Born: 22 July 1876, United States
Died: 24 March 1934
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Joan Carter Newton
The following is republished from the National Park Service. This piece falls under under public domain, as copyright does not apply to “any work of the U.S. Government” where “a work prepared by an officer or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties” (See, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101, 105).
Joan was born on July 22, 1876 in Holyoke Massachusetts. Her parents fostered her interest in racing from a young age by providing her opportunities to drive a stream train and a six-horse team. She did not start racing until 1902 when her husband, Andrew Cuneo, purchased her a car. Her first race took place in 1905 on the beach at Atlantic City where she came in second place. From here her racing career took off.
Following Joan Newton Cuneo’s wins in the legendary Glidden Tour in 1908, women were banned from competing in American Automobile Association events. Cuneo later became a major figure in Ontonagon society and the wife of James F. Sickman, general manager of Ontonagon’s paper mill.