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Elischka Junkova – Queen of Bugatti
The automobile was a revolutionary invention used to transport people. Soon, however, as early as 1900, automobile races, known as Grand Prix, were being held. This was the Grand Prix, a race for cars and motorcycles held several times on a circuit. The term Grand Prix is used only for major circuits. It is, of course, a dangerous sport that requires brave and courageous men. But, of course, it is not only for men. Even if you are not a motorsports enthusiast, you probably know the name of a famous racer named Eliska Yunkova. She ended her career as a professional driver in 1928, but her name is still famous and well known today.
Elischka was born into a family with many children. She longed to travel and was therefore eager to learn languages. At a young age, she joined a bank as a clerk, but continued her language studies, intending to travel the world. She set out, but customs officials would not allow her to travel as much as she wanted. However, in France she met her future husband, racing driver Cenk Jungk. Motorsports also appealed to Eliska. They were both fascinated by the Bugatti T30, and Eliska secretly attended driving school and passed her exams; in 1923, Eliska participated in her first race as her husband\’s co-driver.
Eventually, however, she began driving herself and even beat her husband. She was very successful not only in Czechoslovakian domestic races, but also in international races. She was the first woman to win an international race in the absolute class. She finished second in the most difficult race on the Clausen Pass in Switzerland. Her most notable success was in Sicily. She deserves the nickname Queen of the Wheels.
Despite her victories in major races, 1928 brought her tragedy. Her husband was killed while racing at the Nürburgring in Germany. He skidded, was thrown from the car, and hit his head on a rock. The blow was so traumatic for Eliska that she quit racing. However, she continued to promote motor racing until her death.