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Event: Nails and Details, 8/12/12

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Horsepower & Heels driver Erica Ortiz, recently helped create the inaugural Nails and Details program at the Woody Anderson Ford Fayetteville, TN location.

The event was designed by women for women, and focused on all of the important vehicle maintenance and safety information that owners need to know to protect their investments.     The program helps explain complicated and confusing ownership questions, and educates consumers on the importance of proper service and maintenance.

In addition to developing the program agenda items, Erica led several break-out sessions on Basic Vehicle Maintenance and Service Intervals for the attendees.

The Nails and Details program was so well-received, that it is scheduled to be duplicated at the other Woody Anderson locations and made into an annual event.

Check out some photos from the event by scrolling through below.

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Finding a racing mentor

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One of the most valuable things that I’ve acquired in my racing career has been KNOWLEDGE.     Drag Racing, and I would venture to say all other forms of racing as well, doesn’t exactly come with a how-to guide for participating.  That’s why finding a racing mentor is key.

Having not come from one of the genetically-predisposed families that grow up around racing, I came into motorsports with a proverbial blank slate.   I couldn’t tell you how to do a burnout, or what made a car faster when I started.    I didn’t know a torque wrench from a crowbar.  What was instrumental in my personal growth was an insatiable appetite for learning.

Researching Written Sources

Just starting out, its always helpful to be able to get as much background information as possible.   After seeing the races, and deciding it looked like something for me, I decided to do some research.   I checked with the track, found out the rules and regulations and schedules for amateur participation.   When I had questions about improving my car, I sought out industry magazines:   Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, 5.0 and Super Fords, etc.   When I was stumped about something I had read, I would hit the internet to ask questions on the Mustang bulletin boards (Stangnet, Corral, Hardcore 5.0, etc.)  Sometimes that isn’t the most reliable of information sources, but it was a good sounding board to learn about common experiences.

Erica Ortiz in Top Fueler
I got the chance to shadow Top Fueler Mike Strasburg for a weekend. Always learning!

Don’t Be Afraid to Meet Racers and Ask Questions

One of the most intimidating parts of anyone’s career is that first-time race behind the wheel.   Heading to your local track and getting a case of the nerves is completely normal.  Everyone has a first time, after taking a few sessions in, don’t be afraid to ask questions of other racers.   Most people are pretty understanding and helpful with first timers, and you stand to pick up tricks and suggestions, and maybe even a racing mentor.

Trade Time for Knowledge

While asking around at the track where I could find a reliable shop to install some new performance mods, I learned about a local shop that also was heavily involved in racing.   The owner would patiently answer my questions and offered advice regularly regarding improving my times at the track.   Because they also raced in considerably quicker classes,  they allowed me to tag along to races where I was able to watch and learn what it took for this higher level of racing.   I would lend a hand with small tasks… packing parachutes, cleaning parts, draining/filling intercoolers.  Volunteering for an experienced team is a great way to learn important information in racing.

Eventually, that relationship led to a full-time position at the shop, where I would spend plenty of time being schooled on the mechanics and learning critical information from a veteran with years of experience.   This type of information wasn’t something I could find online or by attending any schools, it was the product of years of experience and a willing racing mentor who offered to teach.

As a result, when I ventured off on my own, I had a great mechanical knowledge base.   I was involved in the tuning and mechanics of the car, and wasn’t forced to hire outside help very often.

Imitation of Best Practices

A racing mentor doesn’t just have to be a driver or crew member.   I sought out racing mentors in all aspects of racing:  PR/Promotional, chassis and suspension understanding, and still others who helped in other forms.   Sometimes, they were unknowing mentors:  I’d learn merely by studying their teams and operations because of their successes.   Others were as simple as having some key questions at the right times.    Don’t ever be afraid to ask for HELP.    Find someone who is at the top of their game, and see what they are doing to be successful.

Who along the way has inspired YOUR racing career and where did you come across your mentor?

 

Nails and Details at Woody Anderson

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Nails and Details at Woody AndersonAs a Service Advisor at Woody Anderson Ford,  my job is to ensure that we take care of your vehicle and protect both your investment and keep your family safe on the road.

With women accounting for over 65% of the dealership customer base, its alarming to know that 85% of women are not happy with the service they receive.

That’s why I’m proud to be involved in a new program this Saturday, at our Fayetteville, TN location.    Called “Nails and Details”, its a special event for ladies designed to empower women to feel knowledgeable about the care of their vehicle.   Created by women, the program will go over Basic Maintenance, the Service Experience, Roadside Safety and will feature two live demonstrations of the standard service and safety inspection we do for every vehicle.

Its been awhile since I had to speak publicly, but I’m excited about this program and looking forward to chatting with ladies and answering their questions.

We will be giving away all kinds of prizes, and all makes/models are welcome.   Stop by if you have the chance and see us!

 

Risks Racing: Backlash against Barbara Nesbitt

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This week,  a female racer has made headlines and started a backlash of angry racers all over the internet against her.   Barbara Nesbitt, injured when the driveshaft in her Pro Street Camaro came apart and battered her inside the car at the NMCA Charlotte event in August 2010, has now filed a lawsuit naming the NMCA, NHRA, Skinny Kid Racecars, and the SFI Chassis inspector who certified the car for competition.

We all know its there.   The fine line between the adrenaline rush of a sweet pass, and the potential disaster that can happen in just a fraction of a second.  We see fellow racers who face the consequences… some who walk away, some who face injuries, some who leave us doing what they loved.   One thing you hear from every racer… its not a matter of IF you’ll wreck, its a matter of WHEN.  Racers know the risks when they put on that helmet and pull into the fastlane.

Barbara Nesbitt drive shaft segment
The broken drive shaft that caused Barbara Nesbitt’s injuries.

The short of the issue:  Barbara is blaming the organization, the car builder, and the safety inspector for the mechanical failure that caused her injuries.

Backlash against Barbara Nesbitt

At the time of her injury, Barbara was flooded with racer support and well wishes.  She came back not long after the accident to thank everyone for their kindness.  But her latest action has resulted in a flood of hatred her way.    People want her banned for life, refuse to compete against her, and have mounted overwhelming hatred of this action.

Now, I’ve made it my lifelong passion to SUPPORT women in motorsports, so its tough for me to see this go down.   But whether this was her decision to move forward with a suit or that of her insurance, this is only going to result in negativity for all drag racing.

It was tragic what happened to her.   Drive shaft incidents were popping up a lot in 2010, first in Pro Modified and then down to the street level in Pro Street.    Nesbitt’s accident was an eye opener that bridged the gap that a drive shaft tunnel was also needed in the slower classes as well.    The SFI Foundation, responsible for research and safety standards in motorsports, made changes to this rule as a result of Nesbitt’s accident.

But the fact I just can’t comprehend, is how she can even feel justified in blaming others for this incident.

  1. Its HER racecar.   She and her crew are responsible for the upkeep and the mechanical soundness of the car each time it goes to the line.   When was the last time the drive shaft was checked?  Was it loose?  Were the U-joints properly lubricated?  There are a lot of reasons that cause drive shaft failure.
  2. That WAIVER we sign:  its not autographed toliet paper.   There is a reason we sign a waiver that says we race at our own risk.  Because we all know that its dangerous.  How can you then blame the racing organization for an accident that involved no one but your own car?   It wasn’t like they provided you an unsafe racing surface that CAUSED the failure.  You didn’t get hurt because you hit an unsafe barrier.  In fact, Nesbitt bragged how good of a driver that she was in getting the vehicle stopped while injured without hitting anything.
  3. No warranty expressed or implied.   There isn’t a racing related part on the planet that comes with a safety warranty.  You build a car, you make it as safe as possible with available technologies, but it’s still on you to make sure that it stays as safe as possible.   That’s why you sign the tech card every race event that says that you’ve complied with all required safety items and that you’ve ensured the vehicle is up for operation.   The drive shaft tunnel wasn’t mandatory for her class, but it wasn’t prohibited either.  Erring on the side of safety is always an option for a driver.  Unfortunately, she didn’t opt for the tunnel.

So she is suing NMCA, NHRA, the tech inspector that certified her chassis (not her driveline components) and the chassis builder who built the car, Skinny Kid Racecars among others.     Now, each of these organizations have to fork over for legal defense teams, and in the case of the sanctioning bodies, may face insurance complications as a result.    Insuring a dangerous sport like drag racing is already a difficult task, frivolous suits like this threaten events further.   What this is hurting isn’t the insurance, its ultimately the racers and the sport.   What happens when no one will insure or protect an event as a result to these type of  “its never my fault” suits?   No one will be able to afford personal liability, and insurance companies will not take the risks of insuring such an event.

What do you think?   Who do you think should be liable for accidents at the track?    What impact could this have on racing as a whole going forward?

Alexis DeJoria gets a taste of a new speed…Mach 2

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Alexis DeJoria flies with the USAFRemember back a few years ago, when I told you all about my *real* passion as a kid?   Well it appears I have found my kindred spirit in the NHRA world…. none other than Patron Funny Car pilot, Alexis DeJoria.

I keep in contact with Alexis and her team regularly for my Women In Motorsports column over on Examiner.com, but this week’s email from the team included something WAY out of the ordinary (if you can ever really call 300mph nitro-burning funny cars ordinary).

Alexis had the chance to jump on board an F-16 fighter jet with the USAF Thunderbolts this week, shortly after leaving the Seattle race.    Apparently, it was also HER lifelong dream to have become a fighter pilot, but after something altered her course, she too would take to the land version of piloting a high-horsepower machine by drag racing.   Sound familiar?   I swear, I think I found my new BFF.

As if I didn’t already have mad respect for Alexis, what with piloting an 8,000HP nitro-burning funny car to 300mph in less than 4 seconds and all, but NOW I can also add that she’s one of the only gals I know that have not just been SUPERSONIC, but  MACH 2 no less.    That’s twice as fast as the speed of sound folks.   And if I thought that a 3G launch was pretty intense?  Oh no, Ms. DeJoria has experienced all the intensity of an 8.4G maneuver!

I. AM. SO. UNBELIEVABLY. JEALOUS.   

Alexis also spent about 25 minutes of her hour-long experience commanding the controls the F-16 herself.    As hard as it is to imagine getting to be inside that thing for a 0-20,000 ft take-off in less than 5 seconds, or speeding along in excess of 600mph, or the inversions, verticals, loops, split S’, low altitude flying, and barrel rolls that come with these amazing machines, I could not FATHOM being able to move her around the skies myself.

So to Alexis…. I’ll be your wingman anytime!

Force and Enders share Seattle podium

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Wow!  What a weekend for the ladies in NHRA!

Enders and Force share the podium
Erica Enders and Courtney Force hoist their Wallys in the air after both scoring wins in Seattle.

Courtney Force landed her first NHRA Funny Car victory, a feat after climbing back from the #14 position at the bottom of the ladder.   This all coming in her rookie Funny Car season, in just her 15th start.   She’s definitely proving to be quite a Force to be dealt with (pun cheesily intended).

Force and Enders share Seattle podium

But for the first time in history, she would be joined by another gal on the PRO podium, with Erica Enders also landing her second career win in Pro Stock.   Erica’s win came just 3 races after her elusive first win in Chicago, but what makes it even more poetic to me, is that this win comes just one week after the crazy controversy between her and Greg Anderson in Sonoma.

The internet has been on FIRE with the backlash against Greg after he publicly declared Erica Enders “unprofessional” on his ESPN2 interview following the round in Sonoma.    Not only was he asked by his sponsor Summit Racing to apologize to Enders and her crew, the ill-karma he wished upon her came back to bite him.   In what can only be the most fitting form of proper karma dispatch, it was Enders who put Anderson on the trailer early in the race en route to her second career win.

Enders was quite the gracious winner.    The rest of us however, had a field day with that one.

Apparently, it didn’t stop with the fans either.   Matt Hagan made a remark during his final round interview that he didn’t mind losing to a woman.    John Force also was quoted saying how capable and talent the women of our sport are, with a special mention to daughter Courtney, Erica and Shirley Muldowney.

Its sad that there are people out there who still view women as inferior competitors.  Motorsports being the great equalizer- the cars don’t know gender- its really disappointing to know the amount of sexism that still lingers.

Kudos to the ladies for such a great weekend of racing!

 

Photo:  NHRA

 

 

Getting started in racing

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There are a lot of different stories out there about how each of us find our way to the world of motorsports.

John Force's Racing family resulted in a future generation of racers
John Force’s racing family lifestyle resulted in a future generation of racers with daughters Ashley, Brittany and Courtney.

Some of us are born into the lifestyle, with parents who are already actively involved in the sport and bring those playpens into the pits for race weekends.   For those lucky children, racing is just a part of who they are, it’s the life they’ve always known.    Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney Force grew up with their famous NHRA Funny Car father, traveling the country one race weekend at a time.  When each came of age, it was no surprise that they would all follow in their father’s footsteps with racing careers of their own.

Racing families such as the Forces are common in motorsports.   The lifestyle continues on for generation after generation of racers, crew members and team owners.

For others, they come across it later in life.   Maybe its a friend, or another relative.   Some discovered racing because of mainstream tv or movies.   Still others come across it on their own terms.

Getting Started in Racing | What now?

Erica Ortiz's first car
My first car, a 1990 Ford Mustang GT

Me personally, I had no family that was into racing.   My parents’ idea of automotive enthusiasm was being religious about their oil changes and keeping it cleaned every Sunday.   They had no idea where their little girl picked up an interest in all things fast and shiny.   While most girls liked dolls and makeup, I was fascinated by RC cars and Matchbox cars.

When I turned 18 and it was time for a car of my own, I purchased my first Mustang.  It was a 1990 GT, and along with some newly discovered gear head friends, I started pouring into magazines and the internet trying to find out how to make it faster.   I joined message boards and would ask questions, and just submerged myself into learning.

On those message boards and through even more recently acquired gear-head friends, I learned that the local track had what was called an open Test & Tune night.   Anyone could pay $20, sign a waiver, and take a trip down the 1/4 mile.     My group and I decided to go, and after asking people a million questions and watching a few hours worth, I decided to pull up and give it a try.

That first pass (which if I looked around, I have that first timeslip saved somewhere) was a break-neck 15.4 @93 mph.    But it was enough to get me hooked.

Once I started upgrading the GT with some mods, I became a regular at a local speedshop called Lugo Performance.   I befriended the owner, and would travel to watch their class races around the South.   There, I learned the behind-the-scenes of a racing team, and took lots of notes until I ended up working there for several years myself and launching my own career.

Regardless of how it starts, most of us agree that once we’ve discovered it and began our own journey, its hard to imagine life without it.

LADIES TELL US YOUR STORY!    When did you know that you wanted to race and how did you get started?