working in Florida.
She eventually turned pro and went on to race in 53 SCCA Trans-Am races (scoring seven top-five finishes) and 62 IMSA GT races (earning seven wins).
St. James also became the only woman to win an IMSA GT race driving solo (Watkins Glen in 1985).
She found her niche in Indy Car competition, racing in the Indy 500 seven times in nine years and claiming the 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year honors in her first Indy Car race.
The former piano teacher and business owner held 21 international and national closed circuit speed records over a 20-year period.
The Arizona resident has competed at the 24 Hours of LeMans, the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Goodwood Revival and other major events and has been featured in Sports Illustrated and numerous other publications.
Proceeds from the 2022 festival will support The NeuroScience Innovation Foundation and CHI Memorial Neuroscience Center.
The event will feature three days of family-friendly activities. Chattanooga’s Gallery 1401 will host a curated collection in West Village from internationally-renowned artists and jewelry designers, including pop artist DeVon and celebrity jeweler Paula Crevoshay, among others.
Vintage and historic car racing will return Friday and Saturday with new race groups at the Pace Grand Prix at the Bend on its newly lengthened course, which includes an infield loop and other track enhancements.
The CMF is also partnering with Canossa Events to offer a road rally through the Tennessee countryside Thursday and Friday.
Source: Chattanooga Motorcar Festival