The Best Woman at Klausen
Czech race car driver Elisabeth Junek had enjoyed success in hill climbs in her home country. On the advice of Ettore Bugatti's wife, she entered the Klausen race on August 7–8, 1926—her first international appearance. She wrote in her autobiography: “I was absolutely terrified of the course. It was impossible to memorize those countless curves and other hazards, and that had always been my strength. I even dreamed of those damned curves at night.”
But she evidently overcame her initial fear, because—despite the most adverse weather conditions—she finished eleventh overall, second in her category, and was the top woman among seven female competitors. In fact, there were already quite a few female racers in her day.
She herself wrote confidently: “Women possess all the qualities that a good, reliable driver must have. These are primarily mental qualities: complete calm, a cool head in every situation, and quick decisiveness. In America and the Western states, women drivers are a common sight.
But even as a race car driver, a woman can certainly be an equal opponent—even without brute strength—if she develops her own method. I have developed a style for this that saves a lot of physical strength.
When I was introduced to the multiple Targa Florio winner Emilio Materassi at the 1927 Targa Florio, he grabbed me by the shoulders and said, “Con questo non ci farà niente.” I replied, first pointing to my shoulder, then to my forehead: “Con questo no, ma con quello.”
More refreshing original texts by Elisabeth Junek and numerous generously presented, previously unknown images from her estate can be found in the upcoming book *Die Amazone & die Ikone* by Gerhard Schütz. A lavish tribute to a great race car driver and to a once-in-a-century race car, the Bugatti 35.
Format 297 x 210 mm, hardcover, 232 pages, 216 illustrations. High-quality binding (thread-sewn, ribbon bookmark). French and English texts included in the booklet. Subscription price through the end of August: 120 CHF / 130 EUR plus shipping and handling. For more information, see the subscription brochure available from the publisher at [email protected]
