The motorsports community went decades without ever seeing a woman enter victory lane in a major series — aside from Shirley Muldowney.

It took only a span of a week for two more women to find the winning combination.

First Danica Patrick made history by winning the Indy Racing League’s Japan 300, then last Saturday night Ashley Force became the first female to win a national Funny Car event.

Adding to the drama at Atlanta Dragway is the fact she defeated her father, the legendary John Force, and also extended her lead in the series points standings.

“We just knew that if we kept getting to the finals, eventually we’d win one,” Ashley said. “I kinda hated that it had to be against dad, but I’m just happy to finally win an event. We went all last year and the biggest win I had was off the track.”

That victory came in the AOL sports’ “world’s hottest athlete” poll, in which she beat New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady.

“Being a female, that’s exciting as far as the records and everything, but my team, we just wanted to get our first win. We went a whole year last year and got close a few times. To finally get it done, we’re just so excited.”

John Force was seeking his 1,000th career round win, but was more than happy to see the spotlight shine on his little girl.

“I’m proud of her,” he said. “She did her job. She didn’t do anything stupid at the starting line. I love her.”

Ashley is back in action this week at the 12th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Midwest Nationals in Madison, Ill. Once again she’ll pilot a Mustang capable of going from zero to 320 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Obviously the victory was last week was hardly a one-woman show. She was quick to give credit to her team.

“It’s a great time for women in racing with Danica winning in IndyCar and I think it’s exciting for the fans to finally have a woman winner in Funny Car, but I know it’s the 10 guys on my team who got me to this point,” she said. “I’m proud to be a female in the seat, but it’s Guido and Ron (crew chiefs Dean “Guido” Antonelli and Ron Douglas) and my crew guys who really got me here.”

She began her drag racing career in the Top Alcohol support series in 2004, winning three events. Last year she moved up to the Funny Car Division, and claimed Rookie-of-the-Year honors.

Now she’s chasing a series title in just her second full year on the circuit.

“Her dad’s blood definitely runs through her veins,” Antonelli said, “because she definitely can handle a Funny Car.”

Ashley is just the seventh woman to lead the pro points in any category, joining Muldowney, Lori Johns, Shelly Anderson Payne, Melanie Troxel, Angelle Sampey and Karen Stoffer.

Muldowney finished her hall of fame career with 18 victories and three championships.

In addition to leading the points, Ashley is sixth in the standings that will determine the eight Funny Car drivers who will compete Aug. 31 for a $100,000 top prize in the U.S. Smokeless Showdown at Indianapolis.

“The thing about drag racing is you can go from hero to zero very quickly,” she said. “We’re enjoying (success) now, while we have it, but we know it’s a tough group we race against. You never want to get ahead of yourself. Qualify first, then one round at a time.”