February 7th marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a time to honor the incredible achievements of women athletes across the sporting world. Today, we’re revving the engines and spotlighting the top 10 women in racing history—trailblazers who broke barriers, rewrote record books, and inspired the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts. From dominating the Indianapolis 500 to conquering the demanding rally circuits of Europe, these racing legends represent the strength, determination, and grit it takes to succeed on the track.

1. Michèle Mouton – The Queen of Rallying 

Known as one of the greatest rally drivers of all time, Michèle Mouton dominated the competition during the 1980s Group B rally era. The first and only woman to win a World Rally Championship event, Mouton’s remarkable skills behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro earned her four championship victories and a second-place finish in the 1982 Driver’s Championship. Her fearless precision and commitment to excellence shattered stereotypes and set a new standard in motorsport.

2. Janet Guthrie – A Racer of Firsts 

Janet Guthrie is an icon of American motor racing; in the 1970s, she became the first woman to qualify for both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. Armed with determination, Guthrie placed ninth at the Indy 500 in 1978, a record-breaking performance that stood for decades. Her monumental achievements paved the way for greater female participation in motorsports and highlighted the importance of skill over stigma.

3. Shirley Muldowney – The First Lady of Drag Racing 

With three NHRA Top Fuel Championships to her name, Shirley Muldowney helped dispel the notion that drag racing was a male-dominated field. Her legendary streak from 1977 to 1982 solidified her as one of the greatest drag racers of all time. Muldowney's resilience and grit made her an inspiration to racers everywhere.

4. Lella Lombardi – A Formula 1 Trailblazer 

Lella Lombardi carved her name into motorsport history as the only female driver to score points in the Formula 1 World Championship. Her sixth-place finish at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix showcased her racing acumen and perseverance, proving that women could excel even in the most competitive, high-stakes arenas.

5. Danica Patrick – The Face of Modern Motorsport 

Danica Patrick is arguably the most visible and successful woman in modern American motorsport. She's the only woman to win an IndyCar race (2008 Indy Japan 300) and claimed the pole position for the Daytona 500 in 2013. Beyond her on-track successes, Patrick has inspired countless young women to pursue their motorsport dreams.

6. Simona de Silvestro – Force in Formula E and Beyond 

Swiss racer Simona de Silvestro is one of the few women to score points in Formula E and has competed fiercely in IndyCar. Adept at navigating diverse racing formats, de Silvestro consistently demonstrates that adaptability and talent are key to motorsport success, breaking barriers every time she straps into a car.

7. Denise McCluggage – A Champion on and Off the Track 

Denise McCluggage wasn’t just a talented race car driver; she was also a ground-breaking journalist. Behind the wheel, she won her class at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Monte Carlo Rally. Off the track, she co-founded Autoweek magazine and became one of the first women to cover motorsport journalism extensively.

8. Christina Nielsen – A Sports Car Champion 

Christina Nielsen made history as the first woman to claim a major professional sports car championship in North America. With two consecutive GT Daytona titles in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, she’s proven time and again that success on the track comes from talent, discipline, and teamwork.

9. Jutta Kleinschmidt – Conqueror of the Dakar Rally 

Jutta Kleinschmidt cemented her legacy by becoming the first woman to win the grueling Dakar Rally in 2001, one of the most challenging races in the world. Competing in desert and off-road settings, her endurance and ingenuity left competitors in awe, inspiring women to tackle even the most rigorous motorsport challenges.

10. Lyn St. James – A Symbol of Consistency and Excellence 

A seven-time Indianapolis 500 competitor, Lyn St. James was the first woman to earn Rookie of the Year honors at the race in 1992. With victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, St. James built a reputation for strength and consistency that younger generations continue to glean inspiration from. 

Honorable Mentions  

While we’ve focused on these 10 incredible women, the world of motorsport is full of talented racers like Sara Christian, Desire Wilson, and Vicki Wood, who made significant contributions to the sport. Whether in open-wheel racing, rally, or endurance challenges, their collective achievements highlight the resilience and passion women have brought to racing. 

Claim Your Track, Your Legacy  

Racing legends like Michèle Mouton, Janet Guthrie, and Danica Patrick didn’t just compete—they shattered barriers, all while embodying the thrill of speed and competition. Now, it’s your turn. Visit Bush Nissan of Exton and test drive the all-new Nissan Z. Feel the rush of power, precision, and performance, and channel your inner racing legend as you emulate the groundbreaking women who’ve conquered tracks around the world - with the support of a professional auto service technician team deserving of a pit crew.

Are you ready to make history? Start your engines today with Bush Nissan of Exton!

Memorial Day is in the books, and temperatures are set to soar in the coming months here in Exton. Yesterday officially kicked off Exton's warm season; temperatures in the mid-80s are expected this weekend, and our average July high of 84 degrees is right around the corner. If you're not prepared for it, your vehicle and its engine could soon be sweating it out.

It can be overwhelming when you engine overheats, and the performance issues that could arise for your Nissan as a result are just as scary. Even worse, if you have to pull over in a remote location, you might find yourself stranded beneath the scorching sun. Here at Bush Nissan of Exton, we're ready to help you identify overheating warning signs and guide you through what to do if your engine does overheat.

Recognize the Signs

Your engine often alerts you to service needs by making uncommon sounds or flickering dashboard icons. In the same way, it notifies you when it's running hot. Here are four indications that your engine might be in the process of overheating:

• Clouds of steam akin to smoke rising from beneath the hood.
• A peculiar, sweet scent originating from the engine.
• The engine temperature gauge needle spiking towards the red.
• The "Check Engine" light or a comparable indicator flashing.

Actions to Take if Your Engine Overheats

1. Switch off the AC and Crank up the Heater

Paradoxical as it may seem, the first action to take when your engine starts to overheat is to deactivate the AC and turn up the heater. Turning off the air conditioner reduces stress on the engine, while amplifying the cabin's heat helps divert heat away from it.

2. Keep Calm, Find a Safe Place to Pull Over, & Turn Off Your Car

In such a stressful situation, it's paramount to maintain your composure. Your brand-new 2024 Nissan Altima won't suddenly burst into flames; panicking only heightens the risk of making a costly error. Take a deep breath, slow down, and spot a safe place to pull over. After stopping, shut off the vehicle and keep an eye on the temperature gauge, which should stabilize as the engine cools.

3. Chart Your Route to the Garage

This situation underlines the necessity of fully charging your phone prior to any journey. (So if you're currently reading this while stranded roadside, sorry that happened, but kudos to you for keeping charged!) If you're still in the vicinity of Exton, try to bring your vehicle to our Service Center. Contact our reliable roadside rescue service and arrange a tow, if needed. If your engine has sufficiently cooled and you deem it safe to drive to our garage without help, cautiously start the vehicle and proceed. Keep monitoring the temperature gauge. If it rises again, pull over and allow the engine to cool down once again.

Handle Your Summer Maintenance at Bush Nissan of Exton

While you are now ready to handle your overheated engine properly, the root cause of the overheating still needs to be uncovered. A coolant system leakage, malfunctioning water pump, low engine oil... all are potential culprits. To identify whodunnit, you'll want to schedule your service appointment with Bush Nissan of Exton. Our service professionals are primed to handle all of your Nissan's maintenance needs, from routine oil changes to brake pad inspection. As the temperatures continue to swelter, you can rely on our composed team at Bush Nissan of Exton. After all – cooler heads always prevail.

We’ve arrived at May’s halfway point, meaning that once again, graduation season is upon us. Whether your loved one is graduating high school or college, it’s a time for both emotional farewells and invigorating new chapters. But to get to where they want to be, the graduate in your life will need a trustworthy vehicle. 

If you’re looking to gift your graduate with a new car or SUV, there are several important factors to consider, including: fuel economy, storage space, technology features, and – most importantly – safety. Whether they’re leaving for college or setting off for post-graduate adventures, you’ll want to do everything in your power to prepare them for what lies ahead. 

To ensure maximum peace of mind, consider gifting them a Nissan Sentra, a Kelley Blue Book-approved vehicle. If the Sentra isn’t for you, Nissan provides a plethora of affordable and practical options for teens and new drivers. Explore the all-electric Leaf, or the fun and versatile Kicks. You’ll find them in stock at Bush Nissan of Exton: your headquarters for new graduates. 

Top Pick: The 2024 Nissan Sentra 

Whether your graduate recently received their degree from Immaculata or is just preparing to set off for their first fall semester at Temple, the reliable 2024 Nissan Sentra compact sedan is here to keep the family connected with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By combining sporty styling and practicality, the Sentra is ideal for campuses; its fuel economy is 34 mpg combined, keeping gas station trips minimal. Plus, its comfortable “zero gravity” seats are sure to impress any fellow students who need a ride back to the quads. 

If safety is your primary concern, the Sentra was practically designed to assuage your fears. It comes loaded with 10 airbags, and every version of the 2024 Nissan Sentra comes with SafetyShield 360. This full suite of driver assistance safety features includes: 

• Automatic emergency braking w/ pedestrian detection 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Rear automatic braking 
• Blind-spot warning 
• Lane-departure warning 
• High-beam assist 

Other Nissan Vehicles to Consider: 

2024 Nissan Leaf 

Go green this semester with Nissan’s original all-electric vehicle. With a starting price under $40,000, it’s one of the most affordable EVs on the market. Combine an EPA-estimated range of 123/99 mpg, a zero-emission drive train, and minimal maintenance costs, and the Leaf emerges as the perfect choice for the environmentally conscious student who still needs a practical way to get around campus. Furthermore, the Leaf is the recipient of an NHTSA five-star safety rating.

2024 Nissan Rogue 

Another vehicle with a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, the 2024 Nissan Rogue is perfect for the student looking to transport their entire bedroom to campus. With ample storage space, this crossover SUV provides a powerful means of exploring all that campus life has to offer.

2024 Nissan Kicks 

Don’t be thrown by the 2024 Nissan Kicks’ quirky design: this subcompact SUV still provides plenty of space to haul your graduates’ belongings. With a low starting price point, a practical fuel economy, and a comfortable interior, the Kicks is a can’t-miss package for any young driver.

Send Them Off in Style 

Turn your tassels. Toss your caps. Get that terrible Vitamin C song out of your system. Then, begin your post-graduate car buying experience at Bush Nissan of Exton. 

If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned Nissan for your graduate, you’ve come to the right place. We won't be satisfied until we pair your son, daughter, or grandchild with a vehicle that exceeds your safety standards. Sleep easier knowing your graduate is driving a safe, reliable vehicle by visiting Exton’s most trusted Nissan dealership, Bush Nissan of Exton.