Here’s a collection of renderings done for the new Horsepower & Heels Mustang Renderings by Competition Designs.
[imagebrowser id=35]Power of WE: Blog Action Day 2012
Today is Blog Action Day 2012.
If you’re not familiar, Blog Action Day brings together bloggers from different countries, interests and languages to blog about one important global topic on the same day. The project began in 2007. Past topics have included environment, water, climate change, poverty and food with thousands of blogs, big and small, taking part.
I hadn’t participated since back in 2007, with a post about Greener Racing for their environmental topic. This year, I’m happy to join back in on the 2012 campaign, the Power of WE.
The ‘Power of We’ in Racing
The Power of We is a celebration of people working together to make a positive difference in the world, either for their own communities or for people they will never meet half way around he world.
Over the years, I’ve found that the racing community as a whole has a very strong We network. There is an abundance of teams that utilize their racing platforms to benefit many different causes. Because racing is fairly unique and exciting for the mainstream population, its easy to share that excitement and leverage to help important charity organizations get their messages out.
Racing Charities/ Racers supporting Charity Orgs
Doug Herbert/B.R.A.K.E.S. : Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe. That’s the message that NHRA Top Fuel pilot, Doug Herbert is sending with BRAKES, the charity organization he started after losing his two teenage sons in a tragic car accident. Their mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving.
DRAW (Drag Racing Association of Women): The DRAW organization was born out of the successful fundraising efforts to aid Top Fuel driver Shirley Muldowney cope with medical expenses after an accident in 1984. The DRAW organization is a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support to qualified individuals involved in drag racing accidents at a track. From 1985 through 2011, DRAW provided a total of $3,943,442 in financial assistance to 760 racing families. In 2011, financial assistance totaled $189,000.
Darrell Gwynn Foundation: Its the tragic reality that comes with the risks of racing. Top Fuel driver Darrell Gwynn was at the top of his class in the early 1990’s, holding records for the fastest man on earth when a devastating accident left him paralyzed. Ironically, the The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a charity he had chosen to support with his racing platform just 6 months prior, would have his future in their hands. The Darrell Gwynn Foundation was created to aid spinal cord research through the Miami Project as well as provide support for people with paralysis and to prevent spinal cord injuries.
Katie Sullivan/ Girls for a Change: NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Katie Sullivan is an active spokesperson for Girls for a Change, a national organization that empowers girls for personal and social transformation. The program inspires girls to have the voice, ability and problem solving capacity to speak up, be decision makers, create visionary change and realize their full potential.
NEW! Pin-up Style Design
Check out the latest new pin-up style design in the Horsepower & Heels E-Store!
The newest apparel design was commissioned by Hot Rods by Kristina. It features pin-up style art on the Horsepower & Heels Mustang.
Pre-orders are currently being taken as only a limited run will be available. The shirts will be available in both Men’s and Women’s styled shirts as well as in black/white colors.
Reserve your shirt today!
To reserve your Horsepower & Heels pin-up style design shirt, simply visit the Horsepower & Heels Store and select your options. The first run of the shirts will be $25 each, including shipping via USPS. Presale orders estimated date of delivery will be in early November.
Funds will help Horsepower & Heels get the racecar finished and back to the track!
America’s Favorite Author nominee: Laura Contreras-Rowe
Awhile back, I was featured in a really cool book called Aim High: Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina Women, written by a fantastic woman named Laura Contreras-Rowe.
Aim High: Extraordinary Stories of Hispanic and Latina Women is a 5 Time-Award Winning book that offers hope and inspiration. Laura has traveled the country in the last year meeting and interviewing inspirational and amazing Hispanic and Latina women. This book features 33 thought-provoking positive role models from all over the country and from different professional backgrounds to tell their story. This book delivers a powerful message that despite financial challenges, family obligations and horrific environment or events: a young Hispanic or Latina woman can succeed to astounding heights with courage and tenacity. I was very honored to be included among the featured women in this book, and am humbled by the mix of very well-known and highly successful profiles in my company. (More info about the book at: Aim High Book)
America’s Favorite Author Nominee | Laura Contreras-Rowe
I also just discovered that Laura Contreras-Rowe has just been nominated for America’s Favorite Author for the book, and that the voting has already begun. I think its fantastic that she is being recognized for her efforts and would LOVE to see her earn the top spot!
Let’s help her win!
All you have to do is click over to: http://americasfavoriteauthor.com/ and selected Laura from the nominees and hit VOTE!.
Thanks for all your help!
Drag Coverage Contributor
Well, I’ve taken on a new, exciting assignment: My good buddy TJ Pruitt, owner of one of my favorite drag racing sites, DragCoverage.com, has added me as a new contributing writer for the site!
For the past few years, I’ve kept busy maintaining a regular column for Examiner.com on Women In Motorsports, that focuses on the ladies of drag racing (and other forms of motorsports). This new opportunity means I’ll be jumping back into the different drag racing sanctions such as ADRL and other organizations I’ve admittedly fallen out of the loop with since being sidelined the past few years.
It also means catching back up with friends and familiar faces I’ve lost touch with over the past few years as well. I’m really excited for this opportunity and looking forward to getting back in the swing of things at the track.
Help me get back in the loop!
Building a new race car? Got some neat news to share? Found something cool that the drag racing community should see? Let me know about it! I’m also looking for racers interested in being featured on the site as well. Don’t be shy! Reach out and let me know!
And make sure you bookmark DragCoverage.com for your drag racing news!
Event: Nails and Details, 8/12/12
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.
[imagebrowser id=34]Finding a racing mentor
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.
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
As 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
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Remember 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!