Celebrating, promoting and supporting women in motorsports and Moto Enthusiasts
Kelly Morris
Living and breathing all things auto, Kelly Morris has been turning wrenches with her dad since she was fresh out of diapers at their family run garage located in Hanford, California. Currently building a track focused 1982 Mercury L Capri. during her downtime Kelly is involved in several social media platforms that support women’s initiatives in the motorsports.
The world of drag racing all started for NMRA driver, Nikki Frost, in the summer of June 2012. Nikki was given a great opportunity from Vortech Superchargers to use her 2013 Ford Mustang GT for their V-3Si kit and SEMA 2012 booth car. Nikki’s new ride would serve as both a race car and her daily driver.
There is no way you can pass an opportunity like that up! I drove my new Mustang with less than 500 miles on it from Philadelphia, PA to Oxnard, CA in July 2012 and I have never looked back.”
With her new Vortech equipped Stang, Nikki worked on establishing herself in the community to honor her commitments to her sponsors.
I focused heavily on showing the car at car shows in 2013 where it was well received. In June 2014, I ran my first sanctioned race at the NMRA All-Female Shootout in Norwalk, OH and was lucky enough to secure the Runner-up spot! This was followed in June 2015 with another NMRA All Female Shootout Runner-up placement. Hopefully my winning streak continues in 2016, but just having the opportunity to race with my husband and our good friends is enough for me.”
Her Mustang has been a SEMA booth car twice, featured in numerous publications, and is the perfect street-strip car for Nikki. She feels beyond blessed for the opportunities that have been presented to her and the experiences are worth everything to her.
Nikki Frost at Frank Hawley School
This February, I had the honor of attend Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in Gainesville, FL. It was hands down the best choice I’ve made so far with drag racing. He teaches the fundamentals as well as advanced techniques that are essential to being a good drag racer. Huge thanks to Frank Hawley, Jimmy and the crew for providing us with the essentials that we need to be successful, educated drag racers! The experience was invaluable – I would highly recommend this school to any drag racer.”
Q&A with Nikki Frost:
When did you know, that racing was what you wanted to do?
Photo: Ford Racing Nation.com
Racing has always been my heart. It wasn’t until I met my husband that I was introduced to the wonderful world of drag racing. The love affair with the track started and the speeding tickets and street racing stopped! Well, mostly. There is nothing better than the thrill of competition and the adrenaline of lining up at the light and letting it fly.”
When it comes to being a Women in Motorsports, do you feel you’ve made an impact?
The way that I feel that I have made an impact on other women in the Motorsports industry is by being able to succeed with only a dream and my car. I have worked hard for everything that I have and will continue to work hard. Nothing will be handed to you, you have to go out and get it yourself, and I would like to think I have empowered other women to follow their dreams as remote as they may seem at the time. Females in the Motorsports industry are surprisingly supportive of one another. You will have your “haters” which happens no matter what you do but not everyone has to like you. Some of my best friends in the industry have come from my first race which proves that women can build each other up and have a great support system even when in a competitive environment. Every woman that I have met in the Motorsports industry has impacted me in some way and I hope that I have positively impacted others as well.”
Who are your biggest supporters?
My biggest supporter is my husband! He is perfectly content sitting back and helping me race even though he is a racer himself. Without him none of this would be possible. My sponsors are amazing to work with and I am fortunate to not just have business relationships with them but friendships as well. My firm is undeniably supportive and allows me the opportunity to pursue my dreams while still advancing my career. The friends that I have in the car community are second to none, car people are the best people! A huge thanks to everyone that has helped me get to where I am today and continues to support me in my future ventures, I couldn’t do it without you!”
Accomplishments for Nikki Frost
Runner-up finishes in the NMRA All Female Shootout in 2014 and 2015.
As the new season approaches for 27 year-old drag racer Capri Wesley, she is feeling pretty confident for 2016. Continuing to get race ready and take on her 1998 Z28 Ttop Chevy Camaro to run in the footbrake bracket class, as well as the 5.70 heads up racing, Capri hopes to do a little more with the car to try and run Ultimate Street in some radial races this season.
Capri’s love for Racing
Beginning a love for cars at just a young age, Capri fell for the ’98 Z28 T-top Chevy Camaro. Over time, she found herself drawn into the world of Imports. At the age of 16, she bought a 2000 Honda Prelude. At first, Capri only wanted to use it for show, but she gained friends in the car scene and started to learn more about them. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be fast instead of look good. I started taking my car to the local drag strip, Emerald Coast Dragway at only 16. That poor car was so slow,” she stated. But after while, she began adding some modifications to the car in her quest for speed.
Some things I like the most about drag racing would be the feeling I get being on the track and the family that most of the racers have. I love being one of the only females out there trying to battle in a “man’s world.” Of course that can be a hard part about it but overcoming the odds is a huge accomplishment to me.”
She made good friends with other fellow racers at her home track, who she see’s as family. They have taken her under their wings as well. Over time, Capri earned the accomplishment of becoming one of the fastest women in a Honda Prelude in the nation. She had a new found appreciation for all types of drag cars, allowing her to venture into the domestic car world.
I was lucky enough to have someone allow me to race his 66 Chevy 2 for a few months. After getting to drive a 1000 horsepower Cadillac of a racecar, I finally decided to build my own domestic car that was actually fast. My import was fast for a 4 cylinder, but was never going to do what I wanted to do.”
At the age of 18, Capri found her ultimate dream car: the only one that stole her heart, the 1998 Z28 T-top Chevy Camaro. She is now planning to run the car in the footbrake brackets and some possible heads-up racing, confident that this is her year to receive that first a win for the season. As she puts her Honda Prelude to the side, Capri will eventually make some modifications for next year.
Goals | Capri Wesley
Capri has plenty of goals when it comes to racing. She hopes to become just like the NHRA Pro Stock back to back champion, Erica Enders-Stevens. Capri says she looks up to Erica Enders, feeling that if she could be known as half the racer that Erica is, her career would be a success. Capri stated that one day, she would like to be known for her racing. Eventually she is planning to build a car to run in some Radial classes such as the X275, Outlaw Drag Radial and as well as the Pro Radial classes.
Another goal is to have an article in Drag Illustrated about my racing career and my car. With my new car I hope to be successful in a local class we have called 5.70 real street association.A wonderful man by the name of Tom Clausen has put so much heart into his class and the people who race in it are all a big family. They do some amazing things with their cars and my goal is to be top 3 in the points this year in that class. “
Being a Women in Motorsports
Taking on a man’s sport may have the guys intimidated by women. As for Capri, there have been times that the guys brought her down. Capri stated, “Racing an import, no matter who you are, you are typically labeled a ricer. Most people don’t respect you racing an import even it being a 600whp 4 cylinder. I have been told I can’t drive.” Eventually, she would tell herself to never give up.
I didn’t have the parents who were in to racing or who really had anything to do with it so I’ve done all of this on my own. I think that earns a little bit more respect than the people who were just handed racecars. I try just as hard as the men to learn and to work on my cars and to be able to fit in with all of them. It has definitely made me stronger as a racer and as a person knowing that at times I have to try harder and prove myself more than some of the guys. One day they will see how all my hard work has paid off.”
Do you feel you’ve made an impact?
I’ve always felt like I have an impact on other women in and out of racing. The greatest thing ever is when a girl comes up to you and says, “can I have a picture with you and your racecar?” I always hear, “you’re like the only girl out here racing!” That’s a great feeling. I feel like it gives them hope and promise that they can do the same thing. I know a lot of my closest friends have become way more into cars and racing than they ever would have been if I didn’t race. I hope that as my racing career becomes more successful and known that I can make a bigger impact on women in the community. It’s almost like you can be someone to look up to even if it isn’t just in racing but for women trying to do what they love anywhere. If I can do it, they know they can too.”
She began in the world of drag racing as a child, driving in a Junior Dragster at age 11. But Stacy McGlory wouldn’t stop there. As she turned 18, Stacy began racing a Dragster in the Super Pro category. One day, as Stacy had a run in with the Champney Card Funny Car at New England Dragway, along with her father, Don McGlory and friend/crew chief, Frank Freitas. There after, Stacy received the chance to become a Member of Champney Card crew. She enjoyed every minute of it, when it came time years later, Stacy was given the opportunity to drive a funny car!
As every driver knows, there is always the desire to go faster. I was very fortunate to become part of such an amazing team, I have always loved everything about the track and racing, its safe to say it is my home away from home.”
Stacy McGlory
Recently, Stacy McGlory, who is now 23, graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. When Stacy isn’t going full speeds down the track, she takes on the roll of an Engineer in North Haven, CT. She also participates with the Girl Scouts STEM Program to encourage more young girls to get involved with careers in math and science.
The majority of people are extremely positive about me pursing my dream; however, it is clear that Motorsports are still a male dominated sport. Plenty of people do not believe that I am the driver of the car or assume the car is substantially slower. I am fortunate that in my division, I have the full support of the track and Dana Hard who runs the East Coast Pro Comp series.”
Running in the East Coast Pro Comp Series in the Champney Card Alcohol Funny Car, Stacy McGlory competes in the 6.20 index racing class. Stacy states, “It is a truly amazing class because you are able to see dragsters line up against funny cars and altereds.” As Stacy prepared herself for the past year in the Champney Card Funny car, she spent about half of the season getting her license. Once completed, she was able to qualify for every race and was able to accomplish her first goal by being qualified 1st in the final race of the season. Stacy was able to finish 5th out of the 15 drivers, despite missing the first of the season.
As every driver knows, there is always the desire to go faster, I never imaged being able to race a funny car so for me this truly is a dream come true. That being said, the Champney Card funny car is hoping to start racing in more divisional’s this season and one day compete for the NHRA Alcohol Funny Car championship title.”
With amazing support from family, friends, fans, and her team. Stacy is happy to be racing! She says, “I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. I have to thank Sassy Engines, especially John Card who built and does all the maintenance work on the car. And to the owner Dennis Champney!”
You can learn more about Stacy, by clicking the following links.
She started out in karts, moved from Formula Ford to Formula Mazda, and now is taking on INDYCAR.
19 year old Mianna Wick, is just as busy off-track as she is on. A college degree in small business and majoring in marketing, she also is a part time owner with her parents business of LBF Motorsports known as Living by Faith Motorsports.
To have the skill to drive an INDYCAR is somewhat rare, let alone drive it well. It takes so much mental discipline, as well as physical, and it takes a sense of just being able to feel the car and understand it’s language which can’t always be taught. It is incredibly hard, but incredibly rewarding. You have to stay focused not only when your driving, but when your home working out, pursuing potential sponsors, or connecting with fans.”
Mianna Wick – Love For Racing
At just 6 years old, Mianna and her family moved many times, far away from her hometown. They struggled at finding family activities they could really get involved with. One day, Mianna’s father pitched a great idea that they would put together a family kart with his mechanic skills. Once they began playing around with it, they decided they needed faster karts. They began to pave themselves a small track, eventually used for LBF Motorsports rentals. Mianna started to become addicted to the thought of racing, spending more time in the seat. Her family saw how much she loved it, that they began taking her to the local track.
My current team Loophole Racing, picked me up and started training me in a FF, FM and now just moved me to an INDYCAR. Driving and INDYCAR is the most peaceful and amazing feel one can get from an activity. The very first time I drove an INDYCAR the only way I could describe how it felt to others, was that it felt like I was home.”
Being a Woman in Motorsports
Being around the guys, especially in Motorsports can prove to be challenging for a young lady. Some men have a hard time with women climbing the seat to compete against them, some are pretty comfortable with the idea. When asked, “How do the men treat you on and off the track?” Mianna stated, “This is a tough subject simply because it’s all about perspective. It’s one of those situations that I believe you can choose to look at the glass half full, or half empty. Racing is very much a male-dominated sport. But being a woman of motorsports is an honor and is worth withstanding the uphills! If it was easy, we’d all be doing it.“
Women, and people for that matter, need to be encouraged. Because I am a woman in racing, it points a lot of the eyes on me. Everyone is watching to see how I handle myself, how I handle the critics, the young children, the fame, it’s what happens when somebody makes a choice to take a stand in what they believe. I want women to be able to look at me when they do, and become encouraged and self confident, to feel that they can believe in what they love too, to feel the drive to be everything Christ has created them to be… to give them hope. Women want to watch and see that they can change lives too, and they do.”
Mianna Wick | Accomplishments
2015
Tested a 1996 Indy Car
Winner: SCCA Freedom Sprint race 2, Formula Mazda
2nd position: SCCA Freedom Sprint race 1, Formula Mazda
2014
Drove a 2003 Indy Car
The selected driver of David Hoffpauir to drive for his team, Loophole Racing
Winner: SCCA Labor-day Daze race 1, Formula Mazda
Winner: SCCA Labor-day Daze race 2, Formula Mazda
Winner: Expedition car/driver during a two day vintage race event, Formula Mazda
Neared the track record at High Planes International Raceway, Formula Mazda
Received my college diploma in Small Business, Majoring in Marketing
I saw a quote a while back that says good friends are like aerodynamics, you can’t always see them, but you know they are always there. The support of my friends and family is endless, and I don’t think anyone, even myself, truly understands what they sacrifice for me to succeed in racing. And for that, I will be forever grateful!”
With the many other accomplishments Mianna has made over the years, she is ready to create many more in the future. Mianna has been shown continued support from her friends and family. “Being so dedicated to a sport so demanding comes at a high cost for me. One that requires not a LOT of extra time.” Mianna said. The price? – Not being able to have a normal relationship due with her friends and family as she would like. Though she may not get to spend much time hanging out with them, they do respect her for what she loves.
Leaving 2015 behind and getting close to a new season, Valerie Clements takes on her 2005 and 2014 Mustangs, both entered in the NMRA & Renegade classes. As she becomes familiarized with tuning her own cars, Valerie has high hopes in winning a Renegade class for 2016. With there being few women in her class, she was asked how men in her class treated her on and off the track. Valerie says, “It’s almost like having a lot of big brothers around! It’s really cool how much you can learn just by going around and talking to the people in your class.” Valerie is ready, willing and focused to bring home that win!
I’m 22 years old, I have a family that loves constantly thinking about and doing racing.”
Valerie Clements Meets Drag Racing
Finding her love for drag racing at such a young age, Valerie can’t recall her first time at the race track but says it’s probably because she was around a year old. She remembers times from her JR Dragster days when her father and uncle would take their Mach 1 to Alanta Dragway, attending on Saturdays for the open trailer bracket race event. Valerie says she would help work on the car before each round.
I knew I wanted to race when I would be on the starting line with my mom and dad while my brother made run in his JR Dragster.”
Valerie took on her brothers JR Dragster at just 8 years old. When he received a new one, the tradition continued on as he would eventually grow out of the JR Dragster. Valerie competed in the JR dragster program until she was 18 years-old. Her father purchased a 2005 Mustang when she turned 17 from the Sutton Ford in Chicago, which was the NMRA Renegade championship car in 2008 with Bob Cook as the driver.
I couldn’t wait to get in the car and learn about the world of fast door cars. It was a little intimidating at first, I wont lie. But how could it not be intimidating when there are a bunch of switches and buttons you’re not used to and want everything to go perfectly fine.”
Accomplishments
NMRA 2012 Rookie of the Year
NMRA 2013 Renegade Event Winner at Maryland International Raceway
NMRA 2015 Ambassador of the Year
Family Support
When it comes to Drag Racing, it’s like one big family. Everyone is competitive but by the end of the day we are all there for each other. Valerie not only gets the support she needs from the fellow racers, but from her family too. Having her father and brother do everything from putting the engines together, to fabricating the intercooler systems, to driving the trucks and trailers to the racetracks. “You name it they’ve done it. They have even swapped out my motor, twice might I add, overnight for me after blowing an engine.” Valerie says.
A two car team takes a lot!! Sometimes my cousins, uncle, and aunt get to make it to our races. That’s where the real fun is. We’re all together, working in harmony on these cars and it makes it that much more satisfying when one of us ends up in the winner’s circle or makes a good hit.”
Twenty year old Shelby Ebert, lives in Manhattan Kansas. Attending in her Junior year at Kansas State University, majoring in Business. Recently, Shelby has started a marketing program, Marketing at Full Speed with Anna Marie in hopes of attracting more sponsors. Her parents own a machine shop E&R Machine, Inc. which is the one reason Shelby has been given the opportunity to race. Besides school, her life is all about racing.
Racing has basically been my entire life since I was very young. My dad has been racing for over 25 years and I went to my first race when I was only a few months old. When I was only 2 years old, I chased after a boat that we were selling as the new owner took it out of our driveway screaming “bring me my boat back!” That’s when my parents knew I was hooked.”
Shelby Ebert | Passion with Racing
Everyone has something they look forward too, especially at such a young age. At age 14, Shelby played sports in High School and began racing. She did them both for a while, but there came a time for her to choose whether to work on her athletic ability or continue to do what she was most passionate about, and that was racing. Shelby pretty much grew up at the track. She knew in her heart this is where she wanted to be. As she continued on, Shelby started racing a Jetski for three years in a Personal Watercraft 2 class.
My parents then bought me the MPH Hydro and I have been racing that for 4 years now. This past summer, we bought a Pro Modified boat that I will be moving into next year. This means that I will be a professional driver, and the only woman professional driver who will be running the whole National Series for the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series.”
When asked by many people, “What hobbies do you have, besides racing?” Shelby just replies “I don’t have an answer, because my whole life revolves around racing. We race from April to November and during the winter months, we are constantly working on our boats to get them ready for the next season.”
My goal for the 2016 season is to do my best, and win one race. If things go even better than that, then I will be absolutely ecstatic. I have very high hopes for 2016 because my team and I are super excited to learn about this new boat and motor, and I have so much faith that my guys will give me something great to race every single weekend. My long term goal is to race Top Fuel Hydro someday. Top Fuel Hydro is the fastest class in drag boat racing and they run about 3.5 seconds in 1000 feet at about 250+ mph. I think that racing in that class would be the most extreme adrenaline rush that I could ever experience.”
As many women coming into motorsports know, there are many challenges in this sport. Tough decisions to be made, as anyone would have too. But being a woman in a man’s world is another thing. “At the beginning, I received a lot of back lash. At one race, I had many competitors try to get me disqualified in my very first year in my boat.” Shelby says. She believes that most of my competitors look at her differently, whether it’s good or bad, because she is female and so young. Now that she has achieved quite a bit of success, most people do respect her. Shelby believes that she is held at a higher standard because she is one of the only girls indrag boat racing. She says, “I do believe that people judge me more and that I am watched in everything I do on and off the track.”
I wish that they would just look at me as a competitor instead of a 20 year old girl. Some people believe that I have gotten everything handed to me or that I’ve just gotten lucky. I hope that I have proved most doubters wrong because I have worked extremely hard for where I am and I continue to work hard every day to strengthen my career.”
Accomplishments
Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Personal Watercraft 2 Championship in 2010
Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Division 2 Top Eliminator Runner-Up Championship
Southern Drag Boat Racing Series Top Eliminator Runner-Up Championship
Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Division 2 Pro Eliminator Championship
Southern Drag Boat Association Pro Eliminator Championship
Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Division 2 Pro Eliminator Championship- 2015
Southern Drag Boat Association Pro Eliminator Championship – 2015
These past three years, I have also been nominated for the Southern Drag Boat Association ET Driver of the Year Award and last year, I received the prestigious Jimmy Tucker Memorial Award.”
Making A Difference
Taking on such a roll to help young girls out by starting a campaign on her Facebook page, “Fill My Boat with Barbies.” Shelby felt by collecting these barbies, she would donate them to the Barbie Care and Share to help young girl get the opportunity to experience a happy Christmas, Birthday, and other special occasions. Shelby has also been involved with the Junior Drag Boat Racing League as a mentor. She’s helped young kids learn how to drive a boat and have driven with them while they race competitively against other young kids. This means a lot to Shelby. She stated, “it is important that the sport of drag boat racing doesn’t die with my elders.”
We need to get kids involved so our sport continues to grow and prosper. My goal is to get people to follow their dreams, because if I would’ve listened to the people who told me I couldn’t make this happen, I wouldn’t be where I am today. No matter how big your dream seems, it is possible, and that’s what I want people to remember.”
Receiving Support From Family & Friends
Shelby is following the footsteps of her father, whom she hasidolized since she was a little girl. She is creating lasting memories with her dad, while he puts his own boat on hold for her career. It surprised her because she knew how much this sport had meant to him. “It’s funny because he’s more worried about me being successful than himself and I’m more worried about him being successful than myself.” Shelby says. As she continues to become successful, her parents are very supportive of Shelby’s dreams, along with the rest of her family and crew chiefs.
I am extremely lucky that I have been blessed with people in my life that they’re dream is to see my dreams come true. As for my friends go, they have been supportive since day one. They think it’s pretty cool that they have a professional drag boat racer as a friend, and some of them come to the races when they can. I’ve also made many friends through racing, and they come and cheer for me all the time.”
NMRA Driver, Bridgett Davis has many goals in mind when it comes to Drag Racing. Taking on her 2013 GT Mustang in the Roush Performance Super Stang class, she has high hopes to making it to the top or at least take on the top five entering into the 2016 season. After Bridgett’s finances allowed her to pursue her love for Drag Racing, she would hit every track in a hundred mile radius whenever there was a Test and Tune. A friend suggested to her in 2014 that she should take on her first competitive competition for the Muscle Mustang and Fast Fords all female shoot out class of the NMRA.
I would follow this up with competition in local events and would finish out 2014 with a 2nd place finish in the 14 second class of True Street.Upon my completion of the the 2014 season I made the decision that I would make my rookie season appearance in the 2015 NMRA class of Super Stang.”
With an index based format, she felt this class would serve as a good next step in her evolution. As her Mustang serves as her daily driver, Bridgett needed to enter in a street legal class. Finishing out in an 18th place point finish out of a 41 driver roster for the year, she felt good about her overall first season.
Fast cars always honestly attracted me. Something about them. The power, the sound, the speed. Growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana from an early age most weekends were spent cruising, at the local car show, or at the track. I always knew someday I would take my passion for racing from the spectator perspective to behind the wheel.”
Bridgett Davis Accomplishments
2nd place finish in 14 second class of 2014 NMRA Bowling Green Kentucky
2015 NMRA/ Super Stang 18th place finish out of a 41 driver roster
Personal Magazine Article and Radio Appearances:
2013 December Issue of AFX Magazine
2014 Win A New Mustang Book Publication
2015 March Issue of Mustang Driver
2015 February Speed Scene Live Radio
2015 June Heals On Wheels Radio Appearance
I also hope to begin to venture into oval track racing as well as a run in the upcoming 2016 Great America Road Rally.”
Being A Woman Of Motorsports
Venturing her first time into racing, Bridgett had felt very intimidated by the other woman. She never realized how many woman were into Motorsports. As she befriended Stacy Lynn Butler, “Stacy took me under her wing and began to show me the ropes. She was happy to help and without her I could have not made it through that first pass. She was patient and enjoyed helping me.” Bridgett said.
I think staying humble and approachable is so important. We can all learn from each other and help each other up the ladder. Success in my mind is determined by how many you helped up the ladder. This is true measurement of personal success. If I have something to share with other females that can help them in their journey as others may have helped you, you should always share the wealth. Through TAG the online forum I assist in running, I am able to connect with many women via conversations and posts. We provide a forum in which women are able to come together, ask questions and share experiences.
The great thing about cars is there are so many aspects you can take an interest in. With the varies of forums and sites Bridgett’s been involved in or worked for. Taking the opportunity now to pay a little of that back to other women, whether they have a question or need some advice. Bridgett says, “I try to be there to assist in whatever way I can. If I cannot help them I make sure I direct them to someone who can. I don’t seek to be a role model just a friend to other girls in the scene.” While continuing on Bridgett’s love for Drag Racing, she also has great support from her loving family and friends.
Never come into anything with an attitude or thinking you know everything. As the newbie it is important to stay humble and know you are the student. The more information you have the more skilled you become with each pass. Everyone has an experience or story to tell you can learn from.”
It all started when Kim Gioielli Whited turned 16. Receiving her first car of a 1972 Chevy Chevelle, Kim hung out with the guys growing up, as their interest for cars interested her. She then learned to do a burnout, and “chirp” second gear, Kim says it was a big thing in the 80’s. As time went on she got into a 1967 RS Chevy Camaro, which she began to race on the street. Not only did Kim race her Camaro, but guys would let her race their cars too.
I wasn’t afraid to race and some guys were intimidated by losing to a girl. I think it messed with their heads because I was winning money!
As the rush of the horsepower made her want to go faster. Kim decided to take things to a safer environment, and run on the track. She then sold her Camaro for a 1983 Monte Carlo, she raced from 1997 to 2004. Kim suffered a horrible accident on the track, that totaled the car in 2004.
As Kim came to the finish line, It became a scary day for her and her family at Summerduck Dragway. Racing at a speed of 120 mph while pushing down on the brake pedal, feeling that her brakes have gone out. She looked down to see if the rod was there or if maybe the pedal had fallen off. But by the time she looked back up, her car began to swerve. As she tried to miss the railing so she didn’t hit head on, it clipped the passenger rear quarter panel. Trying everything she could to make it to the sand trap. Her car was moving too fast, it slid. Hitting the left guard rail at the bottom end, her car began to fly into the air wrapping around the front end of the car. Only to end up landing on the Owner of the Summerduck Dragway’s vehicle.
Purple Haze Racing
After months and weeks of recovering, Kim wouldn’t give up that easy. She was then given a 1969 Camaro which is known as Purple Haze, by a man Kim cherished as it sat in the woods for years. She states, “I could never picture to be what it is today.” The chassis work and time was donated by a great man, Steve Zaccardi, Owner of Zaccardi Fabrications. Mike Keeler, Owner of Keeler Motorsports also did some chassis work too. The body work was done by John Lanham and Richard Pritchett. The wiring, front end and wheelie bars were done by Chris Cheek, Owner of Cheeks Performance. It took another 3 years until it was finally painted by Juan Romo. Following her sponsors of Purple Haze TEJ Lawn & Landscaping, and LLC Express Auto Transport.
Her Engine Builder is 2x Mountain Motor Champion “General” Lee Edwards, Owner of Lee Edwards Racing Engines in Catlett, VA. He was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2015. The Transmission Builder is Wayne Rogers, Owner of Rogers Automotive in Chantilly, VA.
I would also like to thank the sponsors of our 5.90 Index Class that is held at Sumerduck Dragway, Sumerduck, VA: Whitey’s Automotive and Rogers Automotive.
Her love for Motorsports
Among all of her supporters, there has been none greater than Lee & Wayne. The knowledge and wisdom that they have imparted upon her is immeasurable. Kim know’s how to drive fast and how to compete. These two men have taught her the nuance of racing, and pushing her to become better. “I have the up most respect for these two gentlemen. Like every racer, I have suffered setbacks with my cars” she says.
I just love the feel of leaving the line on the two step…going FAST And being able to make my own decisions on tuning my car for each round.
Although Kim hasn’t made any accomplishments with racing, she still aiming to work harder every time she’s out on the track. Not looking back at the past and learning from mistakes. Continuing on, Kim feels she has made a strong impact on other women in Motorsports, especially towards her fans. She plans to continue doing what she loves, and that’s racing.
Women of Motorsports sure are on the hunt for achieving big wins by dominating the men in the process. That’s where 19 year old Sarah Boyce from New Derry, PA comes along. As she spent most of her time at the track to spectate and watch her dad compete, she became drawn to the excitement. There after Sarah took on her dad, Ron Boyce 2014 Dodge Ram pick up truck, where she ran 14.90’s in a quarter mile track.
After winning at Pinks, all I can remember is wanting to jump out of my car, hug my Dad, my Mom and my boyfriend Tyler. I was so happy they were there for this life changing experience. We still talk about it to this day.
Winning, Pinks All Out
As Sarah graduated High School, her parents awarded her with a 1989 Fox Body Mustang. She couldn’t wait to get on the track because she felt this car was exactly right for her. Sarah’s dad entered her into the event, Pinks All Out. A TV show hosted by Rich Christenson.
You would of thought somebody died, I and everyone else around me screamed like crazy! I couldn’t believe I got picked for the Top 16, let alone be the first person called, I was so excited!
She then became very nervous, as there were over 100 people in her 11 second bracket class. They gave them two qualifying rounds, then after everyone got to make their two qualifying passes, Rich made an announcement of who made the Top 16, hoping that Sarah had a chance. The first thing Rich said was Car “#72, Sarah Boyce.” Being apart of this event was life changing for her. Sarah didn’t think she could win something like this. She plans attend again in 2016, in hopes for another win.
I raced against guys who have been racing for many years, I was so proud that I never gave up. We still talk about it to this day!
She still continues to build her dreams by attending the track in Pittsburgh Raceway Park in hopes to impact other women of Motorsports. Her biggest supporters are her parents, boyfriend and her racing family.
The ladies of the Drag Racing Association of Women (D.R.A.W.) presented the People Of The Year Awardto NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Angelle Sampey on Saturday October 31, 2015 at the Las Vegas Strip.
“I don’t feel like I deserve this award but I am so honored and blessed to receive it!! I was so shocked when the awesome ladies of D.R.A.W. Presented it to me here at the Las Vegas Strip.” – Angelle Sampey
D.R.A.W. – Fast Help for Fast Friends
The Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW) 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 2014, DRAW has helped 799 racing families and provided a total of $4,055,442 in financial assistance.
A year ago, after Angelle suffered a season-ending injury to her achilles tendon, D.R.A.W. was able to give her assistance financially to help her and her family through the experience.
Sampey donated the helmet worn in Pro Stock Motorcycle competition all season long in 2015 to the organization for a future fundraising auction. As she says today “they truly are, Fast Help For The Fast Friends.”
The world of drag racing all started for NMRA driver, Nikki Frost, in the summer of June 2012. Nikki was given a great opportunity from Vortech Superchargers to use her 2013 Ford Mustang GT for their V-3Si kit and SEMA 2012 booth car. Nikki’s new ride would serve as both a race car and her daily driver.I focused heavily on showing the car at car shows in 2013 where it was well received. In June 2014, I ran my first sanctioned race at the NMRA All-Female Shootout in Norwalk, OH and was lucky enough to secure the Runner-up spot! This was followed in June 2015 with another NMRA All Female Shootout Runner-up placement. Hopefully my winning streak continues in 2016, but just having the opportunity to race with my husband and our good friends is enough for me.”
She began in the world of drag racing as a child, driving in a Junior Dragster at age 11. But Stacy McGlory wouldn’t stop there. As she turned 18, Stacy began racing a Dragster in the Super Pro category. One day, as Stacy had a run in with the Champney Card Funny Car at New England Dragway, along with her father, Don McGlory and friend/crew chief, Frank Freitas. There after, Stacy received the chance to become a Member of Champney Card crew. She enjoyed every minute of it, when it came time years later, Stacy was given the opportunity to drive a funny car!
Stacy McGlory
My parents then bought me the MPH Hydro and I have been racing that for 4 years now. This past summer, we bought a Pro Modified boat that I will be moving into next year. This means that I will be a professional driver, and the only woman professional driver who will be running the whole National Series for the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series.”
When asked by many people, “What hobbies do you have, besides racing?” Shelby just replies “I don’t have an answer, because my whole life revolves around racing. We race from April to November and during the winter months, we are constantly working on our boats to get them ready for the next season.”
NMRA Driver, Bridgett Davis has many goals in mind when it comes to Drag Racing. Taking on her 2013 GT Mustang in the Roush Performance Super Stang class, she has high hopes to making it to the top or at least take on the top five entering into the 2016 season. After Bridgett’s finances allowed her to pursue her love for Drag Racing, she would hit every track in a hundred mile radius whenever there was a Test and Tune. A friend suggested to her in 2014 that she should take on her first competitive competition for the Muscle Mustang and Fast Fords all female shoot out class of the NMRA.
Being A Woman Of Motorsports
er months and weeks of recovering, Kim wouldn’t give up that easy. She was then given a 1969 Camaro which is known as 
