Kathy Rude

Began racing karts in the Pacific Northwest in ’76, graduating to Formula Ford, then tackled the Kelly American Challenge in ’80, winning the Women’s Championship. Joined Mazda factory IMSA GTU team in ’81 with three podiums; scored the first IMSA class win by a female racer, •82. Switched to Porsche in ’83 and survived a near-fatal crash at Brainerd. Later flew a Boeing 727 for the USPS. Currently corporate driving consultant and instructor.