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Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes: Ambulance Driver to Speed Queen

Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes stands out as a trailblazer who defied the odds and broke barriers in a male-dominated field. Born Gwenda Glubb in 1884 in Preston, Lancashire, England, her incredible journey took her from the frontlines of World War I to breaking speed records on motorcycles and cars. This blog honors the Brooklands Speed Queen, her lasting impact on racing history, and the story of the 1933 Derby V8 now displayed at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum.


Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes
Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes

Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes' The Early Years:

Gwenda’s story begins with her courageous service during World War I. As an ambulance driver on the Russian and Balkan fronts, she earned the Crosses of St. George and St. Stanislaus for her bravery. This experience laid the foundation for her fearless approach to motorsports in the years to come.

Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes

Breaking Barriers:

In 1921, Gwenda made her debut at Brooklands, attempting a motorcycle speed record on a Ner-a-car, an American-made machine. This was just the start of her racing journey. She not only set a 1,000-mile record but also proved she had the determination and skill to challenge the norms of a male-dominated sport.


From Bikes to Cars

Gwenda’s passion for speed led her to motorcycles, three-wheeled Morgans, and eventually, cars. After settling in France in 1924, she broke records with a Rudge 350 motorcycle and a Morgan Super Aero three-wheeler, clocking an incredible 118 mph at Arpajon. Her record-breaking achievements cemented her reputation as a fearless competitor.


Her personal life intertwined with her racing career through three marriages. Her third husband, Douglas G. Hawkes, became her racing partner, and together they created the Derby-Miller, originally known as the American Miller single-seater.


Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes

Brooklands Speed Queen:

Gwenda’s rivalry with fellow racer Kay Petre for the title of “Brooklands Speed Queen” was legendary. The track staged their head-to-head challenge, drawing huge attention. Gwenda raced a 1.6-liter supercharged Derby-Miller against Kay’s massive Delage. Although Kay initially took the crown and both earned their 130 mph Brooklands badges, Gwenda reclaimed the title the next day by hitting an astonishing 135.95 mph.




Gwenda Stewart and William Hawkes With Derby Convertible and Coupe
Gwenda Stewart and William Hawkes With Derby Convertible and Coupe

The 1933 Derby V8:

The 1933 Derby V8 holds a special place in Gwenda’s story. This sleek roadster, nicknamed “Montlhery,” was one of the limited-production models and was driven by Gwenda in the 1934 Monte Carlo Rally. True to her hands-on nature, she maintained the car herself, demonstrating her deep connection to the machines she raced.


Legacy and Commemoration:


Remembering Gwenda’s Legacy

Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes lived a life of daring, breaking records and challenging societal norms. At a time when women faced significant barriers in motorsports, she forged her own path with grit and determination. Today, as we admire the 1933 Derby V8 at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, we celebrate Gwenda’s incredible story and her contributions to the world of racing.


Sources

  1. "A Lady in a Man's Game" - Sports Illustrated, Sherry Keen, October 20, 1958 Link: Sports Illustrated - A Lady In A Man's Game

  2. "Fast Ladies: Female Racing Drivers 1888 to 1970" by Jean François Bouzanquet, Chapter 3 - "Gwenda Stewart-Hawkes, the thrice-married racing driver", Veloce Publishing Ltd, 2009, ISBN 1845842251.

  3. Speedqueens Blog - "Gwenda Stewart" Link: Speedqueens - Gwenda Stewart

  4. Sportscars.tv - "Gwenda Hawkes" Link: Sportscars.tv - Gwenda Hawkes

  5. Morgan - The Races and the Records Link: Morgan - Records

  6. Unique Cars and Parts - "Race Drivers: Gwenda Hawkes" Link: Unique Cars and Parts - Gwenda Hawkes

  7. Brooklands Members. (July/August 2020). "The Darling of Brooklands Part 2." Brookland Bulletin, Issue 64. Retrieved from link.


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