The motorsport world is full of fantastic and particular experiences, but there is one driver's life story that has always particularly fascinated me — that of Roberta Cowell.

See, Cowell was a fighter pilot, a prisoner of war, and a racing driver, which alone would have been enough to build up an impressive resumé. However, she was also the first documented person to receive gender affirming surgery in the United Kingdom, making her the first known trans woman to compete in motorsport. Today, we're discussing her life and her experiences in an era where her mere existence was criminalized.

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Episode Bibliography:

Roberta Cowell's Story: An Autobiography by Roberta Cowell

Roberta Cowell by Queer as Fact https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uz4EG1xkR1VFsrPXmmDAf?si=be4060a1bf7a4158

https://www.lizhodgkinson.com/journalismArticle/interview_with_transsexual_roberta_betty_cowell

https://blog.bham.ac.uk/historybham/lgbtqia-history-month-trans-pioneers-michael-dillon-roberta-cowell/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/it-s-easier-to-change-a-body-than-to-change-a-mind-the-extraordinary-life-and-lonely-death-of-roberta-cowell-8899823.html

https://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/2022/06/13/roberta-cowell-in-our-newspapers/

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/obituaries/roberta-cowell-overlooked.html

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, or FIA, is one of the most powerful sanctioning bodies in all of motorsport — but its control has rarely included racing in the United States. Why, then, did the FIA step in to kill the Chaparral 2J, a car that raced OUTSIDE of its jurisdiction?

Today on DPTJ, we're covering the story of Jim Hall, one of motorsport's most innovative minds, and his Chaparral 2J, the car so quick that the FIA stepped in to kill it — which, by proxy, killed America's greatest racing series, the Canadian-American Challenge Cup.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys:

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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

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Episode Bibliography:

Texas Legend: Jim Hall and His Chaparrals by George Levy

Can-Am by Pete Lyons

Can-Am 50th Anniversary: Flat Out With North America's Greatest Race Series by George Levy

https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a32350/jim-hall-chaparral-2j-history/

https://www.magnetomagazine.com/legendary-racer-and-constructor-jim-hall-on-his-chaparrals-at-american-speed-festival/

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

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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