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International Women’s Automotive Society

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International Women's Automotive SocietyI recently stumbled upon a fantastic new organization geared to women in the automotive industry called the International Women’s Automotive Society that really impressed me with the work they are doing, and I wanted to be sure that I shared with you.  It’s definitely a MUST for Women in the Automotive world.

International Women’s Automotive Society

The International Women’s Automotive Society (IWAS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit aimed at developing a community of women to encourage, educate, assist, and create a positive impact for women in the automotive industry.    It is a growing group of very passionate and talented women who are helping one another by leveraging their individual knowledge and strengths to teach and empower the group.   They provide a wealth of information and resources to female automotive enthusiasts and professionals, and work as a collective to help support its membership through education, encouragement, assistance and advocacy of women in automotive.

Women of Auto Features

IWAS regularly features inspiring stories of its members that detail their personal journey in the automotive industry in their Women of Auto feature section.   Each story gives an in-depth look at the life of a female in automotive, recounting her struggles, successes and future goals.   They are also promoted through the sites social networks, giving added exposure to the featured member all month long.

Female Automotive Clubs

If you’re looking for a women’s auto enthusiast club to find like-minded ladies that share in your passion, IWAS has a section devoted to Female Automotive Clubs.   Here you can find regional and national clubs for women in a variety of different sub-cultures of the automotive industry.

Female-Owned Business

When you’re choosing who you shop for, its always helpful to support female-owned businesses.    IWAS regularly adds new female-owned automotive businesses to their Female Owned Automotive Business list.  These businesses include everything from service shops, part resellers, media organizations and other businesses within the industry.

Educational Tips for Careers in Automotive

Wanting to pursue a career in automotive, but don’t know where to start?   The IWAS team has put together a useful resource that details different educational paths – from technical and vocational colleges to traditional degree programs and even military training.   Many of the members have earned degrees or are currently pursuing an education in automotive, and their Industry Education resource gives you access to real-life experiences and advice.

Automotive Industry Scholarships

Need help getting your automotive education?    One of the most amazing resources on the site is its Automotive Industry Scholarship section.    This section finds and lists scholarships and opportunities available to women in the automotive industry.   They range from technical school-specific to foundation-granted general tuition awards for those pursuing advancement in the automotive industry.

Member Only Access

There are several special members-only sections and benefits set aside for IWAS members.   Perks such as free magazine subscriptions to media partner, Girls N Garages magazine, a product review section to get feedback on products, exclusive Women of Automotive merchandise, and direct interaction with other IWAS members through members only groups and forums.

Join the International Women’s Automotive Society

It is free to join the International Women’s Society.   Membership allows you to get involved with all IWAS events and opportunities- from educational seminars, industry events, special cause benefits, and much more.    Building a community of like-minded and supportive women, you can benefit from and give back to mentorships programs, and general camaraderie with fellow ladies who have a passion for automotive.   Interested parties are encouraged to fill out a membership form at Join IWAS.  

There are also opportunities for companies to sponsor educational events or give tax-free donations to the organization.

Leah Pritchett Open Wheel debut

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Leah Pritchett Formula Ford Despite a shortened main event, Leah Pritchett’s open wheel debut proved to be a great experience for the NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel dragster driver this weekend at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort Ranch and Country Club during the VARA Racing “Shootout at the Ranch.”

The veteran drag racer had a smooth transition from her 325-miles per hour, nitro-burning dragster to the open-wheel vintage Formula Ford racecar at the Nevada racing facility. Impressive practice sessions on the 3.4-mile, 30-turn permanent road circuit helped Pritchett improved throughout the weekend behind the wheel of her 1979 Gumout Van Dieman racer.

Leah Pritchett Open WheelAfter qualifying for a fourth row start in the event, Pritchett’s road racing feature was cut short with a car issue. The 27-year-old California native was forced to start from pit lane in the 30-minute main event.

“My first official open-wheel race is in the books,” said Leah. “But wasn’t without some adversity and a less than desired result. A car issue resulting in me missing the rolling start. We got the car fired and I had to begin from pit lane while the field took the green at over 100mph, leaving me to hit the track from the back of the field. But I still wanted to run the race and gain experience.

This meant Leah would be taking the green flag in last position, and would not get the advantage of the rolling start.    She didn’t let this discourage her, as Leah quickly went to work and gained three positions, looking comfortable behind the wheel of the open-wheeler.

In-car for Leah Pritchett open wheel debutUnfortunately, Pritchett was forced to park her Formula Ford racer early in the event when car issues continued to plague her Gumout open-wheeler.   After such a promising start, the Avon, Ind., driver finished the race watching from the pit area for the rest of the Formula Ford event.  Though she had problems, Pritchett views her open wheel debut a success.

“I passed three cars in the first lap, but our Formula Ford had a problem later and I couldn’t finish the race. You gotta love racecars sometimes. But overall, I had a great experience in working with a variety of nice people who really helped me with the transition to road racing. While we didn’t finish as we wanted, I would love to give it a try in the near future again.”

Pritchett, driving for Dote Racing, enjoyed her career best Top Fuel qualifying performance recently at Maple Grove Raceway by take the second position in the NHRA Keystone Nationals.  Earlier this season, she was the Top Fuel runner-up in the NHRA Southern Nationals race.  Pritchett continues to improve, looking for her first Top Fuel victory in an ultra-competitive class.

Leah Pritchett races at Showdown at the RanchLeah is scheduled to return with her Gumout Top Fuel dragster at the NHRA Toyota Nationals at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway “Strip” on Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Qualifying will take place Friday (Oct. 30) and Saturday (Oct. 31) with final eliminations set for Sunday (Nov. 1).

Featured Racer: Tiana Berkeley

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Tiana BerkeleyRacing has always been a part of Tiana Berkeley’s family life.   She spent her childhood years at the racetrack watching her father race,  and he grew up much the same watching his father race before him.   But when she grew a little older, she surprised her father by not only taking an interest in the sport, but jumping behind the wheel and getting down and dirty.

“I have not had any [formal] training, my dad has been my coach but I taught myself how to get around the track. It was a learning experience and basically trial and error for me.”

A Colville, Washington native, Tiana Berkeley has been racing for 5 years, starting in the four cylinder ranks in 2011.   She earned Rookie of the Year at Northport Raceway in the class, and went on to become the first female to win a championship in the Four Cylinder class for 2012.   In 2013, she again would win the championship in the Four Cylinder class, this time at Eagle Track Raceway in Republic, WA.

Tiana BerkeleyAfter 3 years dominating the four cylinder class, Tiana Berkeley would move up to the Modified ranks, competing under the No. 45 in purple IMCA a-mod she says is a tribute to her late grandfathers.

“My car number is 45, because that is the number my Grandpa Jerry used to run when he raced. Most of the car is purple because that is the color for pancreatic cancer awareness and my Grandpa Brad passed away from it. They both passed in 2006 and I wanted the car to be a tribute to them due to the fact that they both loved racing.”

She would place third in her first year at Eagle Track Raceway in 2014 and go on to win the championship this season, remaining the first and only female to have won the championship in track history.

For Tiana, her last 5 years have filled with great experiences with the family.   She graduated high school one year early to work in the family owned business, Colville Printing as a Graphic Designer.  With her dad handling all of the mechanical aspects of the car (‘he’s the best mechanic a girl could ask for’ she says), Tiana is able to focus on driving, learning the ropes quickly as she moves up the ranks.   But she wasn’t as well received by all of her fellow racers, adding that she encountered some unexpected animosity.

“People I have known for my entire life have treated me differently since I have began racing with and against them, and beating them makes it even worse. That has been tough since I am a very caring person and I wouldn’t expect it from them.”

Tiana Berkeley takes the winTiana Berkeley says she’s dealt with lots of tough criticism from those who believe that women should be behind the wheel of a racecar.   But Tiana doesn’t want to be viewed any differently than any other driver.

“I always treat everyone the same. I use sportsmanship and hope that they will eventually accept that I won’t be knocked down due to their criticism.”

Her toughest critic though has always been herself.   Wanting to improve and do better, she tends to beat herself up a lot, and can be very hard on herself after a tough event.    But for Tiana, she knows that no matter the situation, she has to persevere.

“I learned that someone is always going to have something negative to say, no matter what the situation. Don’t let it get to your head. Keep pushing through and strive to reach your goals. Let the negativity be your motivation to always be the best that you can be. Racing is not just a male dominate sport, women can be successful too.”

Tiana plans to travel with the car and learn from other great drivers around the northwest, and is looking forward to learning how to drive on different surfaces and track conditions with more cars.

Dina Parise IHRA Pro Mod Champ

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Dina Parise IHRA Champion Pro Mod

 

Dina Parise is the new 2015 IHRA Crower Pro Mod World Champion

IHRA Pro Mod competitor Dina Parise sealed up the 2015 IHRA Crower Pro Mod World Championship at the final race of the season, the IHRA World Finals in Memphis, TN.   The popular Nitro Jam standout debuted her Cadillac CTSV Pro Mod named ‘Stella’ at the season opener, encountering new car bugs for the first half of the Crower Pro Mod season.   After struggling with dialing in the new car and getting comfortable behind the wheel, Dina was able to push through the difficult times and secured the points lead going into the final race.    Once there, it was a battle between her and Bill Lutz, but the former figure skating pro would end up sealing up the championship during eliminations.

Congratulations to Dina Parise and team on their new championship!

 

Women in Racing Photos – Creating an Image

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So you’re ready to promote your racing career, and need to put your best image out there.   Having the right image is often over looked and underestimated for women in racing photos.  

International Published Portrait and Racing Photographer Eddie Maloney of www.fasteddiesimagery.com provides some important tips on building a good racing image in photo.

Keep it classy

Women in Racing Photo
An image has the ability to portray you wordlessly. Strong, Capable, Determined, Beautiful.

Unfortunately, according to social media,  the more revealing you are in photos, the more attention you will get.   Well, usually that’s true, but what kind of attention is it getting you?  Is it helping you or hurting you in the big picture?

In racing or in anything for that matter, potential sponsors are looking at your social media websites. Do not be caught with photos of you hanging around the pits with a bunch of alcohol or posing half naked. Yes, you may be beautiful but beauty runs within.  People do judge a book by its cover and inappropriate photos will get you dismissed immediately.   Think about the photos that you are pictured in.  Are they representative of the brand you are hoping to be associated with?   There are plenty of ways to be feminine and beautiful without crossing the line of classless.   Choose your image wisely.

Professional Photographer Eddie Maloney
Hiring a professional photographer to help with your racing image is a really good investment in your career.

Hire a Professional

If you are serious about your career, toss the selfies out.  I love my iPhone but you’ll need to find the right photographer for the job.   A selfie isn’t going to sell yourself as a professional to a sponsor.   I do not believe in perfection, nor do I believe in a perfect exposure. Perfectionism yields no creativity. I have an advantage over most photographers because I work in a wide variety of  photography scenes, to include working in racing for two decades now.

When it comes to finding the right photographer, find someone that thinks outside the box and shares your vision. If you haven’t worked with a particular photographer, bring an escort and if possible meet prior to the shoot. Check his or her credentials and never hesitate to ask for references.

Your typical photo shoot starring your helmet and race suit are old and outdated, do something different. Show everyone how and why you are different.  Remember, you aren’t the only out there competing for a sponsor.  You need to put 100 percent into to everything you do, and your image is no different.

People will know whether your photos came from a cell phone or a real camera. Cell phone photos tell someone that you aren’t that serious or committed so why should someone else choose to invest in you, if you don’t invest in yourself?

What image are YOU trying to create for yourself in the motorsports space?

Looking your best at the track

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Wendy Ryan SheltonWe all want to look our best at the track, but motorsport conditions can sometimes be challenging.   Celebrity hair and makeup artist Wendy Ryan Shelton offers tips and her personal favorites to beat the heat and stay looking your best at the track.  

Track Skin Care

So everybody knows that being in the sun all day can take a serious toll on not only your makeup, but most importantly on skin!  

First off, beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin, period! I can’t begin to tell you the importance of the right skin care regimen to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, free radicals (pollution) and even just a dry climate can cause serious damage to the skin causing skin cancer, premature aging to your skin, congested pores, unwanted sun spots… the list goes on.
Using a “good” moisturizer (not from the grocery store) with SPF is a must, as we all know. But you may also add a couple of key and inexpensive products to your regime that will make all the difference in your skin and your makeup, especially in the summer.
(Site note:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we receive a small commission when you buy.  All opinions are the author’s own.)
  1. Get a non-drying cleanser that is not oil based.  Ole Henrikson Vitamin C Cleanser and Philiosophy Purity are both affordable and fully cleanse the skin without leaving your skin feeling “tight”.  Anything with Vitamin C is anti-aging and helps protect against free-radical damage. Ole Henrikson’s brand is all natural and will leave you feeling completely refreshed.
  2. Use a nutrient-rich toner.  (optional, but why not take that extra step? This is preserving the health of your skin as there is no Fountain of Youth… really!) First Aide Beauty Radiance Pads is a toner that is packed with vitamins and nutrients that your skin will love you for! The tiny grooves in the pad will act as an exfoliate for unwanted dry skin, uncongest pores and the added vitamins also protect your skin from pollutants.
  3. Get a moisturizer with SPF that fits your skin type.   I personally use Peter Thomas Roth Sheer Max All Day Defense.  Its oil-free, packed with vitamins and leaves a healthy glow without feeling like your “glowing”. Its also good for all skin types and is fragrance-free. Anything with artificial fragrance has alcohol in it and will dry out the skin. Also for problem oily skin, use Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer it has SPF and oil-control.
  4. Use a hydrating eye cream.   An eye cream that is packed with water will also help keep your eyes properly hydrated to prevent unwanted fine lines.  If you already have fine lines and wrinkles, use Philosophy Miracle Worker Retinoid Eye Repair, it is legitimately a miracle worker!!
  5. For all you people with the dreaded oily to combination skin saga, fight oil with OIL!  Especially in the summer heat, your skin will overproduce oil when its lacking or stripped of its natural oil. Use a nightly treatment oil or at night 2-3 times a week. My personal favorites include ProGenius Treatment Oil by NUDE Skincare or Kate Sommerville Dilo Oil. Your skin will completely absorb these oils leaving no residue on the face and BOOM, problem solved.

ALL of these products will make a massive improvement on how your makeup looks, feels and wears throughout the entire year. Makeup will only enhance dry skin, fine lines and will look ridiculous if you have oil pouring out of your pores!

Stay-put Makeup for Women in Motorsports

Wendy Ryan Shelton at work
Photo: Michael W. Rogers

The biggest complaint for makeup lovers during the summer is their face gets oily, sweaty making their makeup look splotchy or just comes off 2 hours after putting it on.  There are solutions.

  1. Always make sure you allow your skin care to absorb into the skin for 5-10 minutes before applying makeup. If you don’t wait, it will make your makeup smear all over your face. More people do this than you’d think.
  2.  Trade your thicker foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.   They melt into the skin, are very lightweight and won’t rub off throughout the day. Boscia BB Cream, Nars Tinted Moisturizer or Smashbox are a few of my favorite. Go to Sephora, tell them your skin type and they will match your color as well as suggest one to help with skin conditions.
  3. Always, I mean ALWAYS use a primer!  Not only are you creating a barrier between your skin and your makeup, but it helps the foundation ‘stick’ to your skin so that it wont fade in certain areas of the face like your nose, forehead and cheeks. This step combined with proper skincare will also prevent foundations from oxidizing on the skin, making your foundation turn another color. During the summer heat, this is a big problem.
  4. Don’t forget your eyeshadow primer. It will keep eyeshadow from gathering in your crease, you’ll get the most color pay-out from your shadow, blends easier and your shadow will look as flawless at the end of the day as it did when you applied it in the morning. This is a must!
  5. For full coverage in the summer:   If you are like me and still want to use a thicker fuller coverage, even in the summer, go with Kat Von D Tattoo Foundation. Very full, flawless coverage and has a matte finish. It is water-resistant and long-wearing, even in the summer! There are amazing reviews and a couple negative on this product. The biggest complaint is that it dries before being able to blend it properly or that its too heavy. If these are the cases, its not being applied right. The end. It needs to be applied on top of a primer, quickly with brush or Beauty Blender. Clinique Double Wear is also an amazing full coverage that wont break up on your face in the heat and same rules apply!
  6. Always set your foundations with a powder.  I prefer a translucent HD powder that is weightless and great for taking pictures!
  7. Set your look with setting spray.   Set your finished look with a mattifying setting spray during the summer, unless you have very dry skin. In that case, you would use a normal/dewy finish setting spray. Setting sprays help with making all your makeup melt to the skin, keeping it in place. A great mattifying setting spray is Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray or mattifying setting spray by NYX.
  8. Keep blotting paper handy to wipe away sweat.    Use Blotting papers (by numerous brands) to blot any unwanted sweat or oil without taking off your makeup.
 All these tips will help you get through your summer with flawless skin and makeup, keeping you looking your best at the track. I hope you have enjoyed reading my tips as I have enjoyed sharing my experience and knowledge with you!
What are your favorite tips for a fabulously fast look?  Leave a comment below!

Women’s Helmet Review

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We all know that when it comes to protective safety wear, being in a male-dominated sport can have its disadvantages as a woman.   These items are typically designed for men, and there isn’t much information out there on how each of them actually fit and function for women.    After the success of our Women’s Fire Suit Review, we decided to continue the series onto the next critical component common to racers:   Women’s Helmet Review.

We again reached out to our network of fellow female racers and women in motorsports for their feedback on Women’s Racing Helmets.   Each woman provided her input on their helmet’s weight, comfort, quality, and overall satisfaction on a scale from 1-5, with 1 being completely dissatisfied and 5 being completely satisfied.

Bell

Renee-Dupuis-helmetHelmet:  Bell RS7 | Snell SA2010 and FIA8858-2010 certified

Reviewed by:  Renee Dupuis |  NASCAR Modifieds Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Renee’s Comments:  “Fabulous helmet – Bell fits me better than other brands, so I’ve used them exclusively for years.”

Sara-Price-HelmetHelmet:  Bell Moto 9 | DOT   Snell M2015

Reviewed by:  Sara Price |  Professional Motocross Supercross Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Sara’s Comments: “Bell having a long track record with safety on their product, I would never hesitate to choose any of their product! I mainly use the Moto 9 but when I have to use a Auto specific helmet I happily choose the BR1! They are build very well and high end and feel safe with my brain inside one!”

McKenna-Haase-HelmetHelmet:  Bell RS7 Carbon | Snell SA2010 and FIA8858-2010 certified

Reviewed by:  McKenna Haase |  Dirt Sprint Car Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

McKenna’s Comments:  “When I first received my RS7, I felt it was uncomfortable due to the pressure it applied to my forehead. However, I talked to the employees at Bell, and they had me send it back so they could work on it. Within two days, they had reshaped my helmet perfectly and it has fit great ever since. I recently flipped my sprint car violently five times end over end and walked away without any brain injury.”

G-Force

Tarra-Springstoh-HelmetHelmet:  G-Force Pro Eliminator | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Tarra Springstroh | Asphalt Circle track driver

WEIGHT: 4 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Tarra’s Comments: “Love my gforce helmet! Got a new one for 2016 which is the carbon fiber!”

Krista-Elyse-HelmetHelmet:  G-Force Pro Eliminator | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Krista Elyse | NMRA Drag Racing Driver

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Krista’s Comments:  “This helmet saved me from severe head trauma during my crash this season that totaled my race car. I walked away with a minor concussion instead of something worse, due to smacking my head so hard on the front of the 10 point roll cage. I am extremely satisfied and would purchase the helmet again. Proof that you don’t have to buy an $800 helmet to be sufficiently protected.”

Impact

Sunny-Hobbs-HelmetHelmet:  Impact Super Sport | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Sunny Hobbs | Road/Sport/Stockcar Racer

WEIGHT: 3 star ratingCOMFORT:  4 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 4 star rating

Sunny’s Comments: “This helmet fits the bill for me. It’s snug and comfortable, and works well with my Hans. The padding around my face is firm which gives it a good fit, but the fabric is still soft and pliable. My peripheral vision is great. The chin strap rings tend to twist sometimes which is cumbersome,but overall it’s a good quality helmet.”

Simpson

Elaine-Larsen-HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Carbon Drag Bandit | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Elaine Larsen | IHRA Jet Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star rating

OVERALL: 5 star rating

Elaine’s Comments:  “Simpson is the best when it comes to fitting women in Motor Sports. They go the extra mile to make sure that the fit is perfect as we don’t fit regular sizes. They do this at no extra charge to the customer. I have had extra padding installed in my helmets as my face is thinner than a man and the strap able to be pulled tighter. They make safety and comfort their first priority. They also make sure you look really good wearing their products.”

Janette-Thornley-HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Outlaw Bandit | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Janette Thornley | Nitro Harley Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Janette’s Comments:  “In motorcycle drag racing, it’s important to have a larger opening to see through above the eyes. This helmet is sufficient to get the job done but another 1/2″ would be even better. The fit is perfect and feels good when wearing it but again, once on the motorcycle and in the stage position, I have to push the chin part of the helmet up some in order to see the staging tree. At that point, the back of the helmet can pinch my ponytail but once the adjustment is complete I’m set and the helmet is not a distraction and I’ve never had an issue.”

CarlyJoEllingson_HelmetHelmet:  Simpson Bandit| Snell SA2015

Reviewed by:  Carly Jo Ellingson | Super Pro Drag Racer

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  4 star rating

OVERALL: 5 star rating

Carly Jo’s Comments:  “I love my Simpson Bandit helmet! I feel that it was a very smart choice and I’m happy I made the switch a number of years ago, after making the decision to move up through the ranks of NHRA drag racing! My only complaint would be that after several years of use in the scorching heat of our summer race seasons, I noticed that the padding adhesive was actually seeping through the padding. With that being said, I still recommend the Simpson Bandit to other racers, and I am thankful for its strong build! That helmet saved my life during a rollover accident in 2013, so I will definitely stand by it and represent it as living proof of its excellent quality!

 

Stilo

Cindi Lux HelmetHelmet:  Stilo ST4 GT | Snell SA2010

Reviewed by:  Cindi Lux | Road Racer/Instructor

WEIGHT: 5 star ratingCOMFORT:  5 star ratingQUALITY:  5 star ratingOVERALL: 5 star rating

Cindi’s Comments:  “I have worn many different types of helmets over my career. This Stilo is one of the best in all areas. Comfort, safety and features.”

Do you have Comments/Notes to add to this discussion?  Make sure you comment below and give us your feedback!

Enders on Jay Leno’s Garage

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Erica Enders and Jay Leno
Story/Photos via NHRA.com

Look for reigning Mello Yello Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders and Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman on the premier episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Eastern on CNBC.    Enders will be showing the talk-show host/comedian and car enthusiast the ropes on how to drive a drag racing car.

“It will be a great way to introduce the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series to a new audience,” Enders said. “That was a great experience and a neat opportunity. I grew up watching Jay Leno and always enjoyed him throughout my life, so it was cool to be able to work with him. He shares the same passion for automobiles that we do, and that was pretty evident.”

Leno has a well-known private collection of automobiles, and Enders and Freeman will get the tour of his prized collection when NHRA returns to California for the season-finale in November.

Jay Leno’s Garage began as a YouTube series about cars and motorcycles with a one-hour special airing on CNBC last year,  but its popularity has spurned a primetime weekly show that begins this Wednesday.

Enders and Freeman joined Leno after her Bristol win to film the show at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, Calif.    They used the Super Comp car of Division 7 racer Eddie Fischle, along with the support of Frank Hawley.

Enders and Leno cruised around in a new Chevrolet Camaro SS, and the two chatted about their respective careers to begin the show.

“It was fun to be able to drive him around in the Camaro,” Enders said. “We talked a little bit about his life and a little bit about my career. Then we spent the rest of the day teaching him to drive, so it was a neat deal.”

Enders is the perfect choice for driving coach, as she recently set an NHRA record by winning three consecutive final rounds on holeshots.

“It was a neat chance to be able to teach him how to drive a Super Comp car with Frank Hawley,” Enders said. “I ended up getting to make a pass in my buddy Eddie Fischle’s car, and he supplied us the cars for us to teach Jay to drive.”

Leno wanted to make more passes in the car at the end of the day, clearly enjoying his lessons behind the wheel.

“That goes to show how much he enjoyed it,” Enders said.

How do you think Jay will fair behind the wheel of a Super Comp car?  Comment below!

13 female racers Drive for Diversity

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Drive for Diversity Combine13 female racers will have three days to compete for a spot in the top driver development program, NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D), taking place at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va., Oct. 19-21, 2015.   In total, 22 drivers were selected to take part in the combine.

The D4D program, currently in its 12th year, invites promising ethnically diverse and female drivers, ages 14 to 26, from across North America to test their skills over a three-day period in an annual combine order to select the newest members of the program for the following year.   Drivers are evaluated on their driving skills and strength and agility exercises. Those identified during the combine will take part in the diversity program for 2016.

“Finding and developing diverse athletes who will represent the future of NASCAR is at the core of our organization’s mission,” said NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Jim Cassidy. “Every year, the bar is raised with talented applicants who have the potential and determination to succeed. We’re proud to watch our graduates in the national series and develop more diverse talent to join them in the years to come.”

Rev Racing, the Max Siegel-owned race team, partners with the D4D program to offer racing opportunities in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKPSE) and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) for one full season, providing drivers with equipment, mentoring, and competition experience.

“We could not be more excited about this year’s NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine to select the 2016 Class of Rev Racing drivers,” said team CEO Max Siegel. “Coming off of our 6th consecutive multiple race winning season, we are focused on continuing to make our program and approach world-class, as we prepare these young drivers to advance into the national series.”

This year, 13 female racers Drive for Diversity, including the youngest combine participant ever at 14 years old, Macy Causey.

Fans can follow the Combine live on Twitter at @NASCARDiversity and @RevRacing.

Women of the 12th annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine

  1.  Hannah Adair, 21      Tusla, OK
  2. Kayli Barker, 18     Las Vegas, NV
  3. Nicole Behar, 17     Otis Orchards, WA
  4. Macy Causey, 14     Yorktown, VA
  5. Madeline Crane, 17     Meansville, GA
  6. Claire Decker, 20     Eagle River, WI
  7. Natalie Decker, 18     Eagle River, WI
  8. Ali Kern, 22     Fremont, OH
  9. Mariah McGriff, 20     Vail, AZ
  10. Becca Monopoli, 26     Lakeland, FL
  11. Erika Newcome, 20     Pickerington, OH
  12. Hannah Newhouse, 18     Twin Falls, ID
  13. Vanessa Robinson, 25     Las Cruces, NM

Best of luck to each of these ladies as they attempt to make the 2016 Drive for Diversity Program!

Women of Motorsports Girls Night Out

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Women in Racing GirlsNightOut
Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorship coach Annamarie Malfitana-Strawhand of Marketing at Full Speed, just announced an upcoming Women of Motorsports Girls Night Out online event on Google Hangout for Women in Racing.

The special free livestreaming event will be held next Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 PM EDT – 9:00 PM EDT to give women involved in racing a chance to connect and empower one another.    The Women in Motorsports Girls Night Out is a kickoff event for a new program being launched by Marketing at Full Speed entitled “A Season for Success, Horsepowerment for Women In Racing”.

Annamarie will host the hangout, and will be discussing some success strategies for women in motorsports, with Q&A session and live chat after.    She encourages female racers, racing moms, sisters, daughters, spouses and women working or aspiring to work in the sport to attend, and adds that it’s a great opportunity to connect, share, mentor and support fellow women in the sport.

There will even be some prizes awarded to lucky attendees- Simpson Safety gear, Amazon, Dunkin Donut gift cards and more.

To attend, simply fill out this signup form.