https://3widespicturevault.com/Nelson_Ivins_Pics&VITALS/T11.25.23_JAN_GUT_TRE_0070IVINS_0.htm

That was the second day she ran . I was there for the first day and there was only a few of us there . The state police stopped the first day it was scheduled due to the berms around the lake not being cut right . They wanted a 90 degree cut and not a tapered edge as they were afraid if she went off into the infield it would act like a ramp and launch her into the lake .

She was a hell of a racer and a very bright and articulate lady who had she been able to get a top ride would have really shocked everyone.

Don - Would you know what year this was?  The negatives/envelopes they were provided in were not dated. 

Also, with Rutherford and Sneva in the group meeting shots, do you know if they also there on what looks like was a practice day, or do you think those shots are from a different day?

Joe, the year was 1976.

The first day was canceled because of the berm, dozers came in and cut the berms to 90 degrees and that took a couple of days . Then she tested and was the only car there and just a few of us were there . They didnt want a bunch of folks there A few weeks of things did go well . The press deal was a few days later when it was closer to the April date .  Rolla Valstat owned the car and it was not a great ride but he was the only one who would give her a chance. She did get a turn at  Indy in one of AJ 's cars and ran some big laps and showed everyone she could drive with the best of them but no one wanted a woman driver . It was still a time when there was the no tits in pits attitude in racing. When I moved here in 99 we started working with a few women drivers who were very talented and worked to fine them a ride and sponsorship in NASCAR but it was still a man's world. The Danica came along and was the sexy little thing who was able to drive better than some but had that sexy image and she got all of the attention . She was good at marketing herself and NASCAR jumped on the chance to attract young girls and lets face it guys who thought she was hot . When she went to Daytona for her first 500 I told everyone she would be on the pole before she even turned a lap because she was going to be the big story NASCAR was looking for and I was right. Did she get the call, welllllllll what do you think?????

Danica certainly got the call. Daytona pole is for of a PR opportunity than anything.