Courtney Force breaking barriers in sports

August 19, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Funny Car driver Courtney Force will be honored by the WNBA’s Indiana Fever on Wednesday, Aug. 26 during their game with the Los Angeles Sparks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse as part of the Fever’s Inspiring Women Night. This year’s theme for the annual event is “Breaking Barriers in Sports.”

Force, the winningest female racer in NHRA Funny Car history, will be recognized during the pre-game reception alongside Carlie Irsay-Gordon, vice chair and owner of the Indianapolis Colts, NBA referee Lauren Holtkamp and Hall of Fame basketball coach Lin Dunn. WISH TV sports director Anthony Calhoun will lead a panel discussion with the four women as part of the pre-game reception, which begins at 5:45 p.m. Individual tickets to attend Inspiring Women Night presented by Elements Financial are $60 and a table of 10 is $550. The four women also will be recognized in front of the fans during half-time ceremonies at the Fever-Sparks game, which begins at 7 p.m.

Courtney Force Inspires Women in Racing

Courtney earned the milestone 100th victory for female racers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series last season. She set the national speed record in Funny Car this season by powering to a speed of 325.06 mph at the controls of her 10,000-horsepower Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro SS and has earned seven career victories and nine No. 1 qualifying positions in her career. Force is the youngest daughter of 16-time NHRA world champion John Force, and shares the spotlight with her sisters, Ashley and Brittany, also women in racing competitors in NHRA’s Funny Car and Top Fuel classes.

Along with her appearance at Inspiring Women Night at the Fever game, Force will be in Indianapolis next week participating in pre-race testing for the 61st Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, the world’s most prestigious drag race, which will be held Sept. 2-7, at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis in nearby Brownsburg.

Courtney Force 100th win — Courtney Force’s 100th Win | Photo: Gary Nastase, John Force Racing

New sponsor for Danica Patrick

August 18, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NASCAR’s Danica Patrick just announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Nature’s Bakery, a rapidly-growing snacks and food brand headquartered in Reno, Nevada, to join Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) as primary sponsor of the No. 10 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning with the 2016 season.

The agreement will see Nature’s Bakery and its signature tagline, “Energy for Life’s Great Journeys”, on board Patrick’s No. 10 Chevrolet SS for 28 races per year.

Nature’s Bakery was founded in 2010 by the father-and-son duo of Dave and Sam Marson with a mission of making delicious, convenient, on-the-go snacks that complement health-conscious living and active, everyday lifestyles. Their lineage in the food industry can be traced back to the 1960s when Dave’s father, Richard Marson, opened a family bakery. Growing up in the bakery, Dave passed his passion and skills along to his son, Sam, whereupon the two combined their knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to form Nature’s Bakery.

“Danica Patrick is one of the most fit and health-conscious drivers in all of racing and she embodies the Nature’s Bakery customer,” said Dave Marson, founder of Nature’s Bakery. “We make great products that complement Danica’s lifestyle and the always on-the-go environment in which she competes. Nature’s Bakery provides ‘Energy for Life’s Great Journeys’ and we’re very proud to embark upon this NASCAR journey with Danica and Stewart-Haas Racing.”

Nature's Bakery and Danica Patrick — Photos: NASCAR

Patrick is one of the most recognizable athletes in motorsports and the most marketable personality in NASCAR, statistics derived from Repucom’s 2015 Davie Brown Index. Her success on the racetrack, which includes an IndyCar Series victory and a Daytona 500 pole, transcends her into the mainstream household, proven by a 2014 Harris Poll which named Patrick the second-most recognized female athlete in the United States, behind only tennis star Serena Williams.

“It’s an honor to represent Nature’s Bakery and also a great deal of responsibility,” Patrick said. “They have ambitious goals and they’re going to rely on me and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing to deliver. I have ambitious goals too. It’s why I came to NASCAR and, specifically, to Stewart-Haas Racing. There’s still a lot I want to achieve in this sport and I’m looking to continue my professional journey with a brand as determined as I am.”

“All you need to say is ‘Danica’ and people know exactly who you’re talking about,” Dave Marson added. “She has immersed herself and succeeded in a very intense sport and been recognized for her efforts. By offering convenient, easy-to-find and affordable products that people can feel better about eating, we’ve carved a niche for Nature’s Bakery in the fast-growing, packaged snack-food industry. With our partnership with Danica and Stewart-Haas Racing, we’re able to take that niche mainstream.”

Danica Patrick has 6 top-ten finishes in her 4 year Sprint Cup career, including a pole at Daytona out of the 104 races she has entered. She currently is ranked No. 21.

“Danica has proven she belongs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we’re very happy to have her a part of our team for years to come,” said Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing with Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. “Nature’s Bakery is a natural fit with Danica. She has played an important role in the growth of all the businesses associated with her and our growth as a race team. Our partnership with Nature’s Bakery is all about growing their business. In Danica, we have the best possible person to help Nature’s Bakery achieve its goals.”

Pippa Mann to race Pocono ABC Supply 500

August 11, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Pippa Mann just announced that she will be returning to the seat of her No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda for the final oval race of the Verizon IndyCar season: the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA. The race will be Mann’s second start at the challenging Pocono triangle, with her previous start in 2013 also from the No. 18 car for Dale Coyne Racing.

Pocono is probably my favorite oval on the schedule after Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I love the uniqueness of the track, and the challenge of trying to find a car balance that works in three completely different corners. In 2013 it was a tough track to pass at, largely due to that different nature of the corners, and working out where on the track you needed to be fast, and to be able to follow, to then try and complete the pass. There’s another 100 miles added to the race since I last drove it, making it another 500 mile race, but I normally enjoy the long races, so I’m looking forwards to that aspect too. It was one of the races I found hardest to watch from the outside last year, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be back on the inside of an IndyCar cockpit as we head back to Pennsylvania in 2015.”

Mann finished 15th in her 2013 start, a result she and the Dale Coyne Racing team hope to improve upon their second time together at Pocono. She currently is ranked 29th in Indycar points, after starting in 5 events on the circuit.

Race Broadcast Information:

Qualifying will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network from 2.00-3.00pm ET, with the race broadcast also live on NBC Sports Network from 2.00-6.00pm ET. Watch Pippa Mann Live. Green flag time is estimated at 2.37 ET.

Broadcasts are also available via IndyCar Radio, the Verizon IndyCar 15 app, and live timing and scoring can be found on IndyCar Race Control.

Maria Costello fastest woman at Ulser Grand Prix

August 11, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Northamptonshire motorcycle racer Maria Costello made a return to a BMW Motorrad UK S 1000 RR for the first time since the Northwest 200, after a several month hiatus attributed to funding left her sidelined. Despite the lack of testing, she was able to register a fantastic 116.790 mph performance and a new female lap record at the 7.4 mile Dundrod circuit, making her the fastest woman ever on the course.

I was fortunate to have an experienced team around me for this event and with the additional support from BMW Motorrad’s technicians, I had a great set up on the BMW. Which is always a good thing when you’re about to ride a missile around the world’s fastest road race! It was me that would need to find some speed, come race day.”

With only one dry session on the Twin, Costello and team used the previous year’s data to dial the bike in for an 18th place qualifying position in the Supertwin race.

Maria Costello at Ulser Grand Prix — Photo: David Maginnis

Race start began in bright sunshine and Costello took to the grid on her ESM/Wollaston BMW backed BMW Motorrad UK S 1000 RR for the first event of the Ulster Grand Prix, the Superstock race. The BMW performed faultlessly and Costello enjoyed a lengthy battle with Andrew Sellars and Hubert Kalthuber. It was on her third lap that she set a new female lap record and she took the chequered flag in 38th place in her debut litre bike race around Dundrod.The Supertwin race was called to the grid as rain started to fall and the race got underway on a wet track. Costello finished the course in an admirable 21st place.

I’d not long arrived when I had upsetting news from home. I couldn’t change anything by going home but it put me in two minds about staying to race. Thanks to my team and friends in the paddock, and the blessing I received from my family, I decided I would compete. So the new lap record means more to me due to the circumstances & I feel so fortunate, firstly to have this opportunity on the BMW, but also to have such amazing support around me. I’ve a lot of people to thank for this opportunity including BMW Motorrad UK, BMW Motorrad, Wollaston Bikes, Metzeler tyres, all my sponsors and supporters.”

Costello, who is a champion of women in racing and regularly hosts all-women track sessions, added that she was happy to see the turnout at the race for female riders.

Congratulations to all the women who competed at the Ulster, it great that we’re making a small dent in to the male dominated world of real road racing. Well done to Noel and his team for running a great event. I want to wish all those injured a speedy recovery and I was deeply saddened by the news that a young man lost his life in the supersport race. Another dark cloud hangs over the sport and I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

Female rider Maria Costello — Photo: Matt Mackey

Costello’s next event is a little more laid back when she will be leading a ride out from Wollaston BMW in Northampton this Sunday, to support the world record attempt at the Ace Cafe in London, to get the most women bikers in one place. Women who want to join the ride can meet at the dealership from 9.30am. Free bacon butties are being laid on and the ride will commence at 10am.

Maria then heads to the Isle of Man to participate in the Classic TT. To find out more about the fastest woman Maria Costello and what she’ll be doing next, please visit her website: http://www.costelloracing.com

Mechanical issues distract Erica Enders in Seattle

August 10, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

A series of mechanical glitches threw Elite Motorsports driver Erica Enders off her game in the second round of the 28th Annual NHRA Northwest Nationals on Sunday at Pacific Raceways.

After qualifying in the No.7 position in a field that was so close only 0.008 seconds separated her from the top spot, Enders would be matched first round with the No. 10 qualified Bo Butner. She would take the victory over Butner with a pass of 6.518 seconds at 212.13 mph, leaving first with a .034-second reaction time. Butner’s run was 6.524 seconds at 212.39 mph. This would advance Enders to face Elite teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the second round. But from the start, almost nothing went right.

“I fired the car and had no oil pressure and no vacuum, so I radioed my guys and told them,” Enders said. “My crew chief just waved me in the water to start the burnout. I went to start my burnout, and then they were waving their arms to stop, so I aborted the burnout. They told me to shut it off, and they pulled my front-end clip off. Turns out the oil sump belt had come off, so there was no oil turning to the motor. They put that on, put the front end back on, and I fired it up. I had to reset all my switches, and the starter said I could do a short burnout. As I was pulling up, they were like, ‘No, back up.’ I backed up through the water and started my whole procedure over again. It was extremely rushed, and I was unable to do a burnout across the starting line, which means we couldn’t put any rubber down or burn through the resin.”

Not laying that critical rubber down through the starting line is detrimental to a recalcitrant Pro Stock car, though Enders was able to post a decent pass of 6.530 seconds at 211.89 mph. Coughlin, who shut the engine off in his Camaro while he waited for his teammate, won with a run of 6.532 seconds at 211.96, earning the victory on a holeshot. Coughlin would move on to runner-up in the finals of the race.

We did what we could with what we had,” Enders said. “I pulled in and pre-staged, but to be quite honest, I didn’t rise to the occasion today. I’m pretty disappointed in myself as a driver. Regardless of the distractions up there, I’m a world champion for a reason, and I didn’t show it today. It makes me mad, but at the same time, there were eight things that were horribly wrong all at one time, and it was a distraction. This is a game that’s won and lost by thousandths of a second.”

Enders remains second in championship points, 47 points behind Greg Anderson, and was grateful to Coughlin for waiting.

“The fortunate thing is my teammate Jeg Coughlin waited for me,” Enders said. “He didn’t have to, but we’re a team back here, and we’re a team up there. He shut his car off, and he wasn’t going to pre-stage without me. That speaks a lot about his character and the class he brings to this operation. Nobody else would have waited, and one of the red cars was going to the semifinals.”

The Elite Motorsports team looks forward to the 34th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in two weeks at Brainerd International Raceway.

Enders exits second round in Sonoma

August 4, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Erica Enders and her Elite Motorsports team are more determined than ever after a second-round exit in the 28th Annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals on Sunday at Sonoma Raceway. It was a first appearance for her Elite team at Sonoma Raceway, having been one of the events the team had sat out in 2014 (Enders had last raced at Sonoma in 2012). Still, she qualified No. 9 and advanced to the second round before bowing out to No. 1 qualifier and eventual race winner Chris McGaha.

“We’ve got nothing to be ashamed of,” Enders said. “We’re going to load up and go to the next race. My guys are the most determined bunch I’ve ever met. Right now our day is over, but where are all three of my crew chiefs (Rick and Rickie Jones and Mark Ingersoll) and my team owner (Richard Freeman)? They’re in the lounge, going over notes and trying to figure out how to get better. You can bet your bottom dollar that we’ll be back, and we’re just going to use this to fuel our fire.”

Enders and her team have a knack for digging deep and overcoming adversity. Earlier this year, they turned a first round loss in Gainesville into a win with the K&N Horsepower Challenge in Charlotte and the national event win in Las Vegas and then another win in Houston. And after losing in the first round in Englishtown, she raced to the semifinals in Epping, and then the winner’s circle in Bristol. Enders also lost in the first round in Norwalk, Ohio, before going to two consecutive semifinals in Chicago and Denver.

In Sonoma, her 100th consecutive race, Enders faced No. 8 qualifier Shane Gray in the first round, and she left first with a .017-second reaction time and held off Gray with a pass of 6.531 seconds at 211.93 mph. Gray’s run was slightly better, 6.530 at 212.39 mph, but Enders won on a holeshot.

“There have been plenty of days when my team has carried me,” Enders said. “I wish I could’ve carried them further this weekend. My crew chief always tells me, ‘If you can be .020 all day on Sunday, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to go to the winner’s circle with the people that we have and the equipment that we have.’ Today just wasn’t our day.”

Enders also left first on McGaha, .020 to .029, but McGaha made a pass of 6.514 seconds at 212.13 mph to run down Enders’ 6.529 at 211.93 mph.

Catching up with Aerospace Component’s Kim Kussy

August 3, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

A biology and business degree graduate, pilot and racer who continues excelling to new heights as President and Chief Marketing and Finance Officer of racing industry staple Aerospace Components, the sky is the limit for Kim Kussy.

The daughter of a large family (she has 4 brothers and 2 sisters) raised in the Motor City, Kim Kussy has always loved the automotive industry. The influence of her brothers and Dearborn, Michigan hometown would be evident in all aspects of her life. She met her husband Al there, who himself grew up racing at local Milan Dragway. As the two started their family and moved down to Florida, that love blossomed into a fast-paced life together.

Kim, who graduated from Tampa College with a degree in Biology/Medical Technologist studies and Saint Petersburg College with her degree in Business, had been working in the medical field as a medical technologist for almost 10 years when her and husband Al decided to incorporate Aerospace Components. Initially, the business was centered around the Department of Defense, machining parts and components for defense systems, guidance systems, and the International Space Station.

The two spent several years growing the business part time, while still continuing with their full time employers. Within a few years, the duo found themselves tied-in with the drag racing industry, manufacturing components for racers. This allowed them to be fully involved in the sport, building the first of many racecars to develop components they created. It was this first build that would really inspire in Kim the passion for racing, and as the business grew, that love would involve the entire family.

When Al was building his first car at Aerospace, I caught the racing bug too. Having started himself racing at age 16, he taught me how to drive the race car. It seem like a natural passion since we owned the company that manufacture the racing parts . Just about all of our employees race so we basically lived at the local tracks in the first 15 years of business.”

Taking those years of knowledge and experience, Kim was able to apply them to building a dragster with her daughters Breanna and Bethany, passing on this experience during their high school years as a family project.

I wanted them to know what we made and did for a living. Both girls got in the dragster and did some burn outs.”

Kim has raced the dragster herself at local tracks in the region, adding that the entire Aerospace family has been a staple in the local racing scene for over 15 years. They have owned dozens of racecars, and are now involved in the national racing scene, sponsoring the NHRA Wally program, with the special Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award. The award, voted on by NHRA’s Technical Department, is given at 12 NHRA Nationals events to individuals or teams demonstrating a unique edge in craftsmanship or technology. They are major sponsors for the National Mustang Racing Association (NMRA) and the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) with the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle sponsorships and contingency programs.

Aerospace Components is approaching nearly 30 years in business, with no signs of slowing. The process has been a rewarding one for Kussy, who loves the people she gets the opportunity to work with in the industry. The road wasn’t always an easy one — the couple started the business at a young age, and have worked hard to build and grow over the years with a group of loyal and hard-working employees that share in the passion. For Kim, the added struggle of proving herself as an intelligent business woman in a male-dominated industry and not just the stereotyped friendly, pretty face were ongoing in the formative years. She credits hard work and tenacity for her success in overcoming these obstacles and mounting a successful career that defies the stereotypes.

Both industries that I am involved in are basically a men’s world — racing and aviation. Many of people don’t believe women can race or fly or run companies as the entrepreneur, sometimes women are still being stereotyped in certain areas. But I believe as a woman, if you are competent at what you do that intelligence and passion shows forth. Now that I have been in the industry for 28 years, I believe men and women respect me for how hard I work, for who I am and what I have contributed to both industries.”

With her duties at Aerospace and at the racetrack taking her all across the country, Kim does a fair amount of traveling. But she doesn’t leave this up to commercial airlines. Kim and Al also own their own aircraft, and Kim earned her private/instrument pilot’s license in 2000. She is one of an elite group of women – only 6% of general aviators in the United States are women, and intends to advance her ratings as time permits.

I am very privileged and honored to be able to be among these women. It takes, a passion for flight, intelligence, courage, time and money to fly and own planes.”

With so many accomplishments to her name, it’s hard to imagine Kim having much downtime. Yet she still finds time to support charity organizations in her community such as Women of Compassion (a non-profit that assists orphans in the state of Florida) and Shepard’s Village, a Christian organization dedicated to supporting single mothers.

I’ve been so blessed by God with my life with all that I am able to accomplish that I want to give back and help encourage the children and single moms that they can make it. I did it with God’s help and love of other who invested in my life! …I was raised in a single parent home after 11 years old. My father died of cancer when I was in 6th grade. so my mom raised the 3 youngest by herself. I know how these kids feel in single parent homes, love and support of family and friends really matters.”

Kim shared that mastering the balance between her full plate of duties for Aerospace, home life with family and raising her children, along with all of the other ventures she has pursued has been the most instrumental to her success.

DREAM BIG and don’t give up! The beginning years are some of the hardest, especially if you are married and or raising children. Work hard and Play Hard! Take time to rest and enjoy family and friends. Surround yourself with others you can trust, those who love you and who will encourage you during the hard times. Set goals, short term for your racing career as well as long term. Don’t be afraid to seek wise counsel from a few key leaders you trust in your industry who have walked the path you’ve walked. Attend conferences, read alot and never stop learning on how to grow stronger in your racing career.”

Kim continues to set new goals for herself and the business, whether its researching new product development, learning new marketing strategies to reach, connect and communicate with customers, or hitting the dragstrip for some racing competition. Her latest project, Kimmy’s Garage, features educational videos on Aerospace products and installations.

Whether in the skies, at a race track near you, or in the office growing Aerospace Components, one thing is sure, the sky is hardly the limit for Kim Kussy.

Jenna Haddock picks up sponsor for Sonoma

July 31, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

After losing her major sponsor just one race ago, Top Fuel rookie contender Jenna Haddock will roll into the peaceful wine country of Napa Valley for the 28^th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Infineon Raceway, the second stop on the famed Swing, with the support from the Sonoma County Les Schwab Tires group of stores.

Les Schwab Tires, headquartered in Bend, Ore. was founded by Les Schwab in 1952. It has grown into one of the largest independent tire dealers with over 450 locations in the country. The Sonoma County group is made up of four locations, Windsor, managed by Rob Paulson, Rohnert Park, managed by Manny Castrellon, Santa Rosa Montgomery, led by David Lindsey and Santa Rosa Avenue, managed by Jessy Usher.

“Les Schwab’s motto is ‘doing the right thing since 1952’ and that’s everything Jenna and her husband Terry represent,” expressed Usher, spokesperson for the group. “The hard work and devotion they put into racing exemplifies our values. They are that one small team working hard and we were that one store that worked hard to be what we are today. Yes, we’re a corporation but we’re family-owned and partnering with Jenna is a great way to show what we support as a company. It’s a perfect match.”

This will be Jenna Haddock’s first time in competition at the beautiful facility and six years since her last visit. She faces the challenge with her usual enthusiasm and exuberance that is making her a fan favorite around the country.

“I am super excited to have Les Schwab join us,” said Haddock. “We’ve known Jessy and the group for several years. They’ve been an associate sponsor for us and when Patriot left us, I offered them a full spot for Sonoma and they took it. We’re a small team and losing our major sponsor was a tough blow. So I can’t thank them enough for coming on board to help me. We did a display at the Santa Rosa Avenue store earlier this week and we had a blast. They are all such great people. Two representatives from each store will be joining us at the track for the race and I can hardly wait to show them a great time. I can’t tell you how proud I am that they have chosen me to represent them and I will do my best.”

Running a limited schedule, Jenna Haddock is currently 18th in Top Fuel points standings, attending 6 events this season.

“I love my race car and driving it and I’m excited to get to be in the car and do this for another weekend. Because we run a limited schedule, I usually have to wait several weeks between races. But we ran Denver last week and now I get to do it again. We are looking to make some good runs and make some progress on our numbers. And most of all we want to have a good clean weekend.”

Featured Driver: Ashley Huffman

July 31, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

At the young age of 26, Ashley Huffman has amassed the colorful resume of a seasoned veteran in Drag Racing. Her racing career spanning 18 years, she has driven everything from Junior Dragster up to Top Alcohol Dragster, and has her sight set on returning to the TAD class for that elusive Wally.

Starting on the Ice: A Family Passion

A third generation racer, Ashley comes from a long racing pedigree. Her grandmother Jackie and father Rick both accomplished snowmobile racers, Ashley’s first experience at competitive racing came at age 8 when she entered the kid’s class at the “Grass Drags” snowmobile race aboard a Ski Doo Mini Z. She took second place in her first race.

…the only reason I didn’t win was because the other kid had wheels on his sled. Competitive much? [she laughs] After that moment, I was hooked and have been racing ever since.”

Ashley continued racing snowmobiles that year, finishing 2nd overall. The following year, she improved and took 1st place overall in the class. Huffman’s family moved shortly after from her hometown of Saskatoon in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan to Calgary in Alberta. Her father continued racing snowmobiles on pavement for some years, and Ashley would get her introduction into drag racing’s Junior Dragster program. At the age of 10, her parents bought her very first Junior Dragster, which she would pilot to 16 second elapsed times in the 1/8th mile. She won her very first race out in the class, and spent all summer at the track with her family, enjoying the sport they all loved together.

Junior Dragster to Super Pro

The family passion continued on for Ashley well into her teen years in the Junior Dragster class. At 13, she would represent Canada in the 2002 World Finals, placing 3rd overall. She would pick up the Division 6 National Open event win in Ashcroft, B.C. in 2003, and the Medicine Hat, AB event win in 2004. In 2005, she would finish as the series champion in the Junior Dragster points chase. Turning 16 that year, Ashley would make the move to Super Pro for the following season, the rookie year for her in an adult class. She would finish 2nd in overall points for Super Pro.

I will never forget one race in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, I was 16 and I was racing in S/P for the Wally! I made it all the way to the final round, I was so pumped my first Wally final in an “Adult Car” and not a Junior Dragster. I was in the staging lanes all belted in and my opponent came up beside me and his crew guy came over, looked at me, then looked at the name on the side of the car and yelled at his driver “YOU’RE RACING A GIRL, YOU GOT THIS IN THE BAG”! I remember my dad was pacing because he was so nervous that I heard this guy, and I did but I blocked it out and showed him that even A GIRL can win the big races and sure enough the Wally was handed to me at the end of the day! It was a very proud moment for me!”

Licensing in Top Alcohol Dragster

With such success throughout her teen years, the culminating highlight came in the form of a very special high school graduation gift from her parents. 17 year-old Huffman would fly down to Gainesville, Florida to attend Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in hopes of completing the Top Alcohol Dragster Program and earning her TAD license. The 3-day school consisted of classroom instruction, cockpit orientation and 2 days of on-track performance review. Florida weather condensed her track time significantly, forcing Ashley to make 6 runs in the dragster in one day. The process was mentally and physically demanding on young Huffman, who was overwhelmed by a combination of excitement, nerves and adrenaline. Less than 10% of drivers complete the requirements to satisfy the tough TAD Licensing test during the 3-day course, but Ashley defied those odds, becoming the first and only Canadian female to license in Top Alcohol Dragster.

I actually ended up doing the school with Diana Harker and her sister Kate was there for support. Kate already had her license at that time. It was really neat to do the school with another female racer! Frank Hawley puts on an incredible school, I learned so much from him and his team and the classroom time that I had with Frank was immeasurable! That man knows Drag Racing inside and out and taught me how to be a better driver!”

Ashley began her Top Alcohol Dragster career as a driver in 2008. She was named the Most Improved/Up & Coming driver in 2009, and took her first win at the 2010 IHRA Nitro Jam Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, AB, becoming the first female to ever win in the class, the first event winner from Canada, and the first blower car in the class to record a win.

I was so pumped to be racing there since it was one of my hometown tracks, the stands were full and I was ready! I ended up winning the race and became the first blown dragster to win, the first Canadian and the first female to ever win in that class and I did it all at home! I was so proud of not only myself but my entire team! It was definitely a great moment.”

Being just 21 years old, Ashley found she really had to work hard to earn the respect of racers in the series, adding that she dealt with her fair share of rumors and critics. She didn’t let it get to her, choosing instead to let her performances on the track speak for her, earning their respect.

I definitely had to prove myself to all the racers and show that I deserved to be there just like them. There were always RUMORS going around and some people just did not have nice things to say about me, and that’s fine. I proved myself when I was on that track. I proved that I loved drag racing and that I could compete with them and that I earned my stripes.”

2011 would be the last in TAD for Huffman, as she would step down as driver and returned to her own racing program.

Return to Family-based Racing

Now 26, Ashley has returned to racing in the Top Dragster class, driving the family-owned 2006 TnT Dragster with a 565”BBC in Edmonton’s Top Eliminator Club series. The car runs consistent 7.18 second E.T.s at 190 mph. The entire family has a hand in the race day activities, a fact that makes Ashley proud “…we either all do this together or not at all!”

I honestly could not continue in this sport without the help from my Father, Rick, Mother, Barb and Husband, Chad. They are my rock and they all play very crucial roles in our racing operations! My mom is my biggest supporter and fan and has always been there for me through the good weekends and the bad weekends. My Dad was my first crew chief and I have so much respect for him and his love of drag racing. I can guarantee you have never met a man as passionate about drag racing as my father. He has taught me how to be a driver, and I can only hope that one day I am as good as he is. My Husband, Chad grew up at a race track so he is no stranger to the drag strip. He would always be at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton watching his Uncle race every weekend and now with me I have brought him behind the scenes and he is on the line right there beside me for every run! He supports me in every single way and has made every effort to learn every possible thing about drag racing”!

Ashley Huffman beyond the track

Away from the track, Ashley works as a marketing analyst for a large global oil and gas service provider. She fills her spare time practicing yoga, adding that it helps keep her focused at the races as well. She has the mantra “Breathe” tattooed on her clutch foot as a lasting reminder.

I do a ton of yoga, and I find that being able to find that calmness and allowing yourself to just breathe really helps when you are racing, plus you get a killer workout ;). Regardless of what class you are racing in or how fast your car goes, drag racing is all about being FOCUSED! If you’re not focused and in the zone you are not going to be all that successful!”

Looking to the Future

Huffman plans to continue racing her T/D program. She and her husband Chad are in the process of purchasing the dragster operation from her parents, allowing them retire in their beautiful home in Huatulco, Mexico.

She hopes to be able to save enough for a return to the Top Alcohol Dragster class. Ashley would love a TAD return for a chance to claim her first Wally.

I think the biggest road block for any racer is sponsorship and financials to continue travelling to all the races, entrance fees, fuel, parts etc. One of our biggest road blocks was living in Canada and racing in the United States. Every race was at least a 12-24 hour tow. That gets expensive really quickly. Without the help of all of my sponsors, I would have never been able to follow my dream!”

Although sponsorship can be tough to find, especially for the costs associated to running a Top Alcohol Dragster program, Ashley remains focused and optimistic. She adds that this is one of the most important keys to finding success as a woman in the sport.

DO NOT LET PEOPLE DISCOURAGE YOU! You can do anything that you want to do, male or female. There are always going to be people who don’t have anything nice to say, but at the same time, there will be so many more people who stand by behind you, root for you and support you. Keep those people close because at the end of a long hard race day when you lose a race by 0.0007 and give the stripe back, you need those people there!”

Ashley loves entertaining questions from other ladies wanting to try racing on her social media accounts. She adds that talking to other racers and teams can really help newcomers learn the ropes and make friends in the pits.

We are all pretty friendly and love talking to other people about our race cars! I love seeing women getting into this sport and there are definitely a lot more women now than when I first started racing.”

After all, Ashley Huffman said it best herself (on the back of her Alcohol Dragster Hero Card): “It’s all fun and games, ’til you get beat by a girl”

Feature: Staci Hunter

July 29, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

One of the earliest forms of women’s involvement in drag racing dates back to the 1960’s, when the popularity and notoriety of the Back-up Girl phenomenon was born. Today, the modern back-up girl is still an integral part of drag racing culture, and Alberta, Canada’s Staci Hunter is a pro in the game.

1-on-1 with Back Up Girl Staci Hunter

Name: Staci Hunter
Age: 35 years old
Home Town: Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Occupation: House Flipper / Stay at home mom

Racing Stats

How she got her start:

Backing up Top Alchol Funny Car 11 years ago

Currently:

Back up Girl (BUG), Synoil / Exact Air TAFC
Chassis Brad Hadman
Body Roush Carbon Fibre
Engine BAE 526 ci. 3000 HP
Low E.T 5.60 @ 261 mph
Driver Greg Hunter

Honors:

I was honored with being one of the back up girls finalist on a DRBUG facebook page. The Synoil/ Exact Air TAFC took home a Wally in Mission B.C last Season.

Q & A

What got you interested in Racing? How did you begin to break into the sport?

I was actually introduced to racing about 13 years ago, when Greg, (my Husband) took me out to the shop to show me his TAFC. To be honest, I knew nothing about the sport until I went to a race, instantly I was hooked. I knew that racing would be a big part of my life from that moment on. I watched Greg race a couple of times and I knew that I wanted to be more involved doing whatever I could, My first Duty that he asked me to do, was to back him up. I, of course, said absolutely, but don’t run me over! LOL

What did it take to get involved as a Back-up Girl?

I don’t have any formal training in the sport. I find that listening to our crew and fellow racers, is always a great learning tool. The thing I love about this sport, is that everyone is super competitive on the starting line, but back in the pits, everyone is like family.

What do your duties as Back Up Girl involve at a typical race?

My main responsibility at the track is making sure Greg is in the grove when I back him up. I don’t want him crashing into the wall or crossing the center line because I didn’t do my best. I also love playing hostess in our pit area by making everyone feel welcome. We love having sponsors, fans, friends and family in our pit area. Win or lose we have a great time and want to make a memorable experience for everyone. I also do a lot of work behind the scenes doing some of the accounting and social media updates for the team.

What have been some unique experiences you’ve had as a woman in the sport?

I find myself noticing how much respect and each team has for one another whether you’re male or female. I have watched women become accepted and successful in the sport of Drag Racing. Its also a great bonding experience meeting other women from other teams. I am sure I have received some form of criticism. In some ways I actually expect it, being that I put myself out there. I have no problem putting on a Halloween costume and running out onto the track to back Greg up, its all in good fun and part of the show. I expect the odd eye roll or comment but never let it bother me. Sometimes stepping out of the “normal” is what makes you a stronger person. All in All, my experiences have all been positive ones.

Was there any non-racing related training you received that helped to make you successful?

I can’t believe I am actually repeating this, but I think the public speaking class that I had to take when I was in college has actually helped me come out of my shell. Although I must admit, it was my least favorite class, at the time, and I dreaded going to it.

How does the sport/sponsors view your commitments to family? Does it make it more difficult? What advice would you give to moms wanting to continue a career in motorsports post motherhood?

I have two incredible kids, one boy, one girl. Racing with children can be challenging but it’s not impossible. When there is a will, there is a way. We are fortunate enough to have amazing people surrounding us that are willing to help out and watch our kids during a race weekend, if we have to leave during school. We love bringing them to the track during the summer and when school is out. We believe that racing is a great family sport and take advantage of that when we can. Its all about finding a great balance.

What things did you learn along the way that would be useful to another woman who is looking to start or further her career in motorsports?

Don’t let fear or intimidation stop you from trying new things. If you love this sport, listen and learn and follow your heart to chose your role and give it your very best. The great thing about racing is that its a Team sport and there are so many different roles that intertwine together to make it a successful team.

What are your future plans and goals?

To be the best back up girl and win, win, win! lol. I plan on taking every opportunity that comes my way in motorsports and making them count.

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