This evocative image, taken around 1916, shows a woman in coveralls working on the radiator of a Stutz Weightman Special no. 26 at the Benning race track in Washington, D.C. The Stutz Special series was esteemed for its powerful engine, speed, and endurance, making it a favored entrant in the gritty era of early North American racing. The scene is set against a dirt racetrack and highlights the rawness and authentic atmosphere of motorsport at the time.
The woman’s presence and technical involvement in racecar maintenance stand out as a rare example of female expertise in a traditionally male-dominated field, demonstrating resilience and breaking barriers in mechanical and automotive professions. The Stutz Weightman Special racecars—often powered by advanced L-head engines—became legendary for their endurance and performance on American circuits.
This photograph celebrates the innovation and progress of American racing, as well as the role of women in shaping technology and sports culture.
Features:
High-resolution reproduction of a 1916 photograph capturing a pivotal racing moment
Shows the Stutz Weightman Special no. 26 at Benning race track with a pioneering female mechanic
Highlights early American auto racing and advances in racecar design and engineering
Printed on archival-quality paper, with options for size and framing
Suitable for collectors, motorsport historians, and educators
Includes context on the history of the Stutz brand and women’s role in 20th-century mechanical trades
Own a unique visual legacy of innovation, resilience, and progress in American motorsport history with this iconic image.
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Historic photograph of a woman tending to the Stutz Weightman Special no. 26 racecar on the Benning race track near Washington, D.C., circa 1916. Captures a pioneering moment in early American auto racing and mechanical history.
