In the endurance racing world, consistency is often valued above raw speed. But to make history, you need both. Christina Nielsen didn’t just arrive in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship to compete; she arrived to dominate.
As the first woman to win a major full-season professional sports car championship in North America, the Danish driver shattered one of the thickest glass ceilings in motorsport. With back-to-back titles in arguably the most competitive class on the grid, Nielsen proved that her gender was a footnote—her performance was the headline.
Born to Race
For Nielsen, gasoline is practically a genetic trait. She is the daughter of Lars-Erik Nielsen, a respected racer who competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But while the name opened doors, it also brought immense pressure. The “daughter of” label is hard to shake, but Christina was determined to build a legacy that stood on its own tires.
She started in karting later than most, at age 13, but quickly moved up through the ranks of Formula Ford and the Porsche Carrera Cup in Germany. However, it was when she crossed the Atlantic to the United States that she truly found her rhythm.
The History Maker
The 2016 IMSA season was a grind of epic proportions. Driving the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3, Nielsen and her co-driver Alessandro Balzan were a model of efficiency.
They didn’t just win races; they finished them. In a series where a single mechanical failure or driver error can torch a season, they were relentless. By the time they crossed the finish line at the Petit Le Mans, the deal was sealed. Nielsen became the first woman to win a major full-season professional sports car championship in North America.
Critics who thought it was a fluke were silenced the very next year. In 2017, she defended her title, winning the GTD championship again. Back-to-back titles in IMSA are rare for anyone; for a female driver, it was unprecedented.
The Ferrari Connection
Nielsen’s image became inextricably linked with the Prancing Horse. Her success with Scuderia Corsa made her one of the most visible Ferrari drivers in the world.
“I want to be known as a driver, not a female driver. But if I can inspire other women to join the sport, then I’m happy to carry that torch.”
Her driving style—smooth, calculating, and mistake-free—was perfectly suited for the endurance format, where preserving the car for 12 or 24 hours is just as important as the fastest lap time.
Beyond the Championship
Since her historic double-championship run, Nielsen has remained a formidable presence in the paddock. She has raced Porsches with Wright Motorsports, Acuras with Meyer Shank Racing, and continued to compete in iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
She has also become a role model for the “Women in Motorsport” movement, though she often prefers to let her driving do the talking. In a sport that is constantly looking for the “next big thing,” Nielsen has already secured her place in the history books. She isn’t just a participant; she is the gold standard.
Fast Facts: Christina Nielsen
| Milestone | Detail |
| Historic First | First woman to win a major full-season N. American sports car championship (2016) |
| Titles | 2x IMSA GTD Champion (2016, 2017) |
| Primary Team | Scuderia Corsa (Ferrari) during championship runs |
| Endurance Wins | Winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring and 6 Hours of Watkins Glen |
| Nationality | Danish |
Learn more: http://www.christinanielsenracing.com/