When it comes to race car driving, it's been a man's world -- until recently. Women are breaking ground and holding their own in this mostly male sport.

Meet 23-year-old Sarah Fisher, an Indy Racing League race car driver who has been involved in racing -- from go carts to sprint cars to midgets -- since age five. Fisher was the quickest qualifier in Kentucky last year and is a regular on the Indy race car circuit. Still, she says, it can be tough for women racers to get sponsors -- especially when the sponsorships are so male oriented. But the tight budget only makes Fisher try even harder.

Women are also breaking the sexual barrier of racing behind the scenes. They include Alba Colon, a NASCAR engineer who works on General Motors race cars -- driven by former NASCAR champs Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

And while a woman has never won a major professional race, drivers believe it's only a matter of time. And these women are helping pave the way for women to grab that checkered flag.