At the 1977 Firecracker 400, NASCAR invited two of Europe's most exceptional female racers — Christine Beckers and Lella Lombardi — to make their Cup Series debut… but its goals may not have been particularly noble. Janet Guthrie, who was also competing in that race, felt that NASCAR was attempting to end her career by paying foreign talent to take her down. Today on "Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys," we're delving into those accusations, and the drama surrounding the race.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys:

https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u

Episode Bibliography:

A Life at Full Throttle by Janet Guthrie

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/trailblazing-racer-lella-lombardi-remembered-30-years-on-from-her-death.6zz9pupcxc97yy5SEL1kkR

https://www.reed.edu/reed-magazine/in-memoriam/obituaries/2018/rolla-vollstedt-1940.html

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-05-24-sp-2407-story.html

https://www.newspapers.com/image/303640537/?match=3&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/319067010/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/224846339/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/111800501/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/54071698/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/622854875/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/398599913/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/398599913/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/233364880/?terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker

https://www.newspapers.com/image/284009301/?match=1&terms=guthrie%2C%20firecracker