1-193-099 - National Motor Museum/Heritage Images

Kay Petre and Austin Seven, Brooklands, 1936. Kay Petre runs towards her car at a race at Brooklands in 1936. Kay Petre was dubbed the 'Queen of Brooklands' for her exploits at the Surrey circuit. She also raced at Le Mans, and in 1937 became the first female 'works' racing driver when she joined the Austin factory team in 1937. Petre retired from racing after being badly injured in a crash at Brooklands in 1938. She later worked as a journalist, as well as being employed to produce the fabric designs for Alec Issigonis' Mini in the 1960s.