Obituary for Donna Mae "Pink Lady, Think Pink, Donna Amazing, Free Maui" Mims
MIMS, DONNA MAE
Age 82, of Bridgeville, on Tuesday October 6, 2009. Born July 1, 1927 to George Warnoch and Margaret Bodner. She was known by many as the "Pink Lady, Think Pink, Donna Amazing and even Free Maui". Donna started racing in 1958 and was the first woman driver ever to win a Sports Car Club of America National Championship H Production 1963. Her career and involvement in Yenko led her to racing such cars as the Camaro, Austin Healey, MG, Corvette and Corvairs. She worked for Yenko Chevrolet and Yenko sports car division as executive secretary for both and was the liaison for design and production with the Yenko sports car division. They worked on performance for cars such as the Duece, Camaro, Nova, Chevelle, Corvair, and Yenko Stinger. She worked closely with Zora Arkus-Duntov, Ed Cole and the pioneers of Chevrolet Racing. She coordinated parts delivery and car development of Corvette Race Cars in Canonsburg PA. She raced many times in Sebring, Daytona, and Riverside. Donna Mae was an original participant in the original Cannonball Run where her 1968 Cadillac Limo was wrecked with her teammate behind the wheel. She was known as being able to go toe to toe with some of the best drivers in the country at speeds up to 140 miles per hour. She was an avid longtime member of the Sports Car Club of America, Corvette Club of Western PA, founder and member of Steeltown Corvette Club, and member of Three Rivers Corvette Club. She also belonged to Western PA Corvair Club. Her other interests included Jazz music and teaching Sunday school as an active member in Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church.
Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUER, Peters Township, 724-941-3211. Friends are welcome to attend a celebration of her life Saturday and Sunday from 2pm till 8pm both days. Additional visitation Monday from 10 am until time of service at 11. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Corvette Museum, 350 Corvette Dr., Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-9134, phone: (270)-781-7973. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauerfamilyservices.com.